Author: Modern Athlete

We’ve got everything here – road running, trail running, mountain running, cross country, track and field, triathlon, duathlon, multisport, orienteering, obstacle racing and adventure racing – so make your racing plans! – BY TOM COTTRELL & SEAN FALCONER

GAUTENG

CENTRAL GAUTENG
Sunday 4 March
Hot Legs 32km, 15km & 5km, St Stithians College, Peter Place, Lyme Park, Sandton, 6am (32 & 15) & 8am (5), Carmel van Wyk 082 968 9815
Jump City Urban 7km Fun Run, Mad Giant, 1 Fox Street, Johannesburg, 6:30am, Race Organiser 011 022 0427 (W)
Wednesday 7 March
Kinetic Night Trail Run 8km & 4km, Woodmead Country Club, Johannesburg, 6pm, Heidi Muller 082 564 6468
Saturday 10 March
Stadium to Stadium 15km, Germiston Stadium, Deville Road North, to Katlehong Sports Complex, 7am, Honli Motlount 071 637 7009
1st for Women Sisters With Blisters with Jacaranda FM 5km Walk, St Stithians College, Peter Place, Lyme Park, Sandton, 8am, Race Office 011 234 7860 (w)
Sunday 11 March
Pharmaton Edenvale Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Edenvale High School, Linksfield Road, Edenvale, 6am, Joe Do Couto 082 441 3278
Trail Adventure Killarney 5km Run, Killarney Country Club, 60 Fifth Street, Lower Houghton, 5:30am, Raymond Rorich 082 573 1298
Thursday 15 March
Jackal 10km & 5km Trail Run March, Jackal Creek Golf Estate, Boundary Road, Roodepoort, 7pm, Corne van Zyl 011 053 9153 (W)
Saturday 17 March
Hot 91.9 Ladies MTB & Trail Running Weekend 16km, 8km & 4km, Kloofzicht Lodge, Muldersdrift, 8am, www.mtb-ladiesday.co.a
Sunday 18 March
K-Way Gallopers 15km & 5km, Laërskool Leondale, cnr Gousblom & Wildebeest Streets, Leondale, Germiston, 7am, Lucky Miya 082 887 9596
Kings Kloof Paradise Trail 25km, 18km, 12km & 6km, Kings Kloof Trail, Laurentia Farm, Oaktree, Muldersdrift, 7am, 7:10am, 7:20am & 7:30am, Trail Hunter Events 063 686 7315
Wednesday 21 March
Jaguars Athletic Club Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Ext 9 Sports Grounds, cnr Town & Katz Streets, Ennerdale, 6am, Elvis Niekerk 082 558 3590
Saturday 24 March
Curro Trail Run 20km, 10km 5km & 2km, Curro Primary Krugersdorp, Norden Road, Krugersdorp, 6am, 6:15am, 9am & 9:15am, Race Organiser 072 127 6646
Friday 23 March
Germiston Night 8km & 4km Trail Run, Germiston Country Club, Rand Airport Road, 7pm, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Saturday 24 March
Earth Hour Trail Run, (Distance TBC), Danielsrust Game Farm, Kromdraai, Krugersdorp, Time TBC, Active Explosive 083 536 7042
Sunday 25 March
Run Zone Joburg Challenge Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Berario Recreation Centre, 181 Dolores Road, Berario Fairland, Randburg, 6am (21 & 10) & 6:10am (5), Graham Block 072 276 9635
Merrell Autumn Trail Run Johannesburg 20km, 12km & 6km, Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden, Roodepoort, 7am, Tatum Prins 083 449 0760
Tuesday 27 March
Merrell Autumn Night Run Johannesburg 8km & 5km, Delta Café, Marlborough Avenue, Craighall Park, 6:30pm, Tatum Prins 083 449 0760
Thursday 29 March
Easter Festival Night Trail Run 10km & 5km, Rietvlei Zoo Farm Johannesburg South, 7am, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Friday 30 March
Easter Festival Trail Run 42km, 21km, 15km, 10km & 5km, Rietvlei Zoo Farm Johannesburg South, 7am, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Saturday 31 March
Easter Festival Doggy Walk 5km & 2km, Rietvlei Zoo Farm Johannesburg South, 7am, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552

GAUTENG NORTH
Friday 2 March
Tortoise 5km & Hare 10km Trail Run, The Big Red Barn, 7 Nelson Road, Olifantsfontein, 7pm, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Moonchaser Night Trail Series 8km & 3km CANCELLED
Saturday 3 March
Medihelp Sunrise Monster 32km, Mini Monster 10km & Baby Monster 5km, Harlequin Club, Totius Street, Groenkloof, Pretoria, 6:03am, Geoff Hesse 082 896 4377
Sunday 4 March
Smuts Family Trail Run 21km, 15km, 10km & 5km, Jan Smuts House, Jan Smuts Avenue, Centurion, 7am, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Wednesday 7 March
Owl Night Trail Run 10km & 5km, Irene Country Club, 1 Main Road, Irene, 7pm, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Saturday 10 March
Buco Bobbies 3-in-1 Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Wonderboom Junction Shopping Centre, Lavendar Road West, Pretoria, 6am, Elizabeth Dreyer 082 355 7637
Sunday 11 March
Fresh Trails #7 15km, Fort Klapperkop Heritage Site, Rissik Drive, Groenkloof, Pretoria, 6am, Anneke van Onselen 076 812 9671
Wednesday 14 March
Botanical Series 10km & 5km March Night Trail Run, Pretoria Natioanl Botanical Gardens, 7pm, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Zwartkop Night Race 10km & 5km, Zwartkop Country Club, Old Johannesburg Road, Centurion, 6pm, [email protected]
Saturday 17 March
Budget Kolonnade 3-in-1 Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Kolonnade Shopping Centre (Entrance 3), Sefako Makgatho Drive, Montana, Pretoria, 6am, Johan Kirsten 083 324 5074
Autumn Walkies at the Pretoria Zoo 8km & 4km, Pretoria Zoo, Boom Street, 8am, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Sunday 18 March
The Tornado Trail 21km, 15km, 10km & 5km, nt’Shonalanga Valley Resort, off M26, Centurion, 7am, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Wednesday 21 March
Smuts Ultra Trail Run 50, 21km, 15km, 10km & 5km, Jan Smuts House, Jan Smuts Avenue, Centurion, 7am, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Sunnypark Right to Run/Walk Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Sunnypark Mall, cnr Steve Biko & Robert Sobukwe Streets, Sunnyside, Pretoria, 7am, James Matshekga 082 566 1595
Saturday 24 March
Denel Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Denel Irene Campus, Centurion, 6am, Corrie Fourie, 083 629 2644
Sunday 25 March
Kosmosdal 8km & 5km Fun Run, Kosmosdal Checkers Shopping Centre, cnr Rietspruit Road & Morithi Street, Kosmosdal, Centurion, 6:30am, Patrick Sokhela 073 473 5999
Big Red Barn Marathon Trail Run 42km, 21km, 15km, 8km & 5km, Big Red Barn, 7 Nelson Road, Olifantsfontein, 7am, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Wednesday 28 March
Rietvlei Night Trail 10km & 5km, Rietvlei Dam, Pretoria, 7pm, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Saturday 31 March
Lynn Ridge Mall 10km & 5km Family Day Run, Lynnridge Mall, cnr Jacobson Drive & Lynnwood Road, Pretoria East, 7am, Daan du Toit 082 572 4169

VAAL TRIANGLE
Sunday 4 March
CapeGate Vaal Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Dick Fourie Stadium, Kliprivier Drive, Three Rivers, Vereeniging, 6am, Steve Jackson 083 304 0121
Wednesday 21 March
Vaal Mall Nite Race 15km, 10km & 5km, Vaal Mall, cnr Barrage Road & Rossini Boulevard, Vanderbijlpark, 6:30pm, Malie van der Walt 082 853 9144

