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Running for Sailor

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Many South Africans run races to raise funds for a charity or cause, but most choose a cause in South Africa, whereas Yvonne Malan is running to support a museum in Great Britain dedicated to the Second World War. There’s an interesting story behind her choice. – BY SEAN FALCONER

In June 1940, the world stood on the brink of disaster. Nazi Germany had conquered most of Europe, and Britain and her former colonies, including South Africa, were the only opposition left to Adolf Hitler’s forces. The British Army had just been miraculously rescued from the beaches of Dunkirk in France, and the Battle of Britain was about to commence, with the fighter squadrons of the Royal Air Force tasked with stopping the German Luftwaffe from gaining air superiority over Britain, which would open the door for a German invasion.

Leading one of those squadrons was South African fighter ace Adolph ‘Sailor’ Malan, and by the end of the Battle he was one of the highest-scoring, most decorated and best known RAF aces. He went on to become one of the war’s leading tacticians in air-fighting, with his Ten Rules for Air Fighting being hung up in most fighter squadron’s orderly rooms, and he was hero-worshipped in Britain. Today, the Malan name is still revered in the UK, whereas he is a largely forgotten figure in his own country, but one runner is trying to change that.

FAMILY HERITAGE
A distant relative of Sailor, Yvonne Malan is running three races this year in South Africa with links to his history, in an effort to raise money for the Kent Battle of Britain Museum in the UK, and to commemorate Sailor’s important role in history. “I’ve already done the Peninsula Half Marathon, which finishes in Simonstown, where Sailor joined the Merchant Marine at age 14. That’s why he later picked up his nickname when he joined the RAF. Next was the Safari Half Marathon in Wellington, where he was born, and the third race will be the Cape Town Marathon, because that’s where he led huge rallies for the Torch Commando in the fifties, speaking out against the Apartheid policies of the then government,” says Yvonne.

“I have created an online donation page where people can support my runs in order to raise my target of £500 for the museum, because if Germany had won the Battle of Britain, the consequences would have been catastrophic globally. Even though the Battle is more British history, it is actually global history, and still relevant to all of us today. Many South Africans were involved in the Battle, and the war, and that should be commemorated, so I am glad to see that the movie Dunkirk has also sparked more interest in that period of history again.”

RUNNING ACADEMIC
Born in Somerset West, Yvonne initially studied at Stellenbosch University before heading to Oxford University in 2005, going on complete a doctorate. She now works as an academic and regularly travels internationally for work, but tries to get back to SA and fit in as many races she can. “I started running in 1999 and ran my first Two Oceans and Comrades in 2000. I have spent much of the last 13 years abroad, and it’s hard to keep your running going in the winter months overseas, but when I am here, I try to run races in support of a charity. This year I wanted to do something a bit different, and I think Sailor and his fellow pilots deserve to be remembered.”

She says Sailor is actually better known in the UK, and she has often been asked if there is a connection. “When I met the late Sir Roger Bannister for the first time in Oxford, he actually asked if I am ‘related to that Malan,’ because he grew up during the war years. If you look at all the books on the Battle of Britain and the biographies on Sailor, you see that he was hugely respected as a leader and there was an aura around him. However, he has largely been erased from the history books, because of his involvement with the Torch Commando.”

“It was one of the first non-racial movements in the country, mostly consisting of war veterans, and they basically said we fought fascism in Europe, only to return to SA and find a fascist government in control, and we’re not standing for it. They had huge rallies and became an outspoken threat to the government, especially Sailor, because he was an articulate, revered war hero with Afrikaner heritage, so the movement was undermined and later banned. Sailor was vilified by the Afrikaner press and withdrew from politics, and I think he has largely been forgotten, even erased, because he was inconvenient… one of many whites that stood up against Apartheid back then, and even today that makes him inconvenient to many in the current regime. I hope to change that perception this year.”

You can support Yvonne’s fundraising runs at  https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/yvonnemalan1

IMAGES: Jetline Action Photo & courtesy Imperial War Museum

The Tried and Trusted 2.4

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Those who ‘did time’ in the armed forces may still suffer a nervous reaction upon hearing the words “two point four,” but it’s the stuff ‘men were made of’ for many years, and can still be a useful training guide today. – BY NORRIE WILLIAMSON

The 2.4km distance is traditionally used as a fitness test for all serving personnel in military, police and fire brigade services in many countries. The test was developed for the US Military in 1968 by sport scientist Dr Kenneth Cooper as a simple, practical and easily implemented means of assessing aerobic fitness, and became directly comparable to a VO2 test in the lab.

The test was also used by the SA Defence Forces, as many slightly older male readers will well remember, with regular tests undertaken by platoons and squads, and the minimum result expected was 12 minutes. The true challenge, however, was that this normally had to be completed in full kit, webbing and leather boots. Oh, and just for fun, sometimes the instructors made you run with an assault rifle as well, to hamper a good arm action. That means you needed to run an average pace of five minutes per kilometre with an extra 18kg on board! Little wonder that this test quickly exposed the injured and unfit.

Furthermore, the test is employed in various sports as a means of assessing match officials, such as soccer or rugby referees, who face an annual ‘2.4’ to see if they can keep up with the game. Top officials in these professional sports actually now need to be considerably fitter than years gone by in order to ‘keep an eye on the ball,’ but 12 minutes for 2.4km remains a recognised standard. And this test should also be a stock option for all runners, because it provides as good a guide, if not better, to ability, fitness and training progression as the most expensive VO2 Max assessment in the lab.

GO TEST YOURSELF
After a good warm-up, pump out six laps non-stop on the track, taking the time of each 400m lap and the overall time. The objective is to get your personal fastest possible time, and every second counts, so pacing is important. Start slightly conservatively, hit your core pace from around 600m to 2000m, and then for the last 400m squeeze out every last gram of energy and determination to literally throw yourself over the line. Just remember to hit the stop button!

The faster you are, the better your practical (and effective) VO2, and the faster you can run a 5km, 10km, 15km, half marathon, marathon, Oceans, Comrades and even 100km. It truly is as simple as that! (Note: Beyond 100km there are other facets that come into play, including the ability to overcome sleep depravation.) Also, by knowing your ability in a hard, fast 2.4km, you can determine the required ‘Tempo’ pace when working towards your next goal race.

The great thing about these tests in the service was that it was done in a squad or group. This meant that there was ‘peer pressure’ and a bit of competitiveness involved, which would help with focus and determination. In contrast, running 12 minutes flat-out as a solo effort is a considerably harder task for most runners, and you’re likely to do better running solo over a shorter distance. Thus the mile (1.609km, or four laps of the track) becomes a more valuable assessment for the solo runner – it’s long enough to assess both speed and endurance, but also a reasonable duration to mentally challenge the runner’s determination.

KEEP IT REGULAR
These tests can be done every six to eight weeks, as one of the major benefits of a short distance blast is that it requires only one day easy as preparation and another day of active recovery after. There is minimum impact on your training programme.

When done regularly there is soon a trail of records, which will indicate when a runner is reaching peak fitness, recovering from a race, or even making a return from injury. One of the most useful outcomes is the ability to use the test to predict accurately your potential time for an upcoming race, and from that the pacing strategy to be used to achieve the best outcome.

So while many runners may not have great memories of the old 2.4 regimental test, along with the mile it can be a key weapon in the running arsenal of a competitive runner looking to achieve their best.

About the Author
Norrie has represented Scotland, Great Britain and later his adopted South Africa in ultra-distance running and triathlon. He is an IAAF-accredited coach and course measurer, has authored two books on running, and counts 21 Comrades medals amongst his more than 150 ultra-marathon medals. You can read more from him at www.coachnorrie.co.za.

IMAGE: Fotolia & Courtesy US Army

The Ethiopian Leprechaun

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Cape Town-based Ethiopian astrophysicist Kamil Suleiman ran the recent London Marathon with a most unusual record in his sights. – BY PJ MOSES

Kamil believes that everything is possible, and that nobody can deny you your place in this world if you do not allow them to. “I saw successful people who looked just like me all around when I was growing up. I never felt inferior to anybody, and I want to give that gift to every child struggling against injustice and oppression in this world.” This bold mission statement led him to the London Marathon in April and an attempt at a Guinness World Record (GWR): He wanted to become the fastest runner in a marathon dressed as an Irish Leprechaun!

