Durban North wife and mother Jenna Challenor exceeded all expectations (including her own) to come second in the Old Mutual Two Oceans Ultra Marathon 2017. We find out what got her there.
Story Hayley Dennyson
I have been overwhelmed by the response to my performance,” Jenna says between sips of her cappuccino. “It’s been super-special. I feel so loved! They call the Two Oceans the world’s most beautiful marathon and it truly is. The view and the crowd support kept a smile on my face from start to finish.”
The past year has not been easy for the KPMG/Adidas athlete, who suffered a recurring injury, which required knee surgery, and a stress injury that kept her off the road for four weeks in the run-up to the Two Oceans. She was also pulled out of the Dubai Marathon in January 2017 with food poisoning. “It has been difficult, but I am grateful for the hard times because that’s when you tend to learn the most. The ability to overcome is what defines you as an athlete.”
After her most recent injury, Jenna was only able to get back into running six weeks before the Two Oceans and decided to enter just three weeks before the race. With that in mind, and the fact that she had never run further than 44km, it’s even more impressive that she managed to outrun seasoned local and international athletes.
“As a runner, your debut in a distance is the only time that you have no pressure on you to perform. I stuck to my plan and found myself fifth at 27km. I made my move then and stayed in second right to the finish. The final kilometre was hard, but I was so impressed with how my body responded to the extra distance. As they say: ‘the body achieves what the mind believes’. This performance has sparked my belief in myself; driven me to carry on. I have always loved running – it’s the freedom, it sets my soul on fire.”
Jenna is married to Brett and the couple have three daughters – Nicolette (12), Rylee-Kai (10) and Tao (four). “People often say you come back stronger after having children, but there’s no magic to it. As a mom, it’s important to do something that is just for you, but you have to be so committed to make it work. I think that is what makes the difference. I run for my girls and am motivated by how excited they get, seeing me succeed. Just as importantly, they get to see the hard work that goes into achieving your goals » and know that things don’t always go your way.”
Fitting in three training sessions a day takes meticulous planning and Jenna fits them in around her family. “That’s one of the benefits of running – all you need is a pair of shoes and you can do it anywhere, any time.
“I am fortunate to have incredible people around me, including physio Wayne Holroyd and the team at Prime, who have stuck me back together many times. My husband, Brett, is my rock, my best friend and my number one fan. I ran Two Oceans for him – to thank him for his support and the sacrifices he has made.”
Running has always been a social thing for Jenna, who has done many kilometres with Regent Harriers. “It’s a great way to catch up with friends and recharge before a busy day. Running with Brett also allows us to connect without any distractions. I am so grateful for my health and mobility, and want to make the most of it.”
So, what is next for this high-octane athlete? “I’ve always dreamt of doing Comrades, but I’ll focus on shorter distances for now, building up my speed. My sporting career has been like a puzzle. All the pieces are in place, now I’m building on that. I am excited to see what the future holds.”