WESTERN CAPE

BOLAND
Saturday 3 March
Auric BMW Run the Vines #1 17km, 10km, 5km & Henties Junior 3km, Ridgeback Wines, off R44, Windmeul, North Agter Paarl, 7:45am (17) & 8am (10 & 5), Lans Pepler 082 787 2472
Alumni Veldtrap met Woorde 12km & 6km Fun Run, Coetzenberg, Stellenbosch, 7am, www.veldtrap.co.za/index.php
Swartland Half Marathon,10km & 5km CANCELLED
Sunday 4 March
Ewe Rock Trail Run 10km & 5km, Lanner House School, Klue/Pegel Streets, Worcester, 9am, Warick Middleton 082 532 0826
River-Daze Trail Run 10km & 5km, Mofam River Lodge, near Elgin, 9am & 9:15am, Just Sports 082 722 2213
Wednesday 7 March
Wagon Trail Breweries Night Run #3 10km & 5km, Anura Wine Estate, near Klapmuts, 7pm, Lans Pepler 082 787 2472
Friday 9 March
Spier 8km & 4km Night Trail Series #1, Spier Wine Farm, Baden Powell Drive (R102), near Stellenbosch, 6:45pm, Race Organiser 021 789 0188
Wednesday 14 March
Correctional Services Nite 10km & 5km, Faure Street Stadium, Paarl, 6:15pm, Albert Poole 082 961 0723
Spier 8km & 4km Night Trail Series #2, Spier Wine Farm, Baden Powell Drive (R102), near Stellenbosch, 6:45pm, Race Organiser 021 789 0188
Saturday 17 March
XTN Family Farm Fig Festival Trail Run 17km, 10km, 5km & Junior 3km, Uitkijk, off R45 north-west of Wellington, 7:15am (17), 7:45am (10), 8am (5) & 8:15am (3), Lans Pepler 082 787 2472
REMAX Huis De Kuilen Trail Run 10km & 5km, Zevenwacht Wine Estate, Langverwacht Road, Kuils River, 8am & 8:10am, Race Organiser 083 300 3023
Neethlingshof Family Fun Run 10km & 5km, Neethlingshof Wine Estate, on M12 Stellenbosch Arterial Road, Stellenbosch, 9am & 9:15am, www.runventures.co.za
Saturday 17 – Sunday 18 March
Greyt Trail Run 57km 2-day Stage Run, (28km & 29km), Greyton, 7am, www.greytrun.co.za
Sunday 18 March
Falke Harvest Trail Run 11km & 6km, Morgenhof Wine Estate, on R44 between Stellenbosch & Klapmuts, 7:15am & 7:30am, Dirtopia 021 884 4752 (w)
Greyt Trail Run 21km, 12km & 5km, Greyton, 7am, www.greytrun.co.za
Wednesday 21 March
Spier 8km & 4km Night Trail Series #3, Spier Wine Farm, Baden Powell Drive (R102), near Stellenbosch, 6:45pm, Race Organiser 021 789 0188
Saturday 24 March
Kolsvlei 10km & 5km Trail Run, Kolsvlei Farm, near Piketberg, 7:30am, http://kolsvleimtb.co.za
Saturday 31 March
Great White Trail Run 21km, 12km & 5km, Lomond Wine Estate, near Gansbaai, 8:15am, 8:45am & 9:15am, Scuttle Events 079 717 6732

SOUTH WESTERN DISTRICTS
Saturday 3 March
Die Poort Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Uniondale Showgrounds, 8am, Kosie Zondagh 082 487 7157
Saturday 10 March
Tortoise Tuff Challenge 30km, 10km & 5km PLUS Goukamma 21km Trail Run, Sedgefield Primary School, cnr Swallow & Piet My Vrou Road, Sedgefield, 6am, Erica Roper 082 804 0348
Saturday 24 March
CANSA Relay 10km, Carpe Diem School, George, 7am, Johann Du Preez 084 501 0168
Saturday 31 March
Rondevlei Traverse Trail Run 16km & 5km, Lakeside Lodge & Spa, 5.5km from Sedgefield on N2 towards George, 8:30am & 9am, Amanda 072 949 3002
Ostrich Crawl 10km Trail Run Challenge, Wesbank Primary School Camp Site, Vrede Street, Oudtshoorn, 7am, www.cycleevents.co.za

WESTERN PROVINCE
Saturday 3 March
Century City 10km Express, Central Park, Century City, 7am, Tatum Sieni 082 825 6394
Groot Constantia Trailfun 10km & 5km, Groot Constantia Wine Estate, Constantia, 7:30am & 7:45am, Japie Swanepoel 082 443 3033
Sunday 4 March
Tygerberg 30km, Parow Athletic Track, De Grendel Road, Parow North, 6am, Leon Thelander 083 999 6450
Wednesday 7 March
Crazy Store Lighthouse Nite 10km, Rocklands Beach lawns, opposite SABC Building, Beach Road, Sea Point, 7pm, Top Events 021 511 7130 (w)
Saturday 10 March
Constantia Village K-Way 15km & 5km PLUS 15km Walk, Alphen Community Centre, Constantia Main Road, 6:15am & 6:45am PLUS 6:25am, Charlotte Kettlewell 021 761 8887 (2pm-5pm)
Saturday 17 March
Laguna Mall 10km & 5km, Laguna Mall, Langebaan, 8am, Shoneen Wendzich 083 399 2651
Sunday 18 March
Kloof Nek Classic Half Marathon CANCELLED
Wednesday 21 March
Tyger Run Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Tyger Valley Centre, cnr Bill Bezuidenhout & Willie van Schoor, Belville, 6am, 6:30am & 8am, Top Events 021 511 7130 (w)
Human Rights Trailfun 13km, 8.5km, 4km & 2.5km, Capaia Wines, Botterberg Road, near Philadelphia, 8am, Japie Swanepoel 082 443 3033
The Crazy Store Superhero Charity Dash CT2 5km & 2.5km, Mouille Point Lighthouse, Beach Road, Green Point, 10am, Hayley 073 411 5575
Saturday 24 March
Ravensmead 15km & 5km PLUS 10km Walk, Florida Park, Ravensmead, 7am & 7:30am PLUS 7:15am, Sean Davids 083 643 4883
WWF Earth Hour Trail Run 10km, Kirstenbosch Gardens, 7:30pm, Wildrunner Events 021 821 9898 (w)
Sunday 25 March
SPAR Women's 10km Challenge & 5km Cape Town, Bellville Athletics Stadium, 7:30am (10), 7:45am (10W) & 8am (5), WPA Office 021 418 3232 NEW DATE – WAS 15 APRIL
Muizenburg Monster 20km, 10km & 6km, Muizenberg Promenade (near Supertube), Beach Road, Muizenberg, 6am, 7:40am & 7:50am, Energy Events 021 424 4579
Friday 30 March
Old Mutual Two Oceans 24km & 12km Trail Run, Jameson Plaza, UCT Upper Campus, 7am, Race Office 087 740 5260
Old Mutual Two Oceans Fun Runs 5.6km, 2.1km, 250m & 56m, UCT Rugby Fields, Upper Campus, 11am, Race Office 087 740 5260
Saturday 31 March
Old Mutual Two Oceans Ultra Marathon 56km & Half Marathon, Main Road, Newlands, to UCT Rugby Fields, Upper Campus, 5:50am (21) & 6:30am (56), Race Office 087 740 5260

KWAZULU-NATAL

Saturday 3 March
Konica Minolta Battlefields 4-in-1 Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Hutten Park Primary School, Rietbok Avenue, Newcastle, 6am, Andre Vosloo 083 766 5550
Sappi Howick Trail Run 20km, 10km & 5km, 11 Karkloof Road, Karkloof, Howick, Natal Midlands, 7am, 7:30am & 7:45am, Gordon Beard 071 517 4349
1st for Women Sisters With Blisters with East Coast Radio 5km Walk, Chris Saunders Park, Centenary Boulevard, Umhlanga, 8am, Race Office 011 234 7860 (w)
Sunday 11 March
Zululand District Marathon 56km, 10km & 5km, KwaGqikazi FET College, Main Gate, Nongoma, 6am, Mphathiseni Manqele 083 432 9566
Peace in Africa Half Marathon & 10km, Kings Park Athletic Stadium, Durban, 6:30am, Siviwe Benya 083 545 8006
Blythedale Trail Run 20km, 13km & 6km, Blythedale Coastal Resort, Umvoti Street, Blythedale, 7am, 7:30am & 7:45am, Lauren Booth 082 791 7069
Valley Trails Train to Trail Run 20km, 10km & 5km, Carisbrooke Siding to Korongo Valley on the R56, 6:45am (20 & 10) & 8:15am (5), Sue du Plessis 071 226 4304
Friday 16 March
CHOCH Neon 5km Night Trail Run, Giba Gorge MTB Park, Stockville Road, Pinetown, 6pm, Helen O’Brien 086 111 2182
Sunday 18 March
Deloitte Challenge Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Lifestyle Centre, Ballito (42km), Sibaya Casino, North Durban (21km) & Virginia Soccer Club (10), to Durban Beach Front Amphitheatre, 6am (42), 6:45 (21) & 7 (10), Barry Holland 083 252 0691
Wednesday 21 March
Stella Royal 25km & 10km, Stella Sports Club, Helen Joseph Road, Glenwood, Durban, 5am, Alan Gibb 063 824 8614
Saturday 24 March
Gooderson Leisure Willem Boshoff Memorial Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Gooderson Natal Spa Resort, Paulpietersburg, 6am, Sean Roberts 083 980 0202
Drakensberg Northern Trail 40km, 20km, 10km & 6km, Oliviershoek, Sterkfontein Dam, on KZN/Free State border, 6am (42), 7:30am (20) & 8am (10 & 6), Lauren Booth 082 791 7069
Route Six2Two Trail Run, Sat: 21km & 12km, Sun: 14km & 8km, Oaksprings Farm, Mooi River, 7:45am, Tyrone Thomas 079 529 3746
Sunday 25 March
Umgeni Water Marathon, 32km & 15km, Midmar Dam Resort, Howick, 6am (42 & 32) & 6:15am (15), Les Burnard 082 336 7244

