Triumphant finish for local runner
With a staggering 20-year journey, Jacqueline van Schoor, Panorama Running Club's stalwart, showcased her unwavering commitment to the sport she so dearly loves, overcoming challenges and pushing her limits to reach the finish line.
She recently competed in her ninth Two Oceans Marathon, which took place in Cape Town earlier in April, where she crossed the ultramarathon finish line in 06:57:57, just minutes before the seven-hour cut-off. She's already setting her sights on her 10th next year, which will earn her a coveted permanent blue race number.
Also read: Panorama Running Club hit with ultramarathon fever
The Two Oceans is renowned for its scenic route, taking runners through picturesque towns and breathtaking landscapes. Jacqueline's experience was no exception, with the stunning views of Kalk Bay, Noordhoek, and Chapman's Peak providing a welcome distraction from the challenging terrain.
As she approached the notorious Constantia Nek hill, her determination was put to the test. Despite falling behind her race plan, she dug deep, drawing on every ounce of energy to propel herself towards the finish line. With her family cheering her on, she sprinted to the finish, securing her place among the finishers.
'I am currently following a racing plan which specifies how long I should run every five kilometres. With so many people around, the start is always slow, so I have to go a little quicker than my race plan and make up time in the first five kilometres. Some of the runners next to me chose to walk to get back on track because they were four minutes ahead of schedule. The other runners' stress is palpable to me. At the beginning of the race, it makes me want to run faster than I should, since it's contagious.
'I had a challenging year. With two minutes remaining, I made the cut-off. I therefore want to finish the event without cutting it too fine the following year. My spouse and family were as happy as I was when I finished in time, even though I finished one minute after the cutoff time, according to the Two Oceans tracking app during the race.
'Naturally, when you reach your permanent number [which is yours forever], your 10th two oceans is unique. For many years, I've wanted to finish 10 Two Oceans. It would have taken me almost 20 years to finish 10 races if I were unable to visit Cape Town annually. I am planning to make this milestone a family event in 2026 since my children and extended family will be competing as well,' Jacqueline said.
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