Cian Oldknow to relinquish SA Marathon title

The Athletics South Africa (ASA) Marathon Championship, incorporated into the Cape Peninsula Marathon, is scheduled for 16 February.

However, Oldknow, who enjoyed a stunning break out year in marathon running as she also made her Olympic debut, says she took a long break after the Cape Town Marathon in October, and she will unfortunately not be fit enough for next month's race. 

"In the marathon, I'm not sure because it's on 16 February and, after the Cape Town Marathon in October last year, we took a recovery block and have slowly been getting back into training," explained the 28-year-old.

"So I'm not quite ready for a marathon in February, and unfortunately [I will not be racing] because it's just too close for a marathon.

"I'm at peace with that because I think I really needed to put my body first and recover – last year took a big toll on me, and I think just looking after myself sets me up for a really good year ahead.

"So I wish everyone going for the ASA Marathon title good luck, and I hope the best lady wins out there."

The Hollywood Athletics Club athlete kicked off her season with a 5 000m race at Pilditch Stadium earlier this month, marking her return to track competition after a long break. 

She now plans to focus more on shorter road races, including the Spar Women’s 10km Challenge and a half-marathon.

"I did a 5 000m last weekend in Pilditch and ran a 16:40, which was okay – it was my first track race in two years, so I was a little bit new on the track again," she noted.

"But I really enjoyed it and we'll see how the next few weeks go – I'm hoping to do a half-marathon and some of the Spar Ladies races, and see how it goes from there."

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