FREE STATE

Saturday 3 March
Surrender Hill Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Clarens Square, Clarens, 6am, Elmarie Kruger 082 908 1844
Rose Run 32km & 10km, Emoya Estate, Frans Kleynhans Road, Bloemfontein, 6am, Morne Burger 082 688 4226
Wednesday 7 March
Wild Olive Estate 7km Night Trail Run Series #2, Wild Olive Estate, Bloemfontein, 6pm, www.pureadventures.co.za
Saturday 10 March
ANCO Aldam Louis Massyn Ultra Marathon 50km, Marathon, 32km, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Aldam Estate, Allemanskraal Dam, Ventersburg, 6am (50, 42 & 32) & 7am (21, 10 & 5), Phillip McLaren 082 452 4569
Saturday 10 – Sunday 11 March
GI Joe Cobra Clash Trail Run 10km, (Run on both days), Tikwe River Lodge, Virginia, Free State, 8am, GI Joe Office 082 962 6565
Sunday 11 March
ANCO Aldam Louis Massyn 10km & 5km Trail Run, Aldam Estate, Allemanskraal Dam, Ventersburg, 7am, Phillip McLaren 082 452 4569
Friday 16 March
Sedibeng Water Night 15km, Sedibeng Water, 6pm, Melanie de Bruyn 073 183 3487
Thursday 22 March
3 Mountains Trail Festival 6km Night Trail, Clocolan Showgrounds, 6:10pm, Race Organiser 082 442 4988
Friday 23 March
3 Mountains Trail Festival Trail Run, Wildlife Trail, near Clocolan, 7:30am, Race Organiser 082 442 4988
Saturday 24 March
Old Mutual AC 10km & 5km, Naval Hill, Bloemfontein, 6am, Segametsi Thai 072 218 4212
Mwelase Butchery Lifestyle 15km, HTS Welkom, 7am, Sam Ditshoane 076 579 1442
3 Mountains Trail Festival Trail Run, Waterfall, near Clocolan, 7:30am, Race Organiser 082 442 4988
Sunday 25 March
3 Mountains Trail Festival Trail Run, Cave Trail to Clocolan Showgrounds, 7:30am, Race Organiser 082 442 4988
Saturday 31 – Sunday 1 April
Clarens Cosmos Challenge 2-day Stage Trail Run, (Stage 1: 24km & 18km, Stage 2: 17km), Bokpoort Farm, Clarens, 6:30am, Ruan Botes 063 686 7315
Sunday 1 April
Lush Half Marathon, 10km & 5km Trail Run, Linwood Farm, Clarens, 8am, Damon Forbes 083 230 4007

EASTERN CAPE

BORDER
Saturday 3 March
Kempston Ladies' 10km & 5km, Oxford Striders Club, Schultz Road, Nahoon, 5pm, Dillon Pretorius 073 799 6075
Saturday 10 March
Cabbage Patch 15km & 5km, Komga Showgrounds, 2:30pm, Bradley Malherbe 073 755 3012
Cancer Relay, Jan Smuts Stadium, Graham Road, Arcadia, East London, 5:30pm, Le-Anne Hempel 043 727 0120
Sunday 11 March
Gandhi Walk 5km, Oxford Striders, Beach Road, Nahoon, 9am, Stan Barbour 083 608 4353
Friday 16 March
Rotary 5km Charity Fun Run, Gonubie Sports Club, 6:30pm, Jayne Reeves 072 834 3789
Saturday 17 March
Buffalo Runners 10km & 5km, Health Avenue Gym to Lovedale FET College Grounds, Kingwilliamstown, 6am & 6:15am, Zakes Mndela 083 324 6871
Madeira Mountain Challenge 24km & 16km, Queenstown Harriers Clubhouse, Frost Street, 6am, Theo Ferreira 082 873 4597
Nedbank Half Marathon & 10km, East London, Details TBC
Wednesday 21 March
Human Rights Day 10km & 5km, Gompo Stadium, Bhengu Street, Gompo, East London, 7am, Alex Kambule 074 139 0550
Thursday 22 – Sunday 25 March
Transkei-Pondo Drifter 3-day Trail Run, (17km, 20km, 26km & 9km, with rest day 3), Drifter Adventure Camps, Pondoland, Transkei, 8am, Trisport 083 662 2022
Saturday 24 March
Mercedes Benz 15km, Westbank, 7am, Luvuyo Mgoduka 083 538 9929
Monday 26 – Thursday 29 March
Transkei-Pondo Drifter 4-day Trail Run North, (18km, 26km & 27km, with rest day 3), Drifters Adventure Camp, Mbotyi River Lodge, Pondoland, Transkei, 8am, Trisport 083 662 2022
Saturday 31 March
East London Pet Pals Dog Walk, Buccaneers, East London, 9am, Michelle Reed 083 800 5002

EASTERN PROVINCE
Friday 2 – Saturday 3 March
Addo Elephant Trail Run 100 Miler, 76km, 44km & 5km, (Fri: 100 Miler @ 2pm; Sat: 76km @ 5:30am, 44km @ 6:30am & 5km @9am), various starting points in Addo Elephant National Park, Kirkwood, all finishing at Zuurberg Mountian Village, Sheena O’Keeffe 072 293 4974
Saturday 3 March
Uitenhage Human Race 30km, 10km & 5km, Rosedale Sports Grounds, Seagull Crescent, Uitenhage, 6am, 7am & 7:30am, Michael Mbambani 079 149 6796
Saturday 10 March
Sportsman Warehouse 15km & 5km, William Moffet Centre, Port Elizabeth, 6:30am, Basil McLean 082 457 1949
Saturday 17 March
Lake Farm Charity Run 15km, 10km & 5km, Lake Farm Centre, Chelsea, Port Elizabeth, 7am, Graham Channon 078 184 9723
Saturday 24 March
Correctional Services 10km Classic & 5km, St Albans Farmers Market, 6:30am, Marius Ferreira 083 305 5141

FAR NORTH

LIMPOPO
Saturday 3 March
Marakele Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Marakele Nature Reserve, Thabazimbi, 6am, Maryke Carstens 084 416 3584
ATKV Relay, T Junction Eiland Road Letsitele, Time TBC, Rene Coetzee 083 254 6532
Saturday 10 March
Tzaneen Tuffy 4-in-1 Marathon, Half Marathon, 12km & 5km, The Coach House Hotel & Spa, Tzaneen, 6am, Paul Zaayman 083 460 4204
Wednesday 28 March
Polokwane Night Trail Series #3 10km & 5km, Polokwane Golf Club, Voortrekker Street, Polokwane, 7pm, Contact TBC
Saturday 31 March
Tonteldoos Cosmos Crusade Trail Run 18km, 11km & 6km, Bush Boys Adventure Farm, north-west of Tonteldoos, 8am, 8:05am & 8:10am, Supertramp Events 082 424 9177

MPUMALANGA
Saturday 3 March
Uniwisp Fast 3-in-1 Marathon, Half Marathon & 10km, Sabie/Lydenburg Road, to Mbombela Stadium, Bafana Road, Mataffin, Nelspruit/Mbombela, 6am, Yolanda Steenkamp 084 607 6314
Buffalo Gorge Trail Series 18km, 10km, 6.5km & 2.5km, Buffalo Gorge Eco Adventure Centre, Buffelskloof Farm, Middelburg, 7:30am, Ryk Diepraam 083 528 9586
Wednesday 7 March
Eskom Spur Night 10km & 4.9km, Misty Creek Spur, Paul Sauer Street, Benfleur, Amalahleni, 7pm, Paul Bester 082 966 7767
Saturday 10 March
PWC Kosmos 3-in-1 Marathon, Half Marathon & 10km, Lake Umuzi Waterfront, Kiewiet Street, Secunda, 6am, 1pm & 5pm, Race Office 076 285 8581
Highland Gate Trail Run 17km, 11km & 6km, Highland Gate Golf & Trout Estate, Dullstroom, 7:30am, 7:40am & 7:50am, Debbie Agenbag 083 294 5260
Wednesday 14 March
Coaldust Nite 10km & 5km, Elkana Educational Centre, 2 Aasvoël Street, Reyno Ridge, Emalahleni, 7pm, Abie Smit 072 573 2501
Saturday 17 March
Bateleur Estate Memorial Half Marathon, 10km & 4km, Bateleur Estate, The Rest Road, Mbombela, 6:30am, Beth 079 881 3582
Wednesday 21 March
Standerton Goldi 4-in-1 Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Standerton Show Grounds, Standerton, 6am, Heidi van der Merwe 072 391 0722
Saturday 24 March
Elkana Pay Per Kay 12-hour Circuit Race, Elkana Educational Centre, 2 Aasvoel Street, Reyno Ridge, Witbank/eMalaheni, 6am, Abie Smit 072 573 2501
Lydenburg Heritage 10km Trail Run, Gustav Klingbiel Nature Reserve, Lydenburg, 8:15am, Sandy Korb 083 799 4458
Great East 3-in-1 Race Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km CANCELLED
Saturday 31 March
Lifemap Easter Run 10km & 4.9km, University of Mpumalanga, Siyabuswa, 6:30am, Rinnie Tlometsane 076 925 2896

