Some of our ASICS FrontRunner’s took on one of Cape Town’s most iconic races, the OUTsurance Kfm 94.5 Gun Run on 20 October.
Here are some of their highlights from an epic day out.
Tracy-Lee Dalton
Distance : 21km
Time: 1:49
Gun Run is my favourite road race of the year. I get to swap my FujiTrabuco’s for my DC Trainers, and explore some of Cape Towns scenic routes along the Atlantic Seaboard. I love the run because it epitomises everything the running community is about. There is a build-up for weeks prior to the Gun Run, encouraging runners to join in for a weekly social 5km or 8km training run in preparation for race day. The race itself just really stands out to me from start to finish: The blasting sound of the start gun going off has about the same effect as a triple espresso shot. The encouragement and friendly banter from the thousands of participants on the road makes 21kms seem like a breeze; as do the marshals with their cheerleading moves and comedic pep talks.
I chose the DS trainers because they are speedy, light - both as a shoe, and on the road, and have great grip while you’re running. I have always previously used Kayano’s as I pronate slightly, but the DS trainer provides perfect stability to correct my stride.
Linda Kinloch-Smith
Distance: 21.1km
Time: 1:30
What I’ve learnt about the Gun Run is that if you don’t get a good start or seeding you might as well enjoy the view and the race for what it is, as there are so many runners and so much to see.
I always (and I mean always) stress before a race but this year I decided I wasn’t going to and was going to enjoy the view, the hill and the amazing spectators on route. Kloof Road was always an issue for me but this year it was as if it didn’t exist. I managed to run up the hill without stopping and without looking for an Uber of which I usually did. I felt strong running down towards Camps Bay and just took in the atmosphere of spectators which were amazing as usual and couldn’t be friendlier along the route. Towards the end I met up with some runners and we raced to the finish line together offering each other some support. What I love about this race, all the runners getting together, different goals, fitness levels but all united as one.
Damian Alvarez (visiting Spanish FrontRunner)
Distance: 10km
Time: 36:44
At the starting line, I found one of the SA FrontRunners, Quaniet (Jakoet). He encouraged me to go fast! And I did, turning it into a new 10km PB on the day, which made me very happy. During the race I felt comfortable as I knew the route, having been in Cape Town for two weeks prior to the race.
I liked the route very much as it was very flat and passed by the sea. In the last mile I pushed it hard and I was able to meet my goal of less than 37 minutes. Only good vibes in CT!
Quaniet Jakoet
Distance: 10km
Time: 42min38sec
Got to the start on the cool Sunday morning and into seeding pen; quite empty in the pen and caught up with a few fellow runners and exchanged race strategies for the short distance – this was the start of the great vibes.
Met fellow ASICS FrontRunner, Damian, from the Spanish team and as always, photo ops were happening along with other friends.
From the start gun I was all chilled and striding in my ASICS GlideRide, grabbing pics and video as I ran. Like I said, thee race plan was ‘chilled vibes.' At the halfway mark we ran alongside the half marathon runners until we split at the end of the pools. At this point we were running facing the oncoming 10km runners needing to make their loop. It was all hi-fives and cheers from the friends I passed! Then I pulled the trigger, as I saw I could get a 42min time instead of the planned 45min. I picked up a few friends along the last three kays and finishing off I got to take in the camaraderie as runners reveled in their achievement of finishing the Gun Run 10km.
For me that is the great part of the race - because of the route design of the 10km, you are sharing your run with others all the way, from running alongside the half marathon runners for almost a km, to seeing other 10km runners going in the opposite direction because of the loop – everyone always cheering on each other as we all headed to the finish line. One love, one lekker run on a Sunday morning.
Carla West
Distance: 21km
Time: 2:20
When I signed up for this race I knew it was going to be the route and its views that would carry me through. I studied the route and knew exactly what to expect, when. However, with this being my first half marathon I never knew the promenade from Sea Point to the finish line could feel so long. But, as I’ve told everyone since crossing that finish line: ‘If you are going to do a half marathon, this is definitely the most beautiful one I can imagine. ‘