The existing GWR for this is 2:59:30, and Kamil’s motivation to chase it was not just because he has a good sense of humour, but because he knew this was a good opportunity for him and his comrades in the Runners for the Freedom of Palestine (RFP) movement to spread awareness of their cause on a major world stage. “I gave it my all and came within 15 seconds of breaking the record, but unfortunately I could not get it done. I did the training and prepared properly, but it was a late morning start and a record warm day for London.”

Kamil finished in 2:59:45, complete with costume and flag, in position 1079 out of 40,273 finishers, which put him in the top 3% of the field, but he was nevertheless just a little disappointed. “I was upset about missing the Guinness World Record by just 15 seconds, but I’m super proud for two reasons. One, the record attempt was only a platform – the main goal was to raise awareness about the plight of the people of Palestine by finishing with the Palestinian flag, and the amount of coverage we got was incredible. Two, this was my first sub-3 in a flat marathon, and there’s no hiding from the continuous work by the same group of muscles. Continually telling myself to keep pushing till the end, despite the exhaustion, was so hard, but I didn’t accept defeat till the finishing line, and I am proud of that.”

The Plan is Born
Growing up in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Kamil played soccer and other sports, but running didn’t interest him back then. However, after winning a scholarship to continue his studies in Astrophysics at the University of Cape Town and relocating to South Africa, he slowly became aware of the Cape running culture. It still took him almost a decade of living in Cape Town before he would fall in love with the sport, but eventually he began running for fun in 2012. Then in January 2014 decided to take it more seriously and joined Itheko AC. “I was not a natural, I think, and finished my first marathon in a slow 4:39, but the flame had been lit inside of me to become a better runner.” With the help of his coach, Farouk Meyer, he trained hard and improved massively to clock a PB of 2:56.

The idea for the ‘Leprechaun Run’ came from his friend Safoudien after they checked the Guinness records. “I wanted to go for the fastest marathon time while using a skipping rope, because I loved skipping as a child and still skip when training. In practical terms, however, we decided that it would not be possible for me to skip and take the flag near the end of the race, so I postponed that idea and decided on the Leprechaun idea instead. Then, getting a costume made the way the GWR wanted and getting a lucky race entry through a charity were also obstacles we had to overcome.” Thankfully, the ‘luck of the Irish’ was with the group and everything worked out.

Motivation and Support
On race day, Kamil had a decent first 32km, but from there the heat began getting to him and his legs started to cramp. He says it took all his focus and determination not to slow down. “I knew my friend and RFP colleague Rabia Harris was waiting to give me the flag for the last kilometre, and that thought kept me focussed – I had the opportunity to be the voice of the voiceless, and I could not waste it. I also thought about everybody who got behind our cause, and I didn’t want to let them down. It was not a pressure, it was an energy booster, and I can’t thank everyone enough.”

“I also need to give Rabia special credit here. The race was heavily guarded, with both visible and hidden security personnel, and the cops near my supporters kept moving the rope or stripe tape to prevent the runners from getting close to the spectators. Rabia the rebel saw no choice but to jump over the fence to hand the flag over to me. If she hadn’t done that, I would have had to crawl under the rope, which would have probably triggered the really bad cramp that then thankfully only happened after I finished!”

IMAGES: Courtesy Kamil Suleiman

Great Expectations

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While some described Clarence Munyai’s fourth place in the Commonwealth Games 200m final as disappointing, it was actually an incredible achievement by an emerging young star. – BY SEAN FALCONER

One of the headlines on a well-known South African online sport portal that caught the eye during the recent Commonwealth Games in Australia was “Munyai Flops in 200m Final on Gold Coast.” That headline showed just how much expectation SA’s sprinters currently carry on their shoulders. After all, it wasn’t so very long ago that our men’s sprinting was in the proverbial doldrums, with the SA Record for 100m having been stuck on 10.06 for more than 20 years, and none of our sprinters making finals on the world stage, let alone medalling.

However, in the last few years the 10-second barrier has been beaten by five SA speedsters, including Akani Simbine, who made the 100m final at the 2016 Olympics and 2017 World Champs, while Wayde van Niekerk has dominated the 400m at Olympics and World Champs, with a World Record as well. We also had Anaso Jobodwana in the 200m final of the 2012 Olympics, and he won bronze at the 2015 World Champs.

Meanwhile a crop of sprinting youngsters, including Clarence, were coming through the ranks, medalling numerous times at World Youth and World Junior Champs and pointing to even bigger things to come in SA men’s sprinting. And while the focus was on Akani in Australia – which he responded to by winning the gold medal in the 100m final, with teammate Henricho Bruintjies claiming the silver – there was also immense pressure on Clarence, especially after his recent performances on SA soil. He went on to finish a very commendable fifth in the 200m final, later being promoted to fourth following the disqualification of the winner for a lane infringement, but that prompted the “Flop” headline, and some people seemed to have forgotten that Clarence only just turned 20, and this was his first major final at senior level. In other words, it was nowhere near being a flop!

YOUTHFUL SUCCESS
In 2016 Clarence won the SA Senior and Junior 200m titles, and finished fourth in the 200m final at the IAAF Under-20 Championships in Bydgoszcz, Poland. His win at the senior SA Champs made him the second-youngest ever National Champion, and one of only three 18-year-olds to win an SA title. That saw him selected for the 2016 Rio Olympics, alongside friend, rival and fellow 18-year-old Gift Leotlela. In Rio, neither was able to progress past the first round of the 200m, but they took home invaluable experience of competing at the highest level. Then in 2017 he won the African Under-20 Champs 200m gold medal, and represented SA at the World Champs in London, but was unfortunately disqualified in the first round for stepping out of his lane.

Fast-forward to 2018 and Clarence has enjoyed a breakthrough season. At the Gauteng North Champs in late February, he clocked 10.10 for 100m, improving his personal best from 10.20 – and if he had done so just four days earlier he would have set a new SA Junior Record, but he turned 20 on 20 February. Afterwards, he said he was ecstatic about his performance, but he still preferred the longer sprint event. “The 200 metres is my favourite distance – I am way faster in it – but I know I am capable of running a sub-10 for 100 metres and sub-20 for 200 if the conditions are right. But I am not going to get obsessed with it. It will happen. I just need to make sure that I keep on doing the small things right.”

Just three weeks later he lived up to those words. At the SA Champs, in front of his home crowd at Tuks, he smashed the SA Record for 200m with a time of 19.69 seconds, eclipsing the 19.84 set by Wayde in 2017 and giving him the tenth-fastest time ever in the world. He was justifiably proud of the achievement: “I’m only 20 years old, and to run 19.69 at my age is something I never dreamt would happen. That is why I almost did a complete victory lap afterwards!”

HOPES OF A NATION
That saw Clarence head to Australia as the fastest man in the world this year, with many in SA expecting him to return with a medal, but a tightening hamstring saw him slow up perceptibly with 50m to go in the semi-final, where he finished second in 20.36 with the overall second-fastest qualifier. Then he clocked 20.58 for his eventual fourth position in the final, but aggravated the hamstring strain, and was thus forced to withdraw from the SA 4x100m relay team that went on to win a scintillating silver medal.

Although disappointed, Clarence still managed to take the positive from his Australian outing. “Unfortunately, the hamstring injury that hindered me in the heats flared up again, and I knew it was going to be a tough challenge even before I settled in the starting blocks. Still it was my first major final, so I am happy to have finished. And now that I have done a 19.69, I think it will obviously put me under pressure. I will have to step-up my game!”

IMAGES: Roger Sedres/ImageSA & Reg Caldecott

One More Time

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Seven years after running her first three-day AfricanX Trailrun at the age of 67, evergreen Marianne Nelson returned in 2018 to give the race another go, and by the end of the event she had once again captivated the hearts of all who were there. – BY SEAN FALCONER

A tradition at the AfricanX Trailrun presented by Asics is the annual awarding of the Sanet Wentzel Spirit Trophy, presented to a runner or team that embodies the best spirit in the event. In 2011, it was awarded to best friends Marianne Nelson and Cathy Taylor, who had taken on the gruelling event aged 66 and 67, in spite of never having done any technical trail running before, let alone a three-day stage race! Undaunted, Team Grannies not only coped with the tough trails, but finished each stage with beaming smiles, no matter how long they had been out there, and they received a standing ovation when they received the trophy. That’s when their fellow runners heard the real inspiration for their run: Tragically, both had lost a son in a car accident, and they had decided to run AfricanX in memory of their loved ones.

