03:53Thousands of people participated in Africa's first Abbott World Marathon Majors, running on a 42 kilometre track, in Cape Town on Sunday.
Footage shows runners excitedly anticipating the beginning of the race as some sped through the marathon while others were seen pacing themselves. Supporters were also seen holding signs and South African nations' flags in support of athletes in their home country.
Participant Patrick Nendouvhada noted that the marathon's track was 'very easy' because it was placed at the 'lowest sea level' in the country, explaining that runners' 'lungs are actually spoiled for oxygen'.
"Don't be fooled by a flat race, by a flat road because at the end of the day, certain types of muscles are going to be engaged and at the end, when they get tired, there's nothing to take you on going forward," he added. "That's the challenge about it."
Furthermore, participant Davide Leoatle called the race 'a golden standard marathon', commending organisers for meeting their standards.
Around 16,800 runners participated in the race with the men's division top three hailing from Ethiopia, according to the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon website.
Meanwhile, South African Glenrose Xaba from the women’s division broke the national record with two hours, 22 minutes and 22 seconds on her marathon debut.
The World Marathon Majors is a championship-style competition for marathon runners that began in 2006. It's known for holding six of the largest and most renowned marathons in the world, namely: Tokyo Marathon, B.A.A. Boston Marathon, TCS London Marathon, BMW Berlin-Marathon, Bank of America Chicago Marathon and TCS New York City Marathon.
Ready, set, go! Thousands run in Cape Town as Africa's first Abbott World Marathon Majors kicks off
Thousands of people participated in Africa's first Abbott World Marathon Majors, running on a 42 kilometre track, in Cape Town on Sunday.
Footage shows runners excitedly anticipating the beginning of the race as some sped through the marathon while others were seen pacing themselves. Supporters were also seen holding signs and South African nations' flags in support of athletes in their home country.
Participant Patrick Nendouvhada noted that the marathon's track was 'very easy' because it was placed at the 'lowest sea level' in the country, explaining that runners' 'lungs are actually spoiled for oxygen'.
"Don't be fooled by a flat race, by a flat road because at the end of the day, certain types of muscles are going to be engaged and at the end, when they get tired, there's nothing to take you on going forward," he added. "That's the challenge about it."
Furthermore, participant Davide Leoatle called the race 'a golden standard marathon', commending organisers for meeting their standards.
Around 16,800 runners participated in the race with the men's division top three hailing from Ethiopia, according to the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon website.
Meanwhile, South African Glenrose Xaba from the women’s division broke the national record with two hours, 22 minutes and 22 seconds on her marathon debut.
The World Marathon Majors is a championship-style competition for marathon runners that began in 2006. It's known for holding six of the largest and most renowned marathons in the world, namely: Tokyo Marathon, B.A.A. Boston Marathon, TCS London Marathon, BMW Berlin-Marathon, Bank of America Chicago Marathon and TCS New York City Marathon.
Thousands of people participated in Africa's first Abbott World Marathon Majors, running on a 42 kilometre track, in Cape Town on Sunday.
Footage shows runners excitedly anticipating the beginning of the race as some sped through the marathon while others were seen pacing themselves. Supporters were also seen holding signs and South African nations' flags in support of athletes in their home country.
Participant Patrick Nendouvhada noted that the marathon's track was 'very easy' because it was placed at the 'lowest sea level' in the country, explaining that runners' 'lungs are actually spoiled for oxygen'.
"Don't be fooled by a flat race, by a flat road because at the end of the day, certain types of muscles are going to be engaged and at the end, when they get tired, there's nothing to take you on going forward," he added. "That's the challenge about it."
Furthermore, participant Davide Leoatle called the race 'a golden standard marathon', commending organisers for meeting their standards.
Around 16,800 runners participated in the race with the men's division top three hailing from Ethiopia, according to the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon website.
Meanwhile, South African Glenrose Xaba from the women’s division broke the national record with two hours, 22 minutes and 22 seconds on her marathon debut.
The World Marathon Majors is a championship-style competition for marathon runners that began in 2006. It's known for holding six of the largest and most renowned marathons in the world, namely: Tokyo Marathon, B.A.A. Boston Marathon, TCS London Marathon, BMW Berlin-Marathon, Bank of America Chicago Marathon and TCS New York City Marathon.