Johnson Crane was the very first half marathon I attempted in 2009. I figured it was a flat route, so should be pretty easy. I was wrong. Inexperienced and a total newbie to running 21.1 kms, I hit the wall at around 17kms on that slow pull up to the finish. Johnson Crane taught me a lot. How to start a race, overcome the challenges and finish. I’ve gone back every year since then to run it. But I think after today, I’ve run my last Johnson Crane.
Early morning sunrise as we parked the car and prepared for the race
Got the t-shirt & the medal
The amount of work that you need to put in is exhausting. I can’t seem to get going! It was like that at Vaal last year and even with the new Johnson Crane route, I felt the same. I hated the run. And in those last few kms I kept thinking to myself, “well if you hate it, then why run it?”
I suspect I’ll have runners amnesia by January next year and enter it again. Maybe. Meh, I’ll see.
Keeping up with the Walkers... 
I was supposed to run it (but again not fit enough and still sick!) so will put it back on the list for next year for me to try out and see how I like (or dislike) it 🙂
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Hope you’re feeling better?
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Bron I wish I could say yes but I am still battling to clear this head cold I picked up in Plett! Driving me INSANE!
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You’re not alone! Poor KK only has this weekend and next weekends Pick n Pay marathon left to qualify for Two Oceans marathon! But he’s been battling sinusitis which has also moved into his chest. He’s miserable! So I kinda know what you’re going thru. Shame man!
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If it was easy everybody would be running it.
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So true! In fact I’ve drafted (in my head) this exact post.
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Ran it as my first 42.2 km. Found the crowds so daunting. The 2nd loop though a lot warmer was better than the first. I agree flat races are more difficult.
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I loved the bag pipes funny enough! Awesome vibe. Hey, well done on your first marathon!! ^5
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I am so relieved I only did the 10km, I had serious sense of humour failure on that route – never. again. Now that I have a review of it on my blog I will be reminded next year not to sign up!
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Amnesia! You’ll have it too!! Lol! Well done on your 10km. And I agree. 10kms is still serious business! What’s this fun run nonsense!
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We do normally suffer from runners amnesia. so I am keeping a list. Soweto marathon, Orlando half marathon and now Johnson Crane are off my list for next year !!!!
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I’m glad I’m not the only one!
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The last 6kms were hell… I was just willing it to end.
I’m sure you’ll be there next year 🙂
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