Fast-forward to 2018 and Cathy is unfortunately no longer able to run trails following a broken ankle, but Marianne is still lining up most weekends for shorter trail races all around the greater Cape Town area. “Naturally, that first AfricanX remains one of the highlights of my running career, and it triggered me to really get into trail running,” says Marianne. “After my son’s death, I wanted to get away from the competitiveness of road running, and I realised out in nature there is a more relaxed atmosphere. Also, the Western Cape really has some stunning trails, and every run is a highlight for me.”

PLAY IT AGAIN
And so, with her 75th birthday coming up in December and her eyesight deteriorating – she now prefers to run just behind somebody that can guide her through the technical sections – Marianne decided this would be the last year she could attempt the AfricanX again. “Year after year Cathy and I had said we wanted to do it again, but she unfortunately couldn’t, so I asked my friend Marlene Nel if she would run with me.” Entered as Team The Young and the Restlezz, they ran virtually every trail race on the calendar in the build-up to AfricanX, sometimes even two on a weekend, but Marianne admits they were still a bit worried about intermediate cut-off times for the various stages.

“I was worried that we wouldn’t make it, but in the end we actually ran quite comfortably. I think it was just so wonderful that a young woman like Marlene would be willing to run with me all that way, and the support from all the other runners was incredible. Every moment was precious, a wonderful experience, but best of all was coming in to finish day two and seeing Cathy waiting for me, and then having my husband Alan as well as my daughter and daughter-in-law waiting for me on day three. To be welcomed home by so many people who had shared this dream was a marvellous surprise, and I was just so full of emotion at realising I had done what I had dreamt of for so long.”

RUNNING BACK TO HEALTH
Remarkably, there is another aspect to this story. What nobody knew back in 2011 when the Grannies won the trophy was that both had only taken up walking in their mid-50s to combat serious medical conditions. Marianne had been diagnosed with severe osteoporosis in her back and feet, while Cathy had severe osteoarthritis, and the two met when they both joined Run/Walk for Life in Durbanville, under doctor’s orders to begin walking to strengthen their bones. Running was strictly forbidden!

The two became inseparable friends and quickly progressed from social walking to competitive race walking up to 20km on the road and 10,000m on the track, and by 2009 both had been awarded national Masters colours. They also began running, earning provincial colours in road and cross-country, and Marianne went on to run the Comrades twice, at age 60/61, with her late son, Lafras. “I never knew I would be able to do something like that, but thankfully they had extended the cut-off to 12 hours, otherwise I would never even have gone.”

MAKING AN IMPRESSION
As an incredible sidenote to this year’s AfricanX, Marianne and Marlene were training in the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve near Stellenbosch earlier this year, when they ran into a group of men also checking out the AfricanX route. One of these elites took one look at Marianne and shouted out, “Granny!” That was Bernard Rukadza, who went on to win the AfricanX for the third time this year – he still remembered her from that 2011 race, and that shows just how much Marianne inspires those around her. Typically, her humble response to that is, “I’m just happy doing nice trail runs each weekend. My bone density is now up around 80%, and I want to show people that age is a state of mind, that if you put your mind to something, you can do anything!”

IMAGES: Tobias Ginsberg, Marlene Nel & courtesy Marianne Nelson

Liberty 250 Hits the Dolphin Coast!

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Exciting New Cycle Challenge in KZN!

The Liberty 250, a new event on the cycling calendar, offers TWO new three-day stage races to suit every cycling enthusiast's taste. For the roadies there will be three days of scintialting racing on tar, and for the mountain bikers three days of adventure await! In both races there will be prizes for the fastest male, female and mixed teams. Solo riders may take part, but will not be eligible for prizes.

The brainchild of Barry Holland, director of the Race Organisation Company (ROC), these races are going to offer riders something new. “The cycling calendar may already be full, but we believe there is room for something fresh and exciting, and the Liberty 250 is just that, something that every cyclist can take on while riding some of the best routes in the country! It is also worth noting that this is the first major cycling event on the North Coast of Kwazulu Natal.” says Barry.

Happening from the 10th to the 12th of August 2018, the two three-day stage races are just waiting for you to do one thing, enter, so click on the link below and enter today!
 

Enter Now
 


Liberty 250 Road Race
All stages start and finish at Sugar Rush Park, making it easy for the riders, as no shuttles will be needed to get back to the start each day. Stage one features an undulating 124km route that will challenge those fresh legs as teams of four and two embark on their three-day journey. The second day will see a shorter 87km with some sharp, steep climbs to make sure riders are challenged, but also rewarded with beautiful views at the top of each climb! The last day sees an easy 39km to spin out the legs, making sure that the first day back in the office won't be too bad!

While riders who will race in teams of four, only the top three riders' times will count towards results, so team tactics will be key. The first two days there will include three King of the Mountain Hot Spots – the first rider to reach the pinnacle will claim the prize. And to keep things exciting on day three, there will be a Sprint Hot Spot around the 24km mark, so save a little in the legs to charge for the honour of fastest rider!

Liberty 150 MTB Race
Also beginning and finishing at Sugar Rush Park, teams of two riders will be treated to some brand new single track as well as some firm favourite sections of the Holla Trails. The first day's route is 60km of sublime riding, with a fun-filled 50km to follow on day two that will have the riders pumping down the trails at speed and flying up the hills like they aren't even there! The third stage will see a lighter 32km ride – just enough to challenge the riders after the first two days of racing, but still finishing with big smiles on their faces!

But how much does it cost?
We know that race entry fees have sky-rocketed and budgets are even tighter after the fuel price increase, so the good news is that for both the road and MTB races, you will only pay an entry fee of R1500 per rider per race! That's just R500 a day to ride some of the best routes in the country! Riders will also receive a top quality race top, an impressive goodie bag, a meal and drink each day, as well as well-stocked water points and mechanical back-up should anything go wrong. And of course, to reward you for all your hard effort on the bike, a medal for every finisher!

Enter Now

 

Christiaan Greyling Sets the Pace at The Cathedral Peak Challenge

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“The mountains are calling, and I must go.”
– John Muir

KWAZULU-NATAL, DRAKENSBERG – All good stories have an adventure at their core. Conceptualised by the owner of the Cathedral Peak Hotel, William Van Der Riet, the Cathedral Peak Challenge is not a call to beat or overcome the mountain; it is an invitation to reconnect with the wilderness in its purest form. Go on an adventure into the great outdoors. Challenge yourself on the trail to the top of Cathedral Peak and back down again.

Over a distance of 20km with a total ascent of 1531m to summit highest free- standing peak in the Drakensberg, at an altitude of 3005m, the Cathedral Peak Challenge requires you to be at your best and your bravest, every step of the way.

The 8th of June 2018 marked the first official run for the money – those quickest to the top and back have a chance to share in cash prizes totalling R100 000.

All 38 of the entrants made it to the start line and completed the daunting challenge to try and bag a healthy R25 000 for the fastest male, female and mixed team of 2.
Some of the big names to set their mark on the Challenge included top trail runners Mlungisi Mazibuko, Perfect Dlamini, Jeannie Dreyer, and Christiaan Greyling and Landie Greyling; top OCR athletes Thomas van Tonder, Dominique D’Olivera, Sabrina Daolio and JP Mare; top triathletes Matthew Holden, Michael Ferreira, Michael Lord and Hayden Corke; as well as Mrs South Africa 2018, Nicole Capper, seven-time Dusi winner and founder of the Change a Life Academy, Martin Dreyer, and Angela Yeung from Trek for Mandela 2018.

Make no mistake; this challenge is not for your average Joe. If you think it will be a Sunday afternoon stroll in the park, think again. A high degree of physical and mental fitness is required if you decide to #ChallengeYourself.

