Giving back to the running community and helping others achieve their goals.
The
Paralympic star says she is excited about
the new experience that awaits in Cape Town on 16 April 2022.
She has only competed in the Two Oceans once before – in the half marathon in 2017 – and will make history the second time round by setting the pace in the half marathon with her guide
Claus Kempen.
Coetzee and Kempen, both Kovsie Athletics club members, will pace runners wanting to finish the 21,1 km within two hours.
The Akasia residence head at the University of the Free State also won a silver (1 500 m, T11) medal at the Paralympics with Estean Badenhorst as her guide.
New experience
“It is a big privilege to set the pace,” says a humble Coetzee.
“You also help other people achieve their specific goals for the day.”
Although pace-making will be something new for her, Kempen is a seasoned pacemaker.
He has completed the Two Oceans ultramarathon 11 times and has previously been a pacemaker in races such as the Two Oceans, Comrades, and others.
It was Paul Murphy, Head of the Western Province Pacesetters, who asked Kempen if they will be pacemakers at the Two Oceans.
Less pressure
Coetzee says there is a big difference between competing and setting the pace.
“You can’t be a pacemaker for a time that you feel uncomfortable with.”
According to her, there is less pressure, but you still have an important responsibility.
There is pressure, but it is nice pressure. You need to explore how you can best assist your group to achieve their goal. – Louzanne Coetzee
“You have to get the group you are pacing across the finish line in the right time, get structured walking in, etc.”
“There is pressure, but it is nice pressure. You need to explore how you can best assist your group to achieve their goal.”
Coetzee is working towards the Athletics South Africa Senior National Championships in Cape Town on 21 April 2022, where she will run the 5 000 m with Badenhorst.
She will then take part in the half marathon with Kempen at the University Sports South Africa Championships in Cape Town on 7 May 2022.