NORTH WEST

CENTRAL NORTH WEST
Sunday 11 March
Carletonville Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Carletonville Sport Complex, Paul Kruger Street, Carletonville, 7am, Musa Zulu 078 229 0522

NORTH WEST NORTH
Saturday 17 March
Old Mutual Om-Die-Dam Ultra 50km, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Hartbeespoort Holiday Resort, Old Rustenburg Road, Hartbeespoort, Brits, 6am, Jaco Venter 083 222 9448

NORTHERN CAPE

GRIQUALAND WEST
Saturday 3 March
Diamond Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Kimberley Running Club, Moore Road, Kimberley, 6am, David Janse van Vuuren 083 443 8198
Saturday 10 March
RWFL Lion Roars 12km & 5km Trail Run #1, Marrick Safari Game Lodge, 12km outside Kimberley on the Douglas Road, 7am, Willem Uys 071 070 8574
Saturday 17 March
Ou Brug 15km & 5km Trail Run, Hope Town, 7am, Stephanie Schutte 082 390 8154

NORTH WEST CAPE
Saturday 3 March
John Nugent Memorial Half Marathon & 10km, Desert Palace Hotel & Casino, Olifantshoek Road, Upington, 6am, Carel Burger 082 622 7109

NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES

LESOTHO
Saturday 10 – Sunday 11 March
The 3222 Stage Trail Run, (25km & 15km or 10km & 6km), Afriski, Time TBC, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552

NAMIBIA
Friday 2 – Saturday 3 March
Dusk & Dawn Stage Trail Run, (16km & 26km, 8km & 16km or 4km & 8km), Farm Windhoek Trails, Otjivero Str, Kleine Kuppe, near Windhoek, Fri: 6pm & Sat: 8am, [email protected]
Wednesday 21 March
ORC Independence Run 27km, 13.5km & 2×13.5km Relay, Okahandja Country Lodge, 6:30am, Peter-Jac De Klerk +264 (0)81 296 5128

ORIENTEERING
Monday 5 March
Gauteng Schools League #5, Golden Harvest, Midrand, Karen Chambers 083 474-9463
Sunday 11 March
Gauteng Urban Sprint #4, The Coves, Hartbeespoort, North West, ROC: Ian Bratt 082 887 6611
Monday 12 March
Gauteng Schools League #6, Johannesburg Zoo, Karen Chambers 083 474-9463
Sunday 25 March
Gauteng Relay Event, St Stithians, Johannesburg, RACO: Paul Wimberley 011 787 1317 (h)

MULTISPORT

Sunday 4 March
MiWay Durban ULTRA Triathlon, Ultra 1.9km/90km/21km run & Sprint 600m/20km/5km run, Sunkist Beach People’s Park, Snell Parade, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, 7am (Sprint) & 7:30am (ultra), B-Active Sports 031 764 1885 (W)
Cowhouse Cross Duathlon #1, Bull 10km/30km/2km, Steer 5km/15km/2km, Heifer 2km/5km/500m & Calf 250m/500m/100m, Cowhouse Market, Ridge Road, Pretoria East, Gauteng, 7am, Go Sport Events 082 453 0096
aQuelle Epworth Mudman, Full: 700m swim or 2.5km paddle/20km MTB/5km trail run & Half: 350m swim or 1.25km paddle/10km MTB/2.5km trail run, Albert Falls Dam, Msinzi, KwaZulu-Natal, 9:15am & 9:45am, www.roag.co.za
Monday 2 April
Easter Festival MTB Duathlon, 40km/10km & 20km/5km, Rietvlei Zoo Farm Johannesburg South, Gauteng, 7am, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Saturday 17 March
SA Triathlon Champs Day 1, Super Sprint 400m/10km/2.5km (wave starts from 12pm) & Sprint 750m/20km/5km (wave starts 1:30pm to 1:52pm), Maselspoort, Bloemfontein, Free State, Christa Roestoff 073 718 5427
Sunday 18 March
SA Triathlon Champs Day 2, Standard 1.5km/40km/10km (Age Group 8:45am, African Cup Elite 12pm), Maselspoort, Bloemfontein, Free State, Christa Roestoff 073 718 5427
aQuelle Cordwalles Mudman, Full: 700m swim or 2.5km paddle/20km MTB/5km trail run & Half: 350m swim or 1.25km paddle/10km MTB/2.5km trail run, Orient Park, Midmar, KwaZulu-Natal, 8am & 9am, Elize Nel 083 310 6617
The Wik Offroad Triathlon, 1km/24km/10km & 500m/15km/5km, Stanford Lake College, Limpopo, 8am, Cycle Events 087 820 4210

OBSTACLE RACING
Saturday 3 March
The Beast Challenge #14, Savage Beast 12km (50 obstacles), Wild Beast 8km (32) & Tame Beast 5km (22), The Wedge 4×4 trail, Beyers Naude Drive, Muldersdrift, Gauteng, From 8am, Race Office 012 667 2074 (w)
Runstacles 4km, Cape Town Ostrich Ranch, Van Schoorsdrif Road, off N7, Philadelphia, Western Cape, 8:30am, The Grind HQ 021 813 9282 (w)
Sunday 4 March
Jump City Urban Challenge 10km, Constitution Hill to Mad Giant, 1 Fox Street, Johannesburg, Gauteng, 6:30am, Race Organiser 011 022 0427 (W)
Friday 9 March
Waterra Night Race #1 5km, Pieter Booysen UKZN Sports Grounds, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, 6:30pm, www.waterra.co.za
Saturday 10 March
Runstacles 4km, Cape Town Ostrich Ranch, Van Schoorsdrif Road, off N7, Philadelphia, Western Cape, 8:30am, The Grind HQ 021 813 9282 (w)
Saturday 10 – Sunday 11 March
GI Joe Cobra Clash 12km & 6km, Tikwe River Lodge, Virginia, Free State, 8am, GI Joe Office 082 962 6565
Sunday 11 March
Muddy Princess Joburg South 5km, (women only), Rietvlei Zoo Farm, 101 Swartkoppies Road, Johannesburg, Gauteng, 8am, [email protected]
Saturday 17 March
Runstacles 4km, Cape Town Ostrich Ranch, Van Schoorsdrif Road, off N7, Philadelphia, Western Cape, 8:30am, The Grind HQ 021 813 9282 (w)
Gajiga Run 5km #3, (Inflatable obstacles), Bakgat Fees, Middelburg, 8am, More info: www.gajiga.co.za
Saturday 17 – Sunday 18 March
Toyota Warrior #3, Black Ops 15km, Commando 10km & Rookie 5km PLUS Brats 500m, Tierpoort Adventure Farm, Preotira East, Gauteng, Various start times, Race Organiser 086 199 0001
Saturday 24 March
Muddy Princess Nelspruit 5km, (women only), Kwanyoni Lodge, Alkmaar N4, near Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, 8am, [email protected]
Runstacles 4km, Cape Town Ostrich Ranch, Van Schoorsdrif Road, off N7, Philadelphia, Western Cape, 8:30am, The Grind HQ 021 813 9282 (w)
Saturday 31 March
Runstacles 4km, Cape Town Ostrich Ranch, Van Schoorsdrif Road, off N7, Philadelphia, Western Cape, 8:30am, The Grind HQ 021 813 9282 (w)

ADVENTURE RACING

Saturday 3 – Sunday 4 March
Expedition Africa Full Moon Adventure 120km, Swaziland, Time TBC, Heidi Muller 082 564 6468
Sunday 18 March
Kinetic Adventure 25km, Avianto, Muldersdrift, Gauteng, Time TBC, Heidi Muller 082 564 6468

TRACK AND FIELD

Teaching your body and mind to go through the pain barrier is part of the secret to running success, if you are chasing faster times. – BY RAY ORCHISON, REGISTERED COACH

A few years back I entered and trained for my first international marathon and felt confident that I could run a 2:48 PB. Unfortunately, after five days of doing the tourist thing, I lined up at the start with extremely fatigued calves, but I still set out at my initially planned race pace. Everything felt surprisingly good… until the 8km mark, when the fatigue caused by exercise I was not used to resulted in me tearing my soleus muscle.

At first I thought it was just a spasm, but after two stops to try and massage the spasm out, I began to wonder how I would get back to the start without any cash and surrounded by people who spoke only German. At that point I decided that I had not done all the training and flown halfway across the world to quit, so I pushed the pain out of my mind and eventually finished in 2:57. However, the instant I finished, my body and mind were flooded with unbearable pain, making it near impossible for me to walk!

All in the Mind
I learnt an invaluable lesson during that marathon: We can endure far more pain then we think – and I’m not talking about doing stupid things like pushing through a marathon with a torn soleus, I’m talking about that familiar pain when we are pushing our own personal boundaries. Athletes who want that PB badly enough and are willing to push themselves through the pain of lactic acid and other metabolic waste build-up, are the ones who will ultimately achieve that PB.