Christiaan Greyling had his work cut out with a late surge from Mlungisi Mazibuko who made a final sprint to the line, which Greyling won in a time of 2 hours 29 minutes and 52 seconds, only 8 seconds ahead of Mazibuko, setting a new course record, which was held by Megan Mackenzie with a time of 2 hours and 53 minutes.

In the ladies’ race, it was one-way traffic for trail runner Jeannie Dreyer, who completed the challenge in a time of 3 hours and 19 minutes, 26 minutes shy of Megan Mackenzie course benchmark set on 10 May during the route launch.

Elite Obstacle Course Racer, Sabrina Daolio came in second, 47 minutes behind Dreyer. The third lady home was Landie Greyling in a time of 4 hours and 8 minutes.

Top of the men’s leaderboard so far, Christiaan Greyling, comments, “What a beautiful experience. It’s something I would recommend to everyone and anyone. Everyone should challenge themselves on this race. It’s hard to explain all the emotions you experience on this mountain. It brings you closer to nature, draws out raw human emotion as you push your limits, but you will never regret it.”

The next date to keep in mind will be 18 July 2018, when a bonus race has been made available in celebration of Mandela Day, after which the series resumes on 28 July, 25 August and 22 September in one of South Africa’s most beautiful regions. These dates are supported race days to the summit, while the Mini Challenge, on unsupported days, follows the course to the base camp of the peak and can be completed at any time before the final day of The Challenge.

Singles can enter for only R250 and teams may enter at R400 per team. Have the chance to beat the best of the best and claim the R25 000 cash prize at the end of the series, for the fastest mixed team, male or female. Participants are welcome to enter again and again and challenge themselves to better their times, until The Challenge’s final day on 30 September – #ChallengeYourself.

While one does not have to stay at the Cathedral Peak Hotel to race, participants that do will receive a 25% discount for the duration of their stay while running the challenge, allowing those brave souls to not only challenge their limits but to renew their souls at this outstanding resort with all its amazing facilities.

Do you have what it takes to #ChallengeYourself?

For more information, and to register, go to www.cathedralpeak.co.za/challenge/
Follow the Cathedral Peak Hotel on:
FACEBOOK – @CathedralPeakHotel
TWITTER – @cathedralpeakhotel
——ENDS——

Warrior Announces Its First Brand Ambassador

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GAUTENG, PRETORIA – WARRIOR OCR events burst onto the scene in 2013, immediately spearheading the meteoric rise of obstacle course racing (OCR) in South Africa. Today, Toyota Warrior, powered by Reebok, remains at the forefront of OCR South Africa with world-class obstacles, innovative courses and over 4000 athletes competing, including many of the country’s top OCR competitors, who push their mental and physical limits with the aim to reach the pinnacle in their sport, to gain respect and recognition, to take them onto the world stage.

In support of the continued growth of the South African OCR community, Advendurance and Toyota Warrior have created an athlete programme, providing a platform for athletes to grow and develop to their full potential.

Thomas van Tonder is arguably one of South Africa’s top OCR athletes and a household name in the South African and International OCR community, so it is no surprise that Toyota Warrior have selected him as their first Warrior Brand Ambassador.

Thomas started racing OCR in 2014. He took up training with Warrior Fit Coaching on an OCR specific programme, which led him to straight victories back to back. It was clear that OCR was his sport and he has never looked back.

Max Cluer, founder/manager of Jeep Team South Africa, spotted van Tonder’s talent early on and invited him to join the Jeep Team. Van Tonder became teammates with the likes of paddling legend, ten-times World Marathon Champion, Hank McGregor, trail running champion, Christiaan Greyling, and World Multisport Champion, Robyn Owen.

Fast forward to 2018, and van Tonder’s pedigree is clear to see. Competing at the highest level in OCR for four years, his scoresheet is impressive and consistent.

Amongst many other wins, van Tonder has won 16 Warrior Black Ops Elite titles, placed second in 18 races and one third place. He won the National Championship and Series Championship in 2016 and was runner up in 2017. Van Tonder has also won all 14 of the Beast OCR elite titles since The Beast’s inception.

Internationally, Thomas has also competed in four OCR World Championships, placing Top 10 in three of them and a Top 20 finish in 2016.

Thomas will make an outstanding WARRIOR Ambassador, embodying the values of excellence, friendship and respect, and displaying commitment to giving back to the sport he loves, by setting a good example for the next generation.

Says Fritz Pienaar, co-owner of the WARRIOR Series, “Thomas is an important compass to all new athletes on the OCR scene. He is a true professional who is well-respected both locally and internationally. We want to build meaningful relationships that benefit both the athletes and the Warrior Race.”

Van Tonder will be the first Warrior Athlete in the programme with his eyes set on the first South African OCR Championship happening at Blythedale Coastal Estate on the KZN North Coast on the 14th and 15th July 2018, and future OCR World Championships.

###
________________________________________
For more information or to enter, visit www.warrior.co.za.
See this release online – https://warrior.co.za/warrior-announces-first-brand-ambassador/
Link to Thomas van Tonder’s sport bio: https://warrior.co.za/warrior-ambassador/
________________________________________
Written and distributed by Hot Salsa Media on behalf of Advendurance.
Images and Enquiries to [email protected]
________________________________________
Editors Notes
Toyota Warrior Race 2018 Dates:

Warrior 5 14 – 15 July Blythedale, KwaZulu-Natal (SA OCR Championship)
Warrior 6 11 August Nelspruit, Mpumalanga
Warrior 7 20 – 21 October Meerendal Wine Estate, Cape Town, Western Cape
Warrior 8 24 – 25 November Tierpoort Adventure Farm, Pretoria, Gauteng

Toyota WARRIOR, powered by Reebok, is back with mud and obstacles built to sustain and delight the thousands of athletes, large and small, tall and short, thin and large that are ready to challenge themselves having fun building better humans.

The event calls adventure seekers from all walks of life – whether a weekend WARRIOR or an elite athlete hoping to snatch up the series title. With a Rookie, Commando, and Black Ops category on offer, WARRIOR has something for everyone.

For the first time in the popular series there will be an escape route for those who don’t find the idea of mud particularly appealing. Instead of diving into the infamous Mud Monster, participants will have the option of taking a penalty loop that will take them the same amount of time to complete. The ‘mudless’ option will not be made available to any Elite athletes, however.

Adventure seekers looking for some extra high-speed excitement have the option of entering the popular Reebok Sprint Race.

A specifically designed children’s obstacle course will be available for little adventurers, as well as a WARRIOR Kids Zone under the supervision of child-minders.

There are some exciting things in store at the 2018 TOYOTA WARRIOR SERIES, powered by Reebok:
• You can choose your own batch start times again, so enter soon to choose the batch you prefer.
• The theme for 2018 is M?ori Warrior, so expect to see a lot of tattoos and funky designs
• In 2018 the Mud Monster will not be compulsory, non-Elites can do a penalty loop and skip the mud
• Sprint Race: we have changed the Sprint Race format to make it more exciting and involve more age categories.
• Two one-day action packed events added in Bloemfontein and Nelspruit
• Warrior is going International! On 24 March 2018 we will be hosting a Toyota Warrior event in Windhoek, Namibia. Entries opening soon!

Christiaan Greyling Sets the Pace at The Cathedral Peak Challenge

Modern AthleteEvent Update!Leave a Comment on Christiaan Greyling Sets the Pace at The Cathedral Peak Challenge

“The mountains are calling, and I must go.”
– John Muir

All good stories have an adventure at their core. Conceptualised by the owner of the Cathedral Peak Hotel, William Van Der Riet, the Cathedral Peak Challenge is not a call to beat or overcome the mountain; it is an invitation to reconnect with the wilderness in its purest form. Go on an adventure into the great outdoors. Challenge yourself on the trail to the top of Cathedral Peak and back down again.

Over a distance of 20km with a total ascent of 1531m to summit highest free-standing peak in the Drakensberg, at an altitude of 3005m, the Cathedral Peak Challenge requires you to be at your best and your bravest, every step of the way.

The 8th of June 2018 marked the first official run for the money – those quickest to the top and back have a chance to share in cash prizes totalling R100 000. All 38 of the entrants made it to the start line and completed the daunting challenge to try and bag a healthy R25 000 for the fastest male, female and mixed team of 2.


