Joe Stutzen Half Marathon Race Report

Sunday morning I ran the Joe Stutzen Half Marathon at the Wanderers club in Johannesburg. This was a very well organized race and I enjoyed everything about it. There were a lot of runners as there was also a 10km race, a 10km walk and a 5km fun run. The venue was busy early on and runners could even enjoy a Bokomo ProNutro breakfast before the start.

There were a lot of runners waiting at the start. The half marathon and the 10km started together and we ran the first 9km with the 10km runners.

Getting ready for the start.

Lots of runners the first few kilometers.

This is not considered an easy 21.1km and there are quite a few testing hills on the route. I just wanted to run at a comfortable pace as this was supposed to be my first cutback week before my mountain race on 11 September. With this in mind I settled into a nice pace, not pushing myself at all. I planned to finish in about 02:20.

After a few kilometers I realized I’ll have to make a pit stop for a “P” break at some stage. I was a bit surprised as this hasn’t happened in a long time. I know from experience to just look for the first best spot and get the pit stop done with. The problem was that the streets in this area are all lined with very high walls around some very up market residences.

No place for a quick pit stop.

Nothing I could do, so I carried on longer than I hoped for before I could do the “P” break. Eventually I saw an electricity substation on the pavement and dashed behind it. I did look for any open wires before I did the “P” thing…

My “P” break savior, the substation.

After this I could really relax and I was having a wonderful run. I was pleased at how strong I’m feeling and the hills were no problem as well. I saw a few runners with this t-shirt and loved it!

Great t-shirt…2 run is gre8 :)

When we came to the split where the 10km runners turned away I realized I haven’t seen any distance markers. I never look for these on a race like this but usually I would see a few anyway. So I decided to look for the next one…and there it was, bright and big, 10km done. How did I miss the previous 9…? Some suggest I was concentrating on the runners in front of me…I say I was just concentrating on my pace, running form, heel & toe strikes, shoes and so on…

Between 11km & 12km we ran through a park which was a nice break from the streets through the suburbs. We ran on some grass and then onto a paved walkway. The park also included a steep little hill, but at least it provided a nice view over a dam from the top.

Onto the grass in the park...

...up a testing little hill...

...to enjoy a nice view from the top.

Then it was back onto the road and we joined the route of the 1st lap at about 13km. I was still feeling great and just kept going at my relaxed pace. I could definitely have gone faster, but kept reminding myself that this was a taper run. I’m not interested in any kind of speed or time at the moment. I have to survive a 50km mountain race in two weeks time. That’s the goal.

There are a lot of trees in this area and I was pleased to see many trees already showing off their new leaves after the winter. Spring is in the air! I could smell it and feel it. The rest of the race I just enjoyed a comfortable run in the lovely sunshine between all the beautiful trees. It was great!

Before I know it we were past 20km and turned towards the finish where the 10km turned away earlier. The last km went quickly and then I was at the cricket field where the race finished. My son was waiting for me but wasn’t ready for a photo. He only got me from behind.

I planned a 02:20 taper run for this race and finished in 02:20:05. I never look at my watch during a race and never looked during this run either. My pacing was spot on!

After the run…ready for another lap.

Medal for the effort.

This was a great race and Wanderers can be proud of the organization and the event overall. I’ll certainly be back for more runs here.