Tim Noakes refers to the ‘Central Governor’ in our brain, which keeps an eye on all the systems and functions of the body and protects us from physically harming ourselves, using a built-in early warning system to stop us long before we reach our breaking point. Signals of pain are sent to the brain to slow us down or stop us, so that our bodies can return to what I call the comfort zone… but there are unfortunately no PB’s to be found in the comfort zone. Therefore, in order to achieve our best, we have to go beyond the comfort zone in progressive, planned training, because the human body has an amazing capacity to adapt to gradual increases in physiological stress, which teaches both the mind and body to handle pain.

However, I do not believe that teaching your body and mind to deal with pain requires only hard, muscle-breaking workouts. The sessions that have had the biggest impact in my own training are the ones I’ve stuck to as planned. Just getting through a hard session after a long hard day, when I’ve just wanted to collapse on the couch in front of the TV, has gone a long way to help me push through moments of doubt and hurt when that PB is slipping from my grasp.

Image: Fotolia

Trail runner and blogger Fareed Behardien use his Leave The Couch blogs and Leave The Couch Together Trail Runs to inspire people to get up and let that bum-print on the couch fill back up, and help them to develop a new love of nature and adventure. – BY PJ MOSES

Fareed Behardien is an adventurous soul who loves playing outside. His blogs about his trail escapades won him the coveted SA Blogger of the Year Award in 2016, and he followed this up by also making a splash in the world of film, when his collaboration with young filmmaker Ziyaad Solomon, to produce the short film Mowbray to Mowbray Ridge, won the Cape Union Mart Adventure Video Contest in the same year.

Things were falling into place, but life often tests us when we least expect it, and so 2017 proved a tough year for Fareed on a personal level. He says he lost some of his mojo as a result, but hitting the trails got him back on track. “The mountain helped put everything into perspective for me. I’ve learned many lessons from running trails and exploring life outside, and that helped me through a very difficult year. I kept telling myself, no matter how tough life seems in the dark moments, I will get through it. This is what all runners learn, especially trail runners, and can use in their daily lives.”

RUNNING DISCOVERED
Fareed wasn’t always the get-up-and-go outside type, admitting to being more of a ‘mathlete’ than athlete at school. He ran cross country for fun and played rugby, but never really had the skill or the desire to push for a first team place. He did enough just to be active and enjoy the vibe around the team. “I then went to UCT and gymmed to stay in shape, but it was more a matter of bicep curls to interest the girls,” he jokes. After varsity he left Cape Town for Johannesburg to focus on his career, and there he started playing rugby again, supplementing his rugby training with some running. This was not easy for a 100kg man, though, and during his first attempt at a 10km race he says he “hit the wall spectacularly” at the 6km mark, but still managed to finish after a long 4km walk!

Coming back to Cape Town was the spark his new active lifestyle needed, and with the help of friends and family he discovered a newfound love of being outside. He left the couch behind for good, braving his first trail race in 2014 at the Mont Rochelle race in Franschhoek. That 8km race proved to be a life-altering event for him. “The mountain doesn’t lie, it shows you the truth of who you are. I thought I was finally fit again, until I did that trail race. It humbled me, but inspired and motivated me at the same time.”

Fareed’s daughter Rahma also helps to keep him grounded and focused on what is good in his life. She loves the mountain as much as her Daddy and often joins him on hikes in Newlands Forest, where she jumps over rocks and goes full tilt downhill. “When I was 10 years old a family friend introduced us to the mountain by organising hikes, and now when I’m running and exploring the mountain trails, I think back with a grateful heart to the memory of Uncle Kevin. We really are the sum of our experiences and of the people we meet. I want Rahma to keep enjoying the trails and live as free as possible. I want that for everybody. My life has improved since I started trail running, and I enjoy seeing people from different walks of life going out there and enjoying similar experiences.”

NEW MOUNTAINS TO CLIMB
Even though Fareed has successfully completed quite a few trail ultras over the last few years, with two Ultra Trail Cape Town and two Bat Run finishes under his belt, this year he has his eyes on a still more goals. “I have decided to finally take on my first road ultra at Two Oceans, even though it is so far out of my comfort zone that I really have no idea what to expect. I have never spent that long on the road before. I think the vibe is something I am most looking forward to, the long tar uphills not so much.”

“I’ve learnt to accept the struggle as part of the journey and that you must embrace the struggle to enjoy the stoke. Trail is not just the great leveler, but also a fantastic teacher, and it shows you that even though it may be tough sometimes, you have it inside of you to get through it. I don’t think you can be arrogant as a trail runner, unless you are a fool. The mountain can be a dangerous place and you need to respect it. As Ryan Sandes says, you never conquer a mountain, it just allows you to stand on it, and this helps me to remember how blessed I am to live this wonderful life.”

You can read Fareed’s blogs at http://leavethecouch.com

Images: Courtesy Fareed Berhadien

Welcome to SA’s biggest and most complete running and walking race calendar, containing all road and trail runs, as well as other running-related disciplines. Just remember to always check with the organisers before driving to an event, as some details may have changed since going to print. – COMPILED BY SEAN FALCONER with TOM COTTRELL

GAUTENG

CENTRAL GAUTENG
Friday 2 February
Duck Night Run 10km & 5km, Kyalami Golf Club, Spur Road, Midrand, 7pm, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Sunday 4 February
Modern Athlete Bobbies Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Greenstone Shopping Centre, Edenvale, 6am, Lt. Col Hein Gerber 079 525 0302
Wednesday 7 February
McCarthy VW Roodepoort Nite 15km & 5km, Khosa Sports Club, cnr Shannon Road & Frederick Cooper Drive, Monument, Krugersdorp, 7pm, Shaun Ulyate 083 274 2995
Kinetic Night Trail 8km & 4km, Randpark Golf Club, Setperk Street, Randpark, 7:30pm & 7:40pm, Heidi Muller 082 564 6468
Friday 9 February
Serengeti Night Run 15km, 10km & 5km, Serengeti Golf & Wildlife Estate, off R21 & R25, Kempton Park, 7pm, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Sunday 11 February
Pick n Pay Marathon, Half Marathon, 8km & 4km, Saheti School, Civin Drive, Senderwood, 6am, Bruce King 082 808 4301
Friday 16 February
Randburg Harriers Valentine’s Nite 10km, Randburg Central Sports Complex, cnr Republic Road & Malibongwe Avenue, Randburg, 7pm, Liesel 083 687 6543
Sunday 18 February
Pirates Half Marathon, Pirates Club, cnr Cruden Bay & Braeside Road, Greenside, 6am, Hennie Booysen 082 801 0924
Sunday 25 February
Township Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km & 4.5km, Eldorado Park Stadium, Cumming Road, Eldorado Park, 6am (42, 21 & 10) & 6:30am (4), Joe Morris 082 443 3777

GAUTENG NORTH
Saturday 3 February
Bidvest McCarthy Toyota Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Rietondale Park, Pretoria, 6am, 6:20am & 6:25am, Hank Bezuidenhout 083 256 0241
TAF Trail Run 15km, 10km & 5km, Tierpoort Adventure Farm, Rooikat Street, Tierpoort, east of Pretoria, 7am, 7:30am & 8am, [email protected]
Sunday 4 February
The White Lion Trail Run 15km, 10km & 5km, The Farm Inn, Silverlakes Road, Silverlakes, Pretoria, 7am, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Wednesday 7 February
The Farm Inn 10km & 5km Night Trail Run, The Farm Inn, Silverlakes Road, Silverlakes, Pretoria, 7pm, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Sunday 11 February
Bronkhorstspruit 32km, 10km & 4km, Erasmus High School, Cathie Street, Bronkhorstspruit, 6am, 6:15am & 6:30am, Danie Kruger 082 827 0068
Wednesday 14 February
My SPAR Lantern Night 10km & 5km, Agricultural Research Council Irene Campus, 600m from Nellmapius Entrance, Irene, 7pm, Race Organiser 082 951 2581
Tortoise & Hare Night Trail Run 8km & 5km, The Big Red Barn, 7 Nelson Road, Olifantsfontein, Pretoria North, 7pm, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Saturday 17 February
Bestmed Tuks Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km, 5km & 1km, University Of Pretoria Sports Campus, South Street, Hatfield, Pretoria, 5:30am, 6am, 6:30am, 6:40am & 8am Jet Moses 072 259 4282
Sunday 18 February
The Leopard Trail Run 30km, 15km & 5km, Its-Anners Guest House, Leeuwgedacht Conservancy, Welgedacht, Dinokeng, North Pretoria, 6:30am (30) & 7am (15 & 5), Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Wednesday 21 February
Zwartkop Night Race #4 10km & 5km, Zwartkops Country Club, Old Johannesburg Road, Centurion, 6pm, [email protected]
Sunday 25 February
Deloitte Pretoria Marathon, Half Marathon & 10km, PHSOB Club, Hofmeyr Park, cnr Kings Highway & Queens Crescent, Lynwood, Pretoria, 6am (42 & 21) & 6:15am (10), Rory 072 023 1177
Hedianga Beast Trail Run 15km, 10km & 5km, Hedianga Farm, Achilles Way, Pretoria East, 7am, 7:15am & 7:30am, Debbie Agenbag 083 294 5260
The Barn Family Day 30km, 15km, 8km & 5km Trail Run, The Big Red Barn, 7 Nelson Road, Olifantsfontein, Pretoria North, 7am, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Wednesday 28 February
Jackal Night Run 10km & 5km, Copperleaf Golf & Leisure Club, Ernie Els Boulevard, Centurion, 7pm, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552