Some of the big names to set their mark on the Challenge included top trail runners Mlungisi Mazibuko, Perfect Dlamini, Jeannie Dreyer, and Christiaan Greyling and Landie Greyling; top OCR athletes Thomas van Tonder, Dominique D'Olivera, Sabrina Daolio and JP Mare; top triathletes Matthew Holden, Michael Ferreira, Michael Lord and Hayden Corke; as well as Mrs South Africa 2018, Nicole Capper, seven-time Dusi winner and founder of the Change a Life Academy, Martin Dreyer, and Angela Yeung from Trek for Mandela 2018.

Make no mistake; this challenge is not for your average Joe. If you think it will be a Sunday afternoon stroll in the park, think again. A high degree of physical and mental fitness is required if you decide to #ChallengeYourself.

Christiaan Greyling had his work cut out with a late surge from Mlungisi Mazibuko who made a final sprint to the line, which Greyling won in a time of 2 hours 29 minutes and 52 seconds, only 8 seconds ahead of Mazibuko, setting a new course record, which was held by Megan Mackenzie with a time of 2 hours and 53 minutes.

In the ladies’ race, it was one-way traffic for trail runner Jeannie Dreyer, who completed the challenge in a time of 3 hours and 19 minutes, 26 minutes shy of Megan Mackenzie course benchmark set on 10 May during the route launch.

Elite Obstacle Course Racer, Sabrina Daolio came in second, 47 minutes behind Dreyer. The third lady home was Landie Greyling in a time of 4 hours and 8 minutes.

Top of the men’s leaderboard so far, Christiaan Greyling, comments, “What a beautiful experience. It’s something I would recommend to everyone and anyone. Everyone should challenge themselves on this race. It’s hard to explain all the emotions you experience on this mountain. It brings you closer to nature, draws out raw human emotion as you push your limits, but you will never regret it.”

The next date to keep in mind will be 18 July 2018, when a bonus race has been made available in celebration of Mandela Day, after which the series resumes on 28 July, 25 August and 22 September in one of South Africa’s most beautiful regions. These dates are supported race days to the summit, while the Mini Challenge, on unsupported days, follows the course to the base camp of the peak and can be completed at anytime before the final day of The Challenge.

Singles can enter for only R250 and teams may enter at R400 per team. Have the chance to beat the best of the best and claim the R25 000 cash prize at the end of the series, for the fastest mixed team, male or female. Participants are welcome to enter again and again and challenge themselves to better their times, until The Challenge’s final day on 30 September – #ChallengeYourself.

While one does not have to stay at the Cathedral Peak Hotel to race, participants that do will receive a 25% discount for the duration of their stay while running the challenge, allowing those brave souls to not only challenge their limits but to renew their souls at this outstanding resort with all its amazing facilities.

Do you have what it takes to #ChallengeYourself?


LeaderBoard Standings

For more information and to register for this event, visit www.cathedralpeak.co.za/challenge/
Follow the Cathedral Peak Hotel on:
Facebook 
Twitter: @CathedralPeakH
Instagram: @cathedralpeakhotel

Race Calendar – July 2018

Modern AthleteRacingLeave a Comment on Race Calendar – July 2018

South African runners are blessed with a jam-packed race calendar every month, from road and trail runs to all the other running-related disciplines. Although July does not usually have the greatest weather to accompany these great events, there should be no excuses as to why you’re not out there racing! – COMPILED BY TOM COTTRELL & SEAN FALCONER

GAUTENG

CENTRAL GAUTENG
Friday 29 June
Rockies Zoo Lake Fun Run 8km & 4km, Zoo Lake Sports Club, Westwold, Parkwood, 5pm, Saul Levin 083 326 0848
Saturday 30 June
Run with Mapaseka 5km Series, Nike Stadium, Klipspruit, Soweto, 8am, Race Organiser 078 445 0249
Sunday 1 July
Ubuhle 4-in-1 10km, 5km, Street Mile & Kiddies 420m, Sam Ntuli Sport Complex, Matsemela Street, Thokoza, Johannesburg South, 8am (10 & 5), 9am (mile) & 9:30 (kids), Race Organiser 072 464 0041 NEW DATE – WAS 29 JULY
Friday 6 July
Serengeti Night Run 15km, 10km & 5km, Serengeti Golf & Wildlife Estate, Kempton Park, 7pm, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Saturday 7 July
CGA Cross Country #6, Westonaria Sports Complex, Time TBC, CGA 011 873 2726 (w)
Sunday 8 July
Northgate 10km & 5km, Northgate Shopping Centre, cnr Olievenhout Avenue & Northumberland Road, North Riding, Randburg, 7:30am, Charlie Herselmann 082 770 1143
Zoo Trot 10km & 5km, Centenary Lawn, Johannesburg Zoo, Upper Park Drive, 7:30am, Lebogang Mathope 011 712 6817 (w)
Sunday 15 July
Rundela 27km, 13.5km & 5km, WITS Education Campus Cricket Fields, 27 St Andrews Road, Parktown, 6:30am, 7am & 7:30am, [email protected]
Kings Kloof Paradise Trail Run 25km, 18km, 12km & 6km, Kings Kloof Trail, N14, Oaktree, Muldersdrift, 8am, 8:20am, 8:40am & 9am, Ruan Botes 063 686 7315
Thursday 19 July
Jackal Trail Run 10km & 5km, Jackal Creek Gym, Boundary Road, Northriding, Roodepoort, 6pm, Corne van Zyl 011 053 9153 (w)
Saturday 21 July
CGA Cross Country #7, Dorothy Nyembe Park, , Time TBC, CGA 011 873 2726 (w)
Sunday 22 July
MTN Walk the Talk with 702 15km, 8km & 5km, Marks Park, Judith Road, Emmerentia, 7am, 9am & 11am, Race Organiser 011 017 2700 (w)
Shift Winter Trail Series #3 13km, 8km & 5km, Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens, Malcolm Road, Poortview, Roodepoort, 8am, Jacqui Purchase 061 907 0063
The Sable Ranch Trail Run 15km, 10km & 5km, Sable Ranch Hiking Trail, off R96, near Hekpoort, Magaliesberg, 8apm, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Tuesday 24 July
Benoni Country Club night 10km & 5km POSTPONED
Wednesday 25 July
Duck Night Run 10km & 5km, Kyalami Country Club, Maple Road, Kyalami, Midrand, 7pm, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Saturday 28 July
Ice Bear Trail Run 5km, Sweatzone, Wroxham Road, Paulshof, Johannesburg, 7:30am, Info: www.besnapped.co.za/rof
CGA Cross Country #8, Alberton Dam, Time TBC, CGA 011 873 2726 (w)
Sunday 29 July
Vosloorus 10km & 5km, Vosloorus Stadium, Moagi Road, Vosloorus, Boksburg, 8am & 8:10am, Siphiwe Nhlapho 083248 8736

