Elroy Gelant and Stephen Mokoka, prominent South African marathon runners, are using the rising standards of African distance running in international competitions as inspiration rather than intimidation in preparation for the Paris Olympic Marathon .
The dominance of East African athletes in marathon running has historically been intimidating for competitors from other regions of the continent and across the globe. Still, Gelant observes that this trend is starting to change.
In the past, there has often been a fear of the east African athletes, Gelant related shortly after his win at the Durban RUN YOUR CITY 10k last weekend. Leading athletes from Kenya and Ethiopia are competing regularly in South Africa and we are becoming less intimidated as we get to know them. They have raised the standard of racing and we have had to raise our game to compete with them. Im working on being a little bit fearless and more inspired when I stand next to these guys on the start line in Paris.
South African Olympic Marathon coach Michael Mbambani echoed Gelants view, noting that South African athletes are starting to be more confident in racing top athletes from east Africa.
Theyre starting to say when you come to South Africa, we are in charge!' said Mbambani. In the Olympic Games Marathon anything is possible, Mbambani continued. Kenyan Paul Tergat was the fastest runner in the field in the 2004 Olympic Marathon in Athens but he only finished 10th. There are no pacers in the Olympics. Typically, the first half is slow with athletes exploding in the last 5-10km. Anything is possible on the day. Everyone who goes to the start line hopes to win. Youre likely going to have to run close to 28min for the last 10km to win. Elroy Gelant and Stephen Mokoka can do that. If theyre in contention at that stage, they will be in with a chance.