VAAL TRIANGLE
Wednesday 7 February
Palms Valentine's 15km, 10km & 5km, Palms Centre, Louis Trichardt Boulevard, Vanderbijlpark, 6:30pm, Salome Naude 083 635 8573
Saturday 17 February
Gijima for CANSA 10km & 5km, Old Vaaltonians Sports Club, Abraham Kriel Street, Vanderbijlpark, 7am, Lorraine Patrick 083-3040860

WESTERN CAPE

BOLAND
Saturday 10 February
27 For Freedom 27km, 10km & 5km, Drakenstein Correctional Facility, on R301 between Paarl & Franschhoek, 6:30am, 7am & 9am, Top Events 021 511 7130 (W)
Friday 9 February
Spier Twilight Trail Run 10km & 5km, Spier Estate, on R310 near Stellenbosch, 6pm & 6:05pm, Ugene Nel 082 658 3078
Saturday 10 February
Hope for Mia Cara Trail Run 10km & 5km, Simonsig Wine Farm, Kromme Rhee Pad, 7:30am & 7:45am, Justsports 082 722 2213
Saturday 10 – Sunday 11 February
Fairtree Simonsberg Contour 2-Day Trail Run, (Day 1: 25km & 15km, Day 2: 25km, 15km & 7km), Dirtopia Centre, Delvera Farm, on R44 between Stellenbosch and Klapmuts, Sat: 7am & 7:15am, Sun: 7:15am, 7:30am & 7:45am, Dirtopia Events 021 884 4752 (w)
Wednesday 14 February
Mountain Mill Valentine's Night 10km & 5km, Mountain Mill Shopping Centre, Worcester, 6:15pm & 6:20pm, Henrico Hunter 073 724 3983
Friday 16 – Sunday 18 February
Tankwa 3-Day Trail Run CANCELLED
Wednesday 21 February
Gino's Nite 10km & 5km, Coetzenberg Sport Grounds, Stellenbosch, 6pm, Athletics Office 021 808 4684 (w)
Saturday 24 February
Fedhealth XTERRA Trail Run 12.5km & 6km, Grabouw Country Club, Eikenhof Dam, Grabouw, 7am, Stillwater Events 082 991 0045
Sunday 25 February
Spur Elgin Valley XL 25.5km & Spur Cape Summer Trail Series #4 15.7km & 7.3km, Oak Valley Estate, Elgin-Grabouw, 6:30am, 7:30am & 7:51am, Wildrunner Events 021 821 9898 (w)
French Flair Trail Run 11km & 6km, L'Avenir Farm, on R44 between Stellenbosch and Klapmuts, 7:15am & 7:30am, Dirtopia Events 021 884 4752 (w)

SOUTH WESTERN DISTRICTS
Friday 2 February
Hope Church Night 10km, 5km & 3km Trail Run, Botanical Gardens, Caledon Street, George, 6:30pm, Race Organiser 082 549 4272
Saturday 3 February
De Dekke Spar Marathon, 10km & 4km, De Dekke Spar, Great Brak River, 5:30am, 6am & 6:15am, Ernest Viviers 079 521 0713
Saturday 10 February
Beaufort West Municipality Half Marathon, Venue TBA, 7am, Jan Viljoen 083 276 4561
Thursday 22 February
Klein Karoo Business Relay, Oudtshoorn, 6pm, Dave van der Walt 082 773 4901
Friday 23 February
Cango 5km Fun Run & Night Trail Run 9.6km, Military Sport Clubhouse, Oudtshoorn Military Base, 6pm & 8pm, Richard Hughes 082 563 4573
Saturday 24 February
Cango Marathon & Half Marathon, Cango Caves (42) and Advanced Training Wing, Park Road, Oudtshoorn Military Base (21) to Oudtshoorn Military Base Sport Grounds, 6am, Richard Hughes 082 563 4573
Saturday 24 – Sunday 25 February
PAWS Trail Run, (10km & 5km each day, with dogs on leads), Gourikwa Nature Reserve, 15 Buffelshoek, Gouritsmond, 7:30am, Janine Swart 083 662 2022

WESTERN PROVINCE
Saturday 3 February
Spartan Harriers Firgrove Challenge Half Marathon, 10km & 6km PLUS Philip Rabinowitz 10km Walk, Cape Academy for Mathematics, Science & Technology, cnr Firgrove Way & Spaanschemat Road, Constantia, 5:45am, 5:50am & 7am PLUS 6:10am, Michael Adams 083 296 5953
Sunday 4 February
Lace up for Cancer Walk 10km & 5km, Castle of Good Hope, Cape Town, 7am, Shaun 082 066 3353
Wednesday 7 February
Sanlam 10km & 5km, Sanlam Head Office, Voortrekker Road, Bellville, 6pm, Robert Keynel 082 474 0399
Spur Cape Summer Trail Series #3 11.9km & 7.5km, Meerendal Wine Estate, off M48 Vissershok Road, Durbanville, 7:30pm & 7:51pm, Wildrunner Events 021 821 9898 (w)
Saturday 10 February
TopForm 10km & 5km PLUS 10km Walk, Turfhall Softball Park, Off Jan Smuts Avenue, Athlone, 6:30am & 7am PLUS 6:40am, Alistair Kannemeyer 083 403 3145
Saturday 17 February
WPA Interclubs & Race Walking Grand Prix 1 20km, 10km, 5km, 3km & 1km, Youngsfield Military Base, Wetton, 7am (20), 8am (10) & 10am (rest), Stefano Kruger 076 948 8483
Sunday 18 February
Cape Peninsula Marathon & Half Marathon, Main Road, Green Point (42) & Bergvliet Sports Club, Children’s Way (21) to Simon’s Town Naval Base, 5:15am & 7am, Hilton Kearns 082 475 6974
Wednesday 21 February
Sunset Time Trial 4x3km Team Relay, Green Point Cricket Club, Green Point, 6:15pm, Gert Wilkins 073 308 3127
Saturday 24 February
Old Mutual 10km & 5.6km, Old Mutual Sports Grounds, Jan Smuts Drive, Pinelands, 6am, Ismail Ahmed 082 453 8314
Sunday 25 February
ABAX Investments Milkwood Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Soetwater Recreation Area, Lighthouse Road, Kommetjie, 6:30am, 7:10am & 7:30am, Richard Sutton 082 643 6186
Sunshine D – Polar Ice Cream 10km Big Walk, Green Point Track, Fritz Sonnenberg Road, 7:30am, Race Office 021 637 1607 (w)

KWAZULU-NATAL
Sunday 4 February
DG Panel & Paint Challenge 32km & 16km, Barnes Road Grounds, Capel Road, Sydenham, 5am, Anita Johannes 084 254 2468
Valley View Trail 20km, 12km & 5km, Valley View Farm, at Josephine Bridge, Umkomaas Valley (on R56 between Richmond & Ixopo), 7am, 7:30am & 7:45am, Lauren Booth 082 791 7069
Sunday 11 February
NOSA Hillcrest Marathon & Half Marathon, Cnr Hospital Road/Old Main Road, to Hillcrest Villagers Club, 5 Crooked Lane, Hillcrest, 5am, Peter Burton 083 798 3132
Nongoma Mayoral Race 28km, 10km & 5km, KwaGqikazi FET College Main Gate, Nongoma, 7am, Mphathiseni Manquele 083 432 9566
Hilton College 22km, 12km & 7km, Ducasse Pool, Hilton College School, Hilton, 7am, 7:30am & 7:45am, Lauren Booth 082 791 7069
Saturday 17 February
Emtshezi 10km, Venue TBA, 6am, Clement Sithole 082 877 4890
Sunday 18 February
Zabalaza Half Marathon & 10km, Cato Ridge Country Club, 6am, Bongani Ndlovu 073 225 4146
Friday 23 – Sunday 25 February
Old Mutual 3 Cranes Challenge 3-Day Trail Run, (32, 42 & 25km), Bushwillow Camp, Karkloof Valley, near Howick, 6am, Race Organiser 083 387 3939
Saturday 24 February
Witness Medihelp Maritzburg City Trail Run 16km & 7km, Golden Horse Casino, Pietermaritzburg, 7:30am, John Hall 082 491 7679
Witness Medihelp Maritzburg City Marafun 4.2km, 2.1km & Kiddies/Toddler runs, Gold Circle Scottsville Race Course, New England Road, Pietermaritzburg, 2pm, John Hall 082 491 7679
Sunday 25 February
Witness Medihelp Maritzburg City Marathon, Half marathon & 10km, Golden Horse Casino, Pietermaritzburg, 5:30am (42 & 21) & 9am (10), John Hall 082 491 7679
Harry Gwala District Marthon, Half Marathon & 10km, Ibisi Police Station, Umzimkhulu, 6am, Themba Gumede 072 948 8779