GAUTENG NORTH
Saturday 30 June
Glenfair Race for Friendship Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Glenfair Boulevard, cnr Lynnwood & Daventry Roads, Lynnwood, 7am, Daan du Toit 082 572 4169 NEW DATE – WAS 23 JUNE
Sunday 1 July
Brewski Trail Series 21km, 15km, 10km & 5km, Smuts Irene River, 8am, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Gauteng Winter Trail Series #3 12.8km & 7.6km, Segwati Game Ranch, on R400 north of Cradle of Humankind, 9am & 9:21am, Wildrunner 072 438 3242
Jolly July Trail Run 21km, 13km & 8km, Casa-Lee Country Lodge, Pretoria East, 9am, 9:15am & 9:30am, Debbie Agenbag 083 294 5260
Wednesday 4 July
Zoo Trot 10km & 5km, Pretoria Zoo, Boom Street, Daspoort, Pretoria, 7pm, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Saturday 7 July
Garsfontein Ice Breaker Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Garsfontein Primary School, Zita Street, Garsfontein, 6:30am (21 & 10 walk), 7am (21 & 10 run) & 7:15am (5), Mike 083 414 5938
Sunday 8 July
Rietvlei Trail Series 10km, 5km & 3km, Rietvlei Dam, Irene, Pretoria, 8am, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Prestige Trail Run Series #2 21km, 15km, 10km & 5km, Tierpoort Adventure Farm, Rooikat Street, Bronkhorstspruit, 9am, Bout Time 082 562 9841
Wednesday 11 July
Tortoise & Hare 8km & 5km Night Run/Walk, Clay Café, The Big Red Barn, Nelson Road, Olifantsfontein, Pretoria North, 7pm, Shane Gouldie, 082 332 9552
Saturday 14 July
AfriForum Springbok Vasbyt 25km, 10km & 5km, Voortrekker Monument, Eeufees Road, Pretoria, 7:30am (25 & 10) & 7:40am (5), Leon 071 405 5588
Adventure Tails Bark Run 10km, 5km & 2km (with dogs), Rock Falls Ranch, on M26, Hoekplaats, near Centurion, 8am, Glizelle 083 264 9331
Sunday 15 July
The Cyclone Trail Run 21km, 15km, 10km & 5km, Rock Falls Ranch, on M26, Hoekplaats, near Centurion, 8am, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Wednesday 18 July
Run with the Lions Night 10km & 5km, The Farm Inn, Silver Lakes Road, Pretoria, 7pm, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Saturday 21 July
A4A Long Walk/Run to Freedom Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Eco Boulevard Shopping Centre, Witch-Hazel Avenue, Ecopark, Centurion, 6:30am (21 & 10) & 6:45am (5), Matome Lehomo 083 627 5326
Addicted to Life Freedom Half Marathon, 12km & 5km, Temba Stadium, Unit D, Temba, Pretoria, 7am, Karabo Molokoae 082 052 8634
Saturday 28 July
Gereformeerde Kerk Wierdapark Zwartkop Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Zwartkop Lapa, Wierda Road, Centurion, 7am (21 & 10) & 7:10am (5), Kierie van der Schyff 082 804 4803
Cowhouse Trail Run Series 15km, 10km & 5km, Cowhouse Market, Ridge Road, Pretoria East, 4pm, Evelyn Botha 083 669 8588
AGN Cross Country Seniors & Masters League #1, Zwartkop Lapa, Wierda Road, Centurion, Time TBC, Alpha Centurion AC 012 327 4932 (w)
Sunday 29 July
Arnold Chatz Nogwaja 20km, 12km & 6km Trail Run, Rustig Hiking Trails, off R401, near Hekpoort, Magaliesberg, 7am, 7:30am & 8am, Nina Durieux 083 275 2362
The Barn Family Day 21km, 15km, 8km & 5km, Big Red Barn, Nelson Road, Olifantsfontein, Pretoria North, 8am, Shane Gouldie, 082 332 9552

VAAL TRIANGLE
Saturday 28 July
Hi-Performance Midas Road Runners 10km & 5km, Old Vaaltonians Sports Ground, Abraham Kriel Street, Vanderbijlpark, 8am, Allen Herweg 082 800 3178

WESTERN CAPE

BOLAND
Wednesday 4 July
Wagon Trail Breweries Night Run #7 10km & 5km, Anura Wine Estate, Klapmuts-Simondium Road, near Klapmuts, 6:30pm, Lans Pepler 082 787 2472
Friday 6 July
Devonvale Night Run 10km & 5km, Devonvale Golf & Wine Estate, Blumberg Drive, off M23 Bottelary Road, near Koelenhof, 6:30pm, Dominique Provoyeur 084 363 4104
Saturday 7 – Sunday 8 July
Grootvadersbosch Trail Run, (33km & 14km), Honeywood Farm, Grootvadersbosch, near Swellendam/Heidelberg, 8:30am, Ugene Nel 082 658 3078
Sunday 8 July
Falke Wine Adventure Trail Run 15km, 10km & 5km, Warwick Wine Estate, on R44 between Stellenbosch & Klapmuts, 9am, 9:15am & 9:30am, Dirtopia 021 884 4752 (w)
Saturday 14 July
Salomon Bastille Day Trail Run 50km, 35km, 25km & 15km, Bells Lodge, Robertsvlei Road, Berg River Dam, Franschhoek, 6:30am, 7am, 8am & 9am, Caeli Manuel 072 924 2371
Auric Auto BMW Run the Vines #5 17km, 10km & 5km PLUS Kids 3km, Vrede en Lust Wine Estate, cnr R45 & Klapmuts Road, 7:45am, 8am & 8:15am PLUS 8:30am, Lans Pepler 082 787 2472
Saturday 14 – Sunday 15 July
Cederberg Traverse 100km Trail Run, Sanddrif Campsite, Cederberg, 5am, Caeli Manuel 072 924 2371
Sunday 15 July
Spier Trail Run #4 10km, 5km & 3km, Spier Wine Estate, on R310 Baden Powell Drive, near Stellenbosch, 9am, 9:10am & 9:12am, Ugene Nel 082 658 3078
Nissan Trailseeker Trail Run Series #3 Grabouw 21km, 10km & 5km, Oak Valley Wine Estate, Oak Avenue, Grabouw, Time TBC, Race Organiser 086 199 0001
Saturday 21 July
Mountain Ridge Trail Run 17km, 10km & 5km, Mountain Ridge Wine Farm, De Liefde Road, off R43 Michell’s Pass Road, near Wolseley, 8:30am, 8:45am & 9am, Lans Pepler 082 787 2472
Sunday 22 July
Cape Winter Trail Series #1 15.6km & 8.8km, Paul Cluver Estate, off N2 near Grabouw, 9am & 9:21am, Wildrunner 072 438 3242
Saturday 28 July
Stellenbosch Farm Run 20km, 11.5km & 7km, Spier Wine Estate, on R310 Baden Powell Drive, near Stellenbosch, 9am, 9:15am & 9:30am. Dirtopia 021 884 4752 (w)

SOUTH WESTERN DISTRICTS
Saturday 30 June
Palm Tyres 10km & 5km, Palm Tyre Garage, Courtenay Street, George, 7am, Sidwell Oktober 078 395 8489
Saturday 30 June – Sunday 1 July
Trail Girl 2-day Run, (18km & 16km or 8km & 7km), Far Hills Country Hotel, Wilderness, Sat: 7:30am & Sun: 8am, Janine Swart 083 662 2022
Monday 2 July
Athletics SWD & Knysna Marathon Club Business Relay 4x4km, Knysna Marathon Club, Loerie Park, George Rex Drive, Knysna, 3pm, Soraya de Reuck 044 873 0023 (w)
Tuesday 3 July
Momentum Featherbed Trail Run Coelacanth 15km & Seahorse 11km, Buffalo Bay Main Beach to Cruise Cafe Restaurant, Remembrance Drive, Knysna Waterfront, 9:30am (15) & 11am (11), Magnetic South 044 382 2932 (w)
Athletics SWD & Knysna Marathon Club Street Mile, Knysna Marathon Club, Loerie Park, George Rex Drive, Knysna, 10am, Soraya de Reuck 044 873 0023 (w)
Saturday 7 July
Momentum Knysna Forest Marathon & Half Marathon, The Glebe, Knysna Forest, to Festival Grounds, Waterfront Drive, 7am & 8am, Marianne Brown 076 195 4832
Sunday 8 July
Houtkapper Trail Run 27km, 15km & 9km, Ouinta Da Montanha, Bibbys Hoek Road, Rheenendal, 8:30am, Mihan Roos 082 537 6167
Saturday 21 July
Madiba Half Marathon & 10km, Unity Park, York Street, George, 8am, Soraya de Reuck 044 873 0023 (w)

