If the New York Times appoints Cape Town the best place in the world to visit, then hey, who are we to argue? It’s Easter weekend and we were super exited to be on our way to one of the world’s most beautiful cities.
On the #smartlife schedule for the weekend:
- Shopping at The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
- Run the Two Ocean’s Half Marathon (21.1km)
- Coffee at Truth
- Catch up with the locals
- Taste some fabulous wine
- Wear a space blanket
FRIDAY – Registration at Two Oceans Expo, Lunch at Blue Peter & shop
Vibrant, cosmopolitan and an eclectic mix of old and new, Cape Town never disappoints. After checking into our chic hotel, African Pride 15 on Orange, we were off to the CTICC (Cape Town International Convention Centre) to register for the race and collect our racing packs. The Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon Expo showcases all the latest trends in running. It’s always fun to meet and chat to your fellow runners, check out the coolest new running gear & supplements and be part of the exciting vibe leading up to the ‘world’s most beautiful marathon’. Once registration was done, we headed for a late lunch to the famous Blue Peter in Boubergstrand followed by an excellent shopping session at The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and notably Zara, one of our favourite stores here at Hello Smart Blog! An early dinner of carbo-loading pasta was followed by an early bedtime – even though you never sleep well the night before a race… way too much adrenaline!
Waiting in the registration queue at the CTICC
Two Oceans Marathon theme for 2016 #runasone
Cool new gear
Lunch at the famous Blue Peter and shopping at the V&A Waterfront and Zara off course!
SATURDAY – Rocking the running in a space blanket & Celebrations
We LUV running – Two Oceans Marathon 2016 #runasone
The Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon has earned a reputation as the world’s most beautiful marathon. The race is a national institution and a firm favourite with local, upcountry, and international athletes. Participants can choose from various distances – the scenic 56km ultra marathon or popular 21km half marathon and the 5km or 2.5km fun runs. The event attracts close to 27 000 participants across all the distances and provides a mixture of breathtaking scenery, a grueling test of fitness for both the elite and recreational runner, and an unrivalled race organisation and atmosphere.
As a coastal city, beautiful Cape Town often is renowned for experiencing four seasons in one day – this particular day was no different and the morning started with rain, which meant at 4:30 we were off to the race in our super cool silver space blankets. The blankets kept us warm and dry while the rain drizzled, but luckily once the race started the rain fizzled out which made for perfect running conditions. Running the Half Marathon with 16 000 runners is incredible – It’s pure adrenalin, fun and the atmosphere is mind-blowing! We especially love the 21km, because it’s far enough to test your metal, but short enough to really push yourself and still enjoy the run. The race was a fantastic experience and both #smartgirls Nicolette and Jeani ran PB times! Well done ladies!
With the Two Oceans Half Marathon done and dusted it was time to celebrate with a Mojito (or two) and a gourmet burger at Hudsons – the burger joint – in Green Point.
Super chic in our space blankets;)
Ready to rock’n roll with 16 000 runners!
Well done #smartgirls!
Celebrations!
SUNDAY – Catch up with the locals and taste fab Cape wine
Sonday morning started with a coffee and almond pastry at the world’s coolest coffee shop, steampunk themed Truth in Buitenkant street. Then it was off to catch up with local friends, the Havenga family (Inus, Andrea, little Mieke and Alexa) at Simonsig wine estate in Stellenbosch. The estate was absolutely exquisite and the wine was superb. Wine tasting was followed by another Stellenbosch stop, home of pure authentic handcrafted beer Wild Clover Breweries and the day ended with a delicious late lunch at Eaglesvlei wine estate.
Coffee at Truth
The beautiful Simonsig, Stellenbosch
Hanging with the locals
Authentic Craft beer at Wild Clover Breweries, Stellenbosch
MONDAY – Back to Bloem
Always a pleasure to visit, the Mother City has stunning views, beaches, eateries, shopping and let’s not forget, wine. We bid you farewell beautiful Cape Town but not good bye – Cin cin to an unforgettable #smartlife weekend and see you again soon!
Last Cape Town coffee before we fly back to Bloem
- We went to: Cape Town and Stellenbosch, Western Cape, SA
- We ate: Woodfire pizza, gourmet burgers and authentic Indian curry
- We drank: Simonsig Redhill Pinotage, authentic craft beer and sparkling mineral water
- We wore: Running Gear – Asics running shoes, Nike dry fit shorts, cap and top • Casual – Diesel jeans, Zara blazer, Addidas Athleasure shoes
- Photography: Jeani Meyer for Hello Smart Blog
- The runners: Nicolette van Dyk, Jeani Meyer, Riaan Meyer, Tiffany Pienaar
- The supporters: Gysie Pienaar, Sion Pienaar
- The locals: Team Havenga – Inus, Andrea, Mieke, Alexa • thanks for your hospitality!