FREE STATE
Saturday 3 February
Sasol Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km & 4.9km, DP de Villiers Stadium, HF Verwoerd Street, Sasolburg, 6am (42, 21 & 10) & 6:30am (4.9), Race office 078 501 7638
Friday 9 February
Harmony Striders Virginia Valentine Nite 10km & 4km, Welkom Square, Long Road, Welkom, 6:30pm, Deon Lodder 082 921 3330
Saturday 10 February
Kloppers Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Bloemfontein Achilles Sports Centre, Att Horak Avenue, Bloemfontein, 5:30am, Beverley Olivier 071 895 3183
Wednesday 14 February
Valentine's Fun Race 5km, UFS X-Country Track, Bloemfontein, 6pm, Rufus Botha 072 629 1546
Saturday 16 February
Business Relay 4x4km, UFS X-Country Track, Bloemfontein, Time TBA, Arina Engelbrecht 083 644 9980
Saturday 17 February
Reitz Bielie Mielie Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Rejandaz Lodge, Reitz, 6am, Kierie van Zyl 078 120 7677
Friday 23 February
Dare Devil Run Bloemfontein 5km, Venue TBC, 5:30pm, Sydney London 072 258 6902
Saturday 24 February
SWASAP Ultra Marathon 52, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Bloemfontein Achilles Sports Centre, Att Horak Avenue, Bloemfontein, 5:30am (52), 6am (21), 6:30am (10) & 7am (5), Beverley Olivier 071 895 3183

EASTERN CAPE

BORDER
Saturday 3 February
BUCO Tomato Trot 15km & 5km, Lilyfontein Primary School, East London, 3:30pm & 4pm, Caroline Kruger 084 460 6454
Saturday 10 February
Down Syndrome 5Km Fun Run, Venue & Time TBA, Zane Deere 043 743 3733
Sunday 11 February
Caltex Border Masters Half Marathon, Near Winterstrand Road, via R72, to Buffalo Club, Buffalo Park Drive, East London, 6am, Sandy Mountfort 082 376 5755
Thursday 15 – Saturday 17 February
RB Africa Wild Coast Challenge, (110km over three days), Mazeppa Bay Hotel to Nahoon Beach, East London, 8am, Dominique 043 735 2165 (w)
Sunday 18 February
Buffalo Marathon & Half Marathon, N6 about 3km from Macleantown on Stutterheim side, to Buffalo Club, Buffalo Park Drive, East London (21km starts at halfway mark of 42km route, near Python Park), 5:30am & 6am, 081 487 4984
Saturday 24 February
Discovery Surfers' Challenge 17.5km & 5km PLUS 10km Walk, Kwelera River at Yellow Sands, 21km from East London, to Nahoon Beach, 2pm (run) & 2:40pm (walk), Neville Wilkins 082 413 1150

EASTERN PROVINCE
Saturday 3 February
Mall-E Bay Ultra Marathon 50km, Half Marathon & 5km, Pollok Beach, Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth, 5am, Mark Huppelschoten 082 654 7555
Saturday 10 February
Die Burger / Metlife Mall Valentine's 10km & 5km, Metlife Mall, Samantha Way, Kabega Park, 6am, Graham Channon 078 184 9723
Saturday 17 February
Oorie Berg Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Omega School, Kareedouw, 7am, Loynes Jenkerson 082 6446 422
Saturday 24 February
Kromberg & Schubert 15km & 5km, Despatch Central Sports Grounds, 6:30am, Margie du Toit 082 547 5413

FAR NORTH

LIMPOPO
Saturday 3 February
Soutpansberg Mountain Race 32km, 21km, 10km & 5km, Makhado Tourism Information Centre, Makhado/Louis Trichardt, 6:30am, Hennie Coetzee 082 929 8154
Saturday 10 February
Oasis Potties 5-in-1 Marathon, 32km, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Mokopane Primary School, Beyer Street, Mokopane, 6am, Cheraye Engelbrecht 0792 492 8420
Saturday 17 February
Capricorn District Municipality Mayors 4-in-1 Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, C Rugby Field, Peter Mokaba Stadium, Dorp Street, Polokwane, 6am, Corrie Calitz 072 149 2674
Saturday 24 February
Maroela Festival Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Bollanoto Information Centre, before Kruger Park Gate, Phalaborwa, 6am, Kobie Marais 082 561 5429
Pietersburg Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Pietersburg, 6am, Colinda Potgieter 082 898 8341

MPUMALANGA
Saturday 3 February
Glencore / Izimbiwa Coal 5-in-1 Marathon, 32km, Half Marathon, 10km & 4.9km, Izimbimbiwa Central Office, Keiskamma Drive (off R575), Middelburg, 6am (42 & 32), 6:10am (21, 15 & 10) & 6:20am (4.9), Race Office 072 593 7346
Buffalo Gorge Trail Series 18km, 10km, 6.5km & 2.5km, Buffalo Gorge Eco Adventure Centre, Buffelskloof Farm, Middelburg, 7:30am, Ryk Diepraam 083 528 9586
Wednesday 7 February
Stefanutti Stocks Valentine's Night 10km & 4.9km, Sasol Recreation Club, Nelson Mandela Drive, Secunda, 7pm, Wynand van der Westhuizen 071 858 4228
Saturday 10 February
Sasol Secunda Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km & 4.5km, Sasol Recreational Club, Nelson Mandela Drive, Secunda, 6am (42, 21 & 10) & 6:10am (4.5), July Mavuso 082 806 1352
Wednesday 14 February
Power of Love Night 10km & 5km, Mbombela Stadium, Bafana Street, Mataffin, Nelspruit, 6pm, Yolanda Steenkamp 084 607 6314
Dennies Night 10km & 4.9km, Dennesig Primary School, CR Swart Street, Dennesig, Middelburg, 7pm, Teuns Luus 083 630 8729
Saturday 17 February
TWK Assegaai 3-in-1 Marathon, Half Marathon & 10km, Piet Retief Rugby Club, Piet Retief/eMkhondo, 6am (42 & 21) & 6:15am (10), Anné Nieuwenhuizen 082 440 2294
Wednesday 21 February
McCarthy Panorama Night 10km & 4.9km, Panorama Laërskool, Gordon Road, Witbank/eMalahleni, 7pm, Ansuette 082 887 5238
Saturday 24 February
Gijima Nkomazi Marathon, Half Marathon & 10km, Mbuzini, 5am, Lordrick Mathonsi 072 846 7212
Wednesday 28 February
Hoogenhout Nite 10km & 4.9km, Hoërskool Hoogenhout Stadium, Wicht Street, Bethal, 7pm, Betty Longland 083 321 4057

NORTH WEST

CENTRAL NORTH WEST
Saturday 10 February
Klerksdorp Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Wesvalia High School, Readman Street, Wilkoppies, Klerksdorp, 5:30am, Marius van Heerden 082 487 7290
Wednesday 14 February
Doringkruin Night Race 10km, 5km & 2.5km, Doringkruin Ned Herv Church, Boekenhout Road, Klerksdorp, 6:30pm, Marius van Heerden 082 487 7290

NORTH WEST NORTH
No events scheduled in this period

NORTHERN CAPE

GRIQUALAND WEST
Saturday 3 February
Vodacom Meerkat Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Bishops Old Boys Club, Memorial Road, Kimberley, 5:30am, Ockie Vermeulen 073 001 2277
Saturday 24 February
Pirates Groot Gat Marathon, Kleingat Half Marathon & Kortgat 10km, Pirates Club, Jacobus Smit Avenue, Kimberley, 6am, Mark Hunt 082 462 4066

NORTH WEST CAPE
Saturday 3 February
Dulux Spitskop Marathon, Half Marathon & 10km, Spitskop Nature Reserve, Upington, 5:30am, Carel Burger 082 622 7109

NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES

NAMIBIA
Saturday 3 February
Joseph & Snyman Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, United Club, Esther Brand Str, Olympia, Windhoek, Time TBC, Charles +264 (0)81 124 9471
Saturday 10 February
Rossing Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Venita Stadium, Welwitschia Street, Swakopmund, Time TBC, Frank Slabbert +264(0)81 240 3383
Saturday 24 February
Captain’s Run 30km & 15km, Auas Hills, Kupferberg Road, Windhoek, Time TBC, Charles +264 (0)81 124 9471
Rock & Run 10km & 5km, Trustco United Sports Grounds, Frankie Fredericks Drive, Windhoek, 5pm, Contact: [email protected]