WESTERN PROVINCE
Saturday 30 June
Timbercity Spookhill Challenge 15km & 5km, Beaumont Primary School, Van der Merwe Street, Somerset West, 8am & 8:15am, Schalk Hoon 082 828 9120
ORAK 12-hour Track Race, Vredendal Sports Grounds, Dam Street, 6am, Gerrie Cilliers 083 650 0642
Sunday 1 July
WPA Cross Country League #3, Youngsfield Military Base, Wetton Road, Wetton, 11am, Candyce Hall 082 821 0841
Saturday 7 July
Eersterivier 15km & 5km PLUS 10km Walk, Stratford Primary School, Wuppertal Street, Clairwood, Eersterivier, 7:15am & 8am PLUS 7:30am, Gert Pekeur 074 343 2332
Saturday 14 July
Fairbridge Mall Easterns 15km & 6km, Fairbridge Mall, Old Paarl Road, Brackenfell, 7:15am & 7:25am, William Swartbooi 084 247 7170 NEW DATE – WAS 14 JANUARY
Sunday 15 July
TrailFun Winter Series – V&A Waterfront 5km #1, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, 8:30am, Japie Swanepoel 082 443 3033
WPA Cross Country League #4, CPUT Campus, Symphony Way, Bellville, 11am, Candyce Hall 082 821 0841
Saturday 21 July
Cape Town Festival of Running 100km, 50km & 5x5km Relay, Sea Point Pavilion, opposite SABC building, 7am (100 & 50) & 12pm (Relay), Kanu Sukha 072 210 1127
De Grendel TrailFun 10km & 5km, De Grendel Wine Estate, Plattekloof Road, Panorama, 8am, Japie Swanepoel 082 443 3033
Sunday 22 July
Cape Town Festival of Running Half Marathon PLUS 10km Walk, Sea Point Pavilion, opposite SABC building, 7am, Kanu Sukha 072 210 1127
Saturday 28 July
Oakland Half Marathon & 5km, Paarl School, Rogland Street, Brackenfell, 7:15am & 7:30am, Leon Visser 072 222 6843 NEW DATE – WAS 22 JULY
Hout Bay Trail Challenge 40km, Hout Bay Harbour, 7am, Richard Sutton 082 643 6186
Lifestyle Challenge Trail Run 10km & 5km, D’Aria Wines, Durbanville, 8:30am & 8:45am, Info: www.entryninja.com
Sunday 29 July
TrailFun Winter Series – V&A Waterfront 5km #2, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, 8:30am, Japie Swanepoel 082 443 3033
Cape Winter Trail Series #2 12.1km & 8.1km, Tygerberg Nature Reserve, Parow, 9am & 9:21am, Wildrunner 072 438 3242
WPA Cross Country League #5, Venue TBC, Elfindale, Cape Town, 11am, Candyce Hall 082 821 0841

KWAZULU-NATAL
Friday 29 June – Sunday 1 July
iSimangaliso 3-day Trail Challenge, (Fri: Nite 6km, Sat: 37km or 20km, Sun: 39km or 16km), Sugarloaf Campsite, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Lake St Lucia Estuary, 3pm, Lauren Booth 082 791 7069
Saturday 30 June
Cathedral Peak Challenge #2 21km, Cathedral Peak Hotel, Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park, 8am, Info: www.cathedralpeak.co.za/challenge
Gooderson Drakensberg Gardens Trail Run Challenge 20km, 10km & 7.5km, Drakensberg Gardens Golf & Spa Resort, Underberg, 9am, Dave Ward 082 492 1995
The Midlands 2-day Trail Run, (21km & 12km), Howick High School, Amber Avenue, Howick, 8:30am, Johnny Gibson 071 545 6880
Friday 6 July
Creighton Aloe Festival 7km Night Trail Run, Myddelton Farm, near Creighton, 5:30pm, Lauren 082 326 4804
Saturday 7 July
Creighton Aloe Festival 21km, 10km & 5km Trail Run, Avebury Farm, near Creighton, 9am, Lauren 082 326 4804
Sunday 8 July
Khayelihle C2C 12km Challenge, Ethembeni Memorial Gardens, Rodgers Road, Lincoln Meade, to Mountain Rise Cemetery, Pietermaritzburg, 7am, John Hall 082 491 7679
South Coast Fever Series #1 – Sardine Trail Run 10km & 5km, Port Edward Holiday Resort, Owen Ellis Drive, Port Edward, 7am & 7:15am, Barbara van der Walt 079 403 7014
Ability Charity Run 10km, 5km & 2km, Moses Mabidha Stadium, Isaiah Ntshangase Road, Durban, 8:30am, Info: www.ability10km.com
Creighton Aloe Festival 18km Train & Trail Run, Umzimkulu River to Creighton Sports Club, 8:30am, Lauren 082 326 4804
Sunday 15 July
Waterfall Superspar Forest 10km, Forest Hills Sports Club, Forest Drive, Kloof, 7am, Dirk Coetzee 071 610 3860
Saturday 21 July
South Coast Fever Series #2 – Funky Pants Scottburgh Trail Run 18km, 10km & 5km, Scottburgh Main Beach, Marine Terrace, Scottburgh, 8am, 8:15am & 8:30am, Flavio Scarpa 084 330 6029
Sunday 22 July
Totalsports 10km & 5km Women’s Race – Durban, Kings Park Athletics Track, Jacko Jackson Drive, Durban, 8am, Stillwater Sports 082 991 0445
Boughton Forest 15km & 5km Trail Run, Linpark High School, Claude Forsyth Road, Boughton, Pietermaritzburg, 8am, Werner Du Preez 082 256 6500
Saturday 28 July
Cathedral Peak Challenge #2 21km, Cathedral Peak Hotel, Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park, 8am, Info: www.cathedralpeak.co.za/challenge
Sunday 29 July
1000 Hills Trail Challenge 38km, 20km, 10km & 5km, Nagle Dam Picnic Site, near Maqongqo, east of Pietermartizburg, 7:30am (38), 8am (20) & 8:30am (10 & 5), Lauren Booth 082 791 7069
Howick Highlander Trail Run 20km, 10km & 5km, WESSA – Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve, Karkloof Road, Howick, 7:30am, Kim Burnie 082 572 5050
South Coast Fever Trail Series #3 – Ingeli Forest 10km, Ingeli Forest Lodge, between Harding & Kokstad, 8:30am, Mandie Matthysen 079 493 7499

FREE STATE
Sunday 29 July
Platberg Classic Trail Run 22km & 12km, Platberg Botanical Gardens, Berg Street, Bergsig, Harrismith, 9am, Morne Cotton 076 358 7804

EASTERN CAPE

BORDER
Saturday 7 July
Rhodes Trail Run 52km, Rhodes Farmers Hall, 7am, Evie Raubenheimer 041 581 6307 (h)
Sunday 8 July
Trevor Klose 10km & 5km, East London Athletic Club, French Street, Cambridge, East London, 7am, Graham Reynolds 082 448 0727
Friday 27 July
Washie 100 Miler, Cathcart Country Club, Cathcart to Buffs Club, Buffalo Park Drive, East London, 5pm, Meta Scott 081 487 4984
Sunday 29 July
Gulu Trail Challenge 10km & 4km, Farm 19, Gulu, on Fort Pato Road, near East London, 9am, Nadia Lucouw 078 091 7200
Tsomo Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Mtsheko Bridge, Cofimvaba, 8am, Nomakwezi Manqaba 083 602 2801

EASTERN PROVINCE
Saturday 14 – Sunday 15 July
JBayX Trail Run 2-day 60km, Saturday: 20km (7am) & 20km (7pm), Sunday: 20km (7am), SuperTubes Park, Da Gama Road, Jeffreys Bay, 7am, Rieghard Janse van Rensburg 071 896 6831
Sunday 15 July
JBayX Trail Run 10km & 5km, SuperTubes Park, Da Gama Road, Jeffreys Bay, 7am, Rieghard Janse van Rensburg 071 896 6831
Saturday 28 July
Nelson Mandel Bay SA Half Marathon Champs & 5km, Pollock Beach, Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth, 7am (21) & 9am (5), Alan Taylor 083 658 0050

FAR NORTH

LIMPOPO
Saturday 14 July
Haenertsburg Iron Crown Trail Run Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Haenertsburg Village Market Square, 7:30am, Rod Harman 071 889 0425
Saturday 14 – Sunday 15 July
Kruger2Canyon Challenge 2-day Trail Run sponsored by Old Mutual, (42km or 25km & 28km or 17km), Franklyn Park, Moditlo Game Reserve, on R531, Kampersrus, south of Hoedspruit, 6:30am, Andrew Booth 082 603 4098
Sunday 15 July
Marepe Trail Run 18km, 10km & 5km, Franklyn Park, Moditlo Game Reserve, on R531, Kampersrus, south of Hoedspruit, 6:30am, 7:30am & 7:45am, Andrew Booth 082 603 4098
Saturday 21 July
Savannah Mall & Rhino Run 3-in-1 Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Savannah Mall, Polokwane, 7:30am, Corrie Calitz 072 149 2674 NEW DATE – WAS 14 JULY
Saturday 28 July
Foskor Half Marathon, Foskor Community Centre, Calvin Ngobeni Street, Namakgale, Phalaborwa, 1:30pm, Molatelo Rankweteke 015 789 2040 (w)

