A Perfect Day for Running on the West Coast
The West Coast greeted us with the kind of weather runners dream about. Cool, calm, and—most importantly—without a hint of the infamous Cape winds that often batter this part of the peninsula. On Sunday morning, I laced up my shoes with heavy legs from yesterday’s hike, but with a light heart knowing I’d be sharing the Intercare Blouberg Half Marathon with good company and the vibrant spirit of Cape Town’s running community.
This race, which starts at Table Bay Mall and finishes at the oceanfront Eden on the Bay, is a gem on the Western Cape running calendar. It offers a mostly flat route that meanders through pristine coastal landscapes, framed by the magnificent sight of Table Mountain rising across Table Bay. It’s hard to imagine a more iconic backdrop for 21.1 kilometres of running. But what made the day truly memorable was not just the scenery or the smooth organisation—it was the magic of the pace bus and the joy of running with a group of like-minded souls.
The Start Line: Finding Our Bus
The race started at 7:05 am sharp, and Chucky and I just about made it to our batch in time. With sore legs from the previous day’s adventures, we made a deliberate decision today was not about chasing a personal best, but about running steady, enjoying the journey, and finishing strong.
Enter Monique—our “bus driver.”
In South Africa, pace buses are a phenomenon like no other. While races around the world often have pacers holding signs or wearing identifiable shirts, South Africa takes it to another level. Here, pace-setters are affectionately known as “bus drivers,” and they don’t just guide you to a target time—they create a moving community. They crack jokes, play music, cheer on runners, and hold the rhythm for everyone who joins their bus.
We hopped onto the 2:15 bus, knowing it would give us the perfect balance between effort and enjoyment. Monique, our fearless leader, immediately set the tone with a cheerful vibe and a playlist blasting from her phone. This wasn’t just running—it was running with family.
The First 10 Kilometres: Finding Rhythm and Gees
The early kilometres of any half marathon are about settling into rhythm, and our bus found it quickly. Monique set a steady pace that kept everyone comfortable, and before long we were chatting, laughing, and enjoying the sunrise creeping over Table Mountain in the distance.
Adding to the fun, we were joined for a stretch by Lebo—another legendary pace-setter who wasn’t officially on duty but couldn’t resist bringing some gees to the course. Her presence injected an extra spark into the group. Then there was Mac from Topform, who took on the role of co-pilot with gusto, supporting Monique and making sure all the “passengers” stayed onboard. Together, they turned our 2:15 bus into something more than a group of runners—it was a moving celebration of camaraderie.
This is the essence of the South African pace bus: it transforms what could be a solitary pursuit into a collective experience. You’re no longer just running your own race; you’re part of something larger, something that carries you along even when your legs grow weary.
Running Clean: A Responsibility Beyond the Finish Line
As beautiful as the route was, one thing jarred me: runners discarding water sachets along the road and into the bushes.
It’s a problem in races across the country. Water sachets, plastic cups, gel wrappers—they’re convenient in the moment, but they don’t vanish when they hit the ground. On a route like Blouberg’s, where the ocean is just a stone’s throw away and the fynbos-lined roads are home to fragile ecosystems, littering isn’t just unsightly—it’s harmful.
Watching those sachets lying in the veld, I couldn’t help but think of where they might end up: swept by the wind into Table Bay, choking marine life, or breaking down into microplastics that poison the very landscapes we prize.
The Bus Vibe: More Than Just a Pace
By the halfway mark, the bus was in full swing. Conversations flowed easily—runners swapping training tips, stories of past races, and dreams of the upcoming Cape Town Marathon. Monique kept the music pumping, and with every kilometre marker we ticked off, the bus grew tighter as a unit.
What struck me most was how the pace bus strips away hierarchy. It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned runner with dozens of marathons under your belt or a novice tackling only your second half. On the bus, you’re equals—passengers on the same journey, with the same destination.
And when someone struggled, the bus lifted them. A word of encouragement, a nudge to keep up, a cheer when someone pushed through a tough patch—that’s the beauty of the bus. It’s not just about finishing in 2:15; it’s about finishing together.
The Final Stretch: Singing to the Finish
Organisation and Atmosphere: Westcoast Running Club Gets it Right
Credit must go to the organisers, the Westcoast Running Club, for staging such a well-run event. From the smooth registration process to the friendly marshals along the route, every detail was handled with care. The shuttle buses back to Table Bay Mall after the race were a thoughtful touch, sparing tired legs the long walk back to parked cars.
And then there were the post-race treats—delicious, generous, and exactly what weary runners needed. The sense of community extended beyond the finish line, with runners milling around, swapping stories, and basking in the glow of achievement.
Lessons for the Cape Town Marathon: Run Clean, Run Together
For Chucky and I, the Intercape Blouberg Half wasn’t just a race; it was part of our build-up to the Cape Town Marathon. It was a chance to test our legs, practice pacing, and remind ourselves of the simple joys of running.
But it was also a reminder of two deeper lessons:
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Run Clean. Protect the spaces we run through. Carry your waste, use the bins, and respect the natural beauty that makes races like this possible.
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Run Together. Whether it’s through a pace bus or simply encouraging the runner next to you, embrace the collective spirit of South African running. The bus is more than a pacing tool—it’s a metaphor for the journey itself.
Final Thoughts
As we drove home, legs tired but hearts full, I couldn’t stop thinking about how lucky we are.
Lucky to run along the West Coast with Table Mountain watching over us. Lucky to share the road with strangers who become companions over 21 kilometres. Lucky to have pace-setters like Monique, Lebo, and Mac who give their energy to make the journey easier and more joyful for others.
The Intercape Blouberg Half Marathon reminded me why I love this sport. It’s not just about times or medals; it’s about connection—to the land, to the people, and to something larger than ourselves.
So here’s to the pace buses that carry us forward, the organisers who make it possible, and the runners who choose to run clean. May we all keep moving, together, towards stronger, kinder, and greener races.
Thank You
Magedie ‘Mac’ Theunesin for sharing his pics!
Awsome run,after a hike,
I agrre with you a well organised race& yes ,I ran the 42 ,& runners just disposing this waste just anywher,bothered me a bit but what was more alarming they just saw a bin wld it make such a difference in time if you dropped it in the bin
Well writen & enjoy reading your blog
You just an icon on a different level
Thanks Bev!
So well written ,its totally amazing how you can run a 21km and hike for days and yet write the events to the last detail .I bare testimony to your writing ability.Keep on inspiring us with your writing.