Thousands turn out as Bay to Bay lights up Cape Town running calendar
Bay-to-Bay 30km race winner, Edward Jack.
Image: Buntu Gotywa
The Cape Town road-running season burst into life on Sunday as thousands of athletes took to the road for Top Form’s Bay to Bay 30km and 15km races, confirming the event’s status as one of the city’s most popular early-season tests.
The iconic coastal route between Camps Bay and Hout Bay was alive with colour and energy as runners from across the Western Cape and around the country soaked up near-perfect conditions. Clear skies, cool temperatures, and light winds created an ideal setting for fast times and bold racing.
At the sharp end of the 30km contest, Edward Jack delivered a performance that underlined his growing reputation in local running circles.
The 23-year-old produced a controlled yet decisive run to cross the line first, opening a commanding gap over pre-race favourite Lloyd Bosman.
By the time Bosman finished, more than three minutes had separated the two, a margin that reflected Jack’s authority on the day.
Cape Town running legend Nancy Will taking part in the 30km race.
Image: Buntu Gotywa
Jack said he approached the race with a clear plan, fully aware of the calibre of athlete he was up against.
“I knew I was running with one of the best guys in the country, so I had to be smart,” he said.
“I decided to make a move around the 15km mark to see if he would respond. When I realised I had a gap, I just committed and kept going.”
With the field far behind him, Jack briefly set his sights on the course record but admitted the final kilometres took their toll.
“I tried to chase it, but eventually I ran out of legs and couldn’t push anymore. Still, I’m really happy with the time and how the race went," he said.
Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie, second from left, with Yoesef Kaonouni and race organisers to his left, Nabeelah and Nailah Davids.
Image: Buntu Gotywa
In the women’s race, ultra-running icon Gerda Steyn once again showed her class, crossing the finish line as the first female athlete and winning by more than five minutes.
Beyond the elite battles, the Bay to Bay once again proved its broad appeal. Among the thousands enjoying the day was Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie, who used the race to pursue his own personal goals.
“I loved it,” he said. “Running is great for mental health – it clears the mind – and of course it’s good for physical health too.”
Hout Bay harrier's Christoph Krueger was also among the thousands of 30km race runners.
Image: Buntu Gotywa
Life partners Damian-Lee and Ankia Wallace standing strong together in their 30km run.
Image: Buntu Gotywa
Peter Beckwith taking faster strides in the last kilometre of his race.
Image: Buntu Gotywa
The finish area was packed as runners from across the country came out in their number for this year's Bay to Bay.
Image: Buntu Gotywa