MPUMALANGA
Saturday 30 June
Buffalo Run Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Round Table Community Centre, cnr OR Tambo & Voortrekker Streets, Witbank, 8am, Charl Venter 071 519 8742
Saturday 7 July
Hall's Half Marathon, 10km & 3km, Hall's Gateway to the Lowveld, on the N4, 4km from Nelspruit/Mbombela, 7am (21 & 10) & 7:10am (3), Karlien Trumpelmann 083 335 3846
Buffalo Gorge Trail Series 18km, 10km, 6.5km & 2.5km, Buffalo Gorge Eco Adventure Centre, Buffelskloof Farm, Middelburg, 8:30am, Ryk Diepraam 083 528 9586
Saturday 14 July
Mozma's Trading Legogote Villagers Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, White River Rugby Club, 7am, Ashley Betteridge 081 305 3575
Saturday 21 July
Dullies Altitude Charity Challenge 21km, 10km & 5km, Dullstroom Nature Reserve, Naledi Drive, 7:30am, 8am & 8:15am, Charmane Horn 082 654 6645
Saturday 28 July
Num-Num Trail Challenge 32km & 15km, Pongola Express Camp, near Waterval Boven, 7am & 7:30am, Debbie Agenbag 083 294 5260

NORTH WEST

CENTRAL NORTH WEST
Saturday 14 July
Rassie Smith Memorial 10km & 5km CANCELLED
Saturday 28 July
Salga North West Nelson Mandela 10km, 5km & 2.5km, Macrovest Centre, 79 William Street, Klerksdorp, 8am, Marius van Heerden 082 487 7290

NORTH WEST NORTH
Sunday 8 July
Gauteng Winter Trail Series #4 13.8km & 8.7km, Leeuwenkloof, on R3 south-west of Broederstroom, 9:15am & 9:36am, Wildrunner 072 438 3242
Saturday 28 July
Wild Africa’s Women Running Wild 15km, 12km, 8km & 5km, Glen Afric Country Lodge, off R512, near Broederstroom, 8am, Paul 083 642 6698

NORTHERN CAPE

GRIQUALAND WEST
Saturday 28 July
Run/Walk for Life 777 Half Marathon, 14km & 7km, Flamingo Casino, Transvaal Road, Kimberley, 7:14am, Jenny Uys 082 834 8499

NORTH WEST CAPE
No races scheduled for this period

NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES

NAMIBIA
Saturday 30 June
Rubbish Run Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Windhoek, 6:30am, 7am & 7:15am, Charles +264 (0)81 124 9471
Charity Run Half Marathon & 5km, Okahandja, Time and contact TBC
Fish River Challenge 100km Ultra & 65km Lite, Ai-Ais, Fish River Canyon, More info: http://africanextremepromotions.com
Saturday 7 July
Victory Series Half Marathon & 5km, Keetmanshoop, 7am, Old Mutual +264 (0)61 299 3249
Sunday 8 July
XTrail 16km & 7km, Eagle’s Nest, Avis Dam, Windhoek, Time TBC, Yvonne +264 (0)81 142 9966
Saturday 14 July
Two Dams Country Run 11km, Elisenheim Picnic Spot, Windhoek, 7am, Joel Talbot +264 (0)61 433 6000
Saturday 21 July
Oshana Region 10km, Oshakati, Time and contact TBC
Sunday 22 July
Windhoek City Run Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km PLUS 21km & 10km Walk, Ausspannplatz, Independence Avenue, Windhoek, 6am (42), 7am (21W), 7:30am (21), 7:45am (10), 8am (5), Charles +264 (0)81 124 9471
Friday 27 July
Moonlight Trail Run 12km & 8km, Farm Windhoek Trais, Otjivero Street, Kleine Kuppe, 6pm, Info: [email protected]
Saturday 28 July
Victory Series Half Marathon & 5km, Oshakati, Time TBC, Old Mutual +264 (0)81 124 9471
Dirt Attack 21km & 10km, Farm Ongeama, Gross Barmen Road, 10km from Okahandja, Time & contact TBC

ZIMBABWE
Sunday 1 July
Victoria Falls Marathon, Half Marathon & 5km, Victoria Falls, Time TBC, Info: www.vicfallsmarathon.com

ORIENTEERING
Sunday 1 July
Gauteng Bush Event #4, (Long distance), Rock Valley, Krugersdorp, Time TBC, RACO: Roger Blane 083 306 9161
Sunday 22 July
Gauteng Bush Event #5, (Long distance), Mohales Gate, Magaliesberg, Time TBC, RACO: Roger Blane 083 306 9161
Saturday 28 July
Polokwane Sprint Event, Venue TBC, Polokwane, Time TBC, POC: 073 462 6114

OBSTACLE RACING
Saturday 30 June
Runstacles 4km, Cape Town Ostrich Ranch, Can Schoorsdrif Road, off N7, Philadelphia, Western Cape, 8:30am, The Grind HQ 021 813 9282 (w)
Saturday 7 July
Runstacles 4km, Cape Town Ostrich Ranch, Can Schoorsdrif Road, off N7, Philadelphia, Western Cape, 8:30am, The Grind HQ 021 813 9282 (w)
Saturday 14 July
Runstacles 4km, Cape Town Ostrich Ranch, Can Schoorsdrif Road, off N7, Philadelphia, Western Cape, 8:30am, The Grind HQ 021 813 9282 (w)
Saturday 14 – Sunday 15 July
Toyota Warrior #5 Powered by Reebok inc SA OCR Sprint Champs, Black Ops 15km (35 obstacles), Commando 10km (22) & Rookie 5km (15), Blythedale Coastal Estate, off N2 near Blythedale (north of Ballito), KwaZulu-Natal, 6:30am, Contact TBC
Sunday 15 July
Gajiga Run #11, 5km with inflatable obstacles, Big Red Barn, Nelson Road, Olifantsfontein, Pretoria North, Gauteng North, 9am, www.gajiga.co.za
Saturday 21 July
Runstacles 4km, Cape Town Ostrich Ranch, Can Schoorsdrif Road, off N7, Philadelphia, Western Cape, 8:30am, The Grind HQ 021 813 9282 (w)
Saturday 28 July
Lifestyle Challenge 10km & 5km Trail Run with Obstacles, D’Aria Wines, Durbanville, 8:30am & 8:45am, Info: www.entryninja.com
Runstacles 4km, Cape Town Ostrich Ranch, Can Schoorsdrif Road, off N7, Philadelphia, Western Cape, 8:30am, The Grind HQ 021 813 9282 (w)
Gorilla Obstacle Enduro 4km, Winston Park, Vian Road, 8am, Info: www.entryninja.com

MULTISPORT
Sunday 1 July
SA Duathlon & Long Distance Duathlon Champs, Super Sprint (12-15 years): 2.5km/10km/1.25km (6:50am), Sprint (16-19): 5km/20km/2.5km (7:50am), Para: 5km/20km/2.5km (8:10am), Standard: 10km/40km/5km (9:30am) & Long Distance: 10km/60km/5km (9:30am), Midmar Dam, Howick, KwaZulu-Natal, Glen Gore 074 187 7140
Sunday 22 July
Centrum Like2Bike #4 Kids Duathlon, 2km run/10km ride or 1km run/5km ride, Cradlemoon Conservancy, Muldersdrift, Gauteng, 9am & 9:05am, Contact TBC

ADVENTURE RACING
Saturday 7 – Sunday 8 July
A1 Adventure Racing Series #2 – Nevarest 24, Pilgrim’s Rest, Mpumalanga, Time TBC, info: www.adventure1series.com

IMAGE: Courtesy World Sport