ORIENTEERING
Monday 5 February
Gauteng Schools Sprint League #1, Jeppe Boys, Johannesburg, Karen Chambers 083 474 9463
Sunday 11 February
Gauteng Urban Sprint #2, Wits Campus, Johannesburg, WITSOC: https://witsorienteering.wordpress.com
Monday 12 February
Gauteng Schools Sprint League #2, Summit College, Johannesburg, Karen Chambers 083 474 9463
Friday 16 February
Rally 8km Run #5, Teams of 2-3, Groot Constantia, Constantia Main Road, Cape Town, Western Cape, Starts 5pm to 6:30pm, Ugene Nel 082 658 3078
Sunday 18 February
Gauteng Urban Sprint #3, The Campus, Johannesburg, ROC: Ian Bratt 082 887 6611
Monday 19 February
Gauteng Schools Sprint League #3, Heronbridge School, Johannesburg, Karen Chambers 083 474 9463
Monday 26 February
Gauteng Schools Sprint League #4, Delta Park, Johannesburg, Karen Chambers 083 474 9463

MULTISPORT
Saturday 3 February
Free State Triathlon/Duathlon, Standard 1.5km/40km/10km, Sprint 750m/20km/5km, Super Sprint 400m/10km/2.5km, Maselspoort, Free State, 9am, Christa 073 718 5427
aQuellé Mudman Series Hermannsburg, Swim Tri: Full 700m/20km/5km & Half 350m/10km/2.5km, Paddle Tri: Full 2.5km/20km/5km & Half 1.25km/10km/2.5km, Hermannsburg School, 2pm (Full) & 2:30pm (Half), Charmaine Botha 086 100 7624
Sunday 11 February
Discovery Triathlon World Cup Cape Town, Tri: Standard 750m/40km/10km (7am) & Sprint 500m/20km/5km (9am), Du: Standard 10km/40km/5km (7am), Sprint 5km/20km/2.5km (7:30am) & Super Sprint 2.5km/10km/2.5km (12pm), V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, Western Cape, Info: [email protected]
Saturday 17 February
Tri Campus TT, 200m/6km/2km (u15), 300m/12km/3km (u19) & 400m/18km/4km (19+), UFS Campus, Bloemfontein, Free State, 7am, 8am & 9am, Info: [email protected]
North West Triathlon & Duathlon League #6, Tri: 1.5km/40km/10km, 750m/20km/5km & 400m/10km/2.5km, Du: 10km/40km/5km, 5km/20km/2.5km & 2.5km/10km/1.25km, Vaal River Boat Club, Orkney, North West Province, 8am, Yolanda 082 787 5496
Sunday 18 February
Rockman X-Triathlon & Duathlon, Tri: Ultra Tri 1.8km/50km/15km (7am), Dash Tri 500m/22km/5km (7:30am), Du: Dash Du 2km/22km/5km (7:40am), Rock Kids 9+ 500m/5km/500m (10:20am) & Rock Kids 5-8 150m/3km/150m (10am), Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge, 59 Beyers Naude Drive, Muldersdrift, Gauteng, Spectrum Sport 082 557 6884
Friday 23 – Sunday 25 February
Fedhealth XTERRA Grabouw (Cross-Tri), Fri 4pm: Kids 250m/5km/2.5km (12-15), 100m/3km/1.5km (9-11) & 60m/2km/600m (6-8); Sat 8am: Full 1.5km/25.6km/12.4km; Sun 7:30am: Lite 400m/14km/6.5km, Grabouw Country Club, Eikenhof Dam, Grabouw, Stillwater Events 082 991 0045

OBSTACLE RACING
Saturday 3 February
The Grind 1706, Deep Grind 5km (30+ obstacles), Rapid Grind 5km (30+) & Little Grind (10), Cape Town Ostrich Ranch, Van Schoorsdrift Road, off N7 just north of Durbanville, Western Cape, 8am, The Grind HQ 021 813 9282 (w) NEW DATE – WAS 2 DECEMBER
Saturday 10 February
Runstacles 10km & 4km, Cape Town Ostrich Ranch, Van Schoorsdrif Road, off N7, Philadelphia, Western Cape, 8:30am, The Grind HQ 021 813 9282 (w)
Sunday 11 February
Muddy Princess Pinetown 5km, (women only), Giba Gorge, Stockville Road, Woodmead, Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal, 8am, [email protected]
Saturday 17 February
Toyota Warrior #2 Free State, Black Ops 15km (30 obstacles), Commando 10km (22), Rookie 5km (15) & Warrior Bratz 500m (8, unlimited laps); Venue TBC, Bloemfontein, Free State, From 8am, Race Office 086 199 0001
Gajiga Run 5km #2, (Inflatable obstacles), Johannesburg Zoo, Gauteng, 8am, More info: www.gajiga.co.za
Runstacles 10km & 4km, Cape Town Ostrich Ranch, Van Schoorsdrif Road, off N7, Philadelphia, Western Cape, 8:30am, The Grind HQ 021 813 9282 (w)
Saturday 24 February
Runstacles 10km & 4km, Cape Town Ostrich Ranch, Van Schoorsdrif Road, off N7, Philadelphia, Western Cape, 8:30am, The Grind HQ 021 813 9282 (w)

ADVENTURE RACING
No events scheduled in this period

TRACK AND FIELD

GAUTENG NORTH
Saturday 3 February
AGN League #3, Pilditch Stadium, Pretoria, Time TBA, AGN 012 327 4930 (w)
Saturday 10 February
AGN League #5, Tuks Athletics Stadium, Pretoria, Time TBA, AGN 012 327 4930 (w)
Wedneday 14 February
TUKS Top 10, Tuks Athletics Stadium, Pretoria, Time TBA, AGN 012 327 4930 (w)
Saturday 17 February
AGN League #6 & Tshwane North District, Pilditch Stadium, Pretoria, Time TBA, AGN 012 327 4930 (w)
Friday 23 – Saturday 24 February
AGN Senior Championships, Tuks Athletics Stadium, Pretoria, Time TBA, AGN 012 327 4930 (w)

BOLAND
Saturday 3 February
Dux New Years Series #5, Dal Josaphat Stadium, Paarl, Time TBA, Louis Nienaber 083 375 3673
Wedneday 7 February
League #1, Dal Josaphat Stadium, Paarl, Time TBA, Brandon Du Plessis 074 339 1772
Saturday 10 February
Dux New Years Series #6, Dal Josaphat Stadium, Paarl, Time TBA, Louis Nienaber 083 375 3673
Tuesday 13 February
Paarl HS Traditional, Dal Josaphat Stadium, Paarl, Time TBA, Sean September 084 621 3066
Thursday 15 February
Wellington HS Traditional, Dal Josaphat Stadium, Paarl, Time TBA, Melanie Dirkse 082 573 3755
Wedneday 21 February
League #2, Dal Josaphat Stadium, Paarl, Time TBA, Brandon Du Plessis 074 339 1772

SOUTH WESTERN DISTRICTS
Saturday 3 February
ASWD Track & Field League #4, Venue & Time TBA, ASWD 044 873 0023
Saturday 17 February
ASWD Track & Field League #6 PLUS SWD & Eden Primary Schools Champs, Venue & Time TBA, ASWD 044 873 0023
Saturday 24 February
ASWD Track & Field Champs PLUS SWD & Eden High Schools Champs, Venue & Time TBA, ASWD 044 873 0023

WESTERN PROVINCE
Saturday 3 February
WPA Junior Meeting, Parow Athletic Track, 9am, Mariana Meyer 082 777 4050
Saturday 10 February
WPA League #2, Green Point Track, Cape Town, 11am, Mariana Meyer 082 777 4050
Saturday 17 February
WPA Masters Meeting #3, Green Point Track, Cape Town, 12:30pm, Mariana Meyer 082 777 4050
Saturday 24 February
WPA League #3, Parow Athletic Track, 8:30am, Mariana Meyer 082 777 4050

KWAZULU-NATAL
Saturday 3 February
KZNA League (Full program), Pietermaritzburg Athletics Stadium, Time TBA, KZNA 031 312 9374 (w)
Saturday 10 February
KZN PUMA School of Speed Series #3, Kings Park Athletics Stadium, Durban, Time TBA, KZNA 031 312 9374 (w)
Friday 23 – Saturday 24 February
KZNA Senior Track & Field Championships, Pietermaritzburg Athletics Stadium, Time TBA, KZNA 031 312 9374 (w)

FREE STATE
Saturday 10 February
Kovsie Throw & Jump Meeting, Pelliespark, Bloemfontein, 8am, Kesa Molotsane 079 175 0023
Wedneday 14 February
Pamoja AC Schools Development T&F League, Venue TBA, 2pm, Leonard Jingose 084 372 7818
Saturday 17 February
Kovsie Throw & Jump Meeting, Pelliespark, Bloemfontein, 8am, Kesa Molotsane 079 175 0023
Monday 19 February
Kovsies Inter-residence League, Pelliespark, Bloemfontein, 5:30pm, Kesa Molotsane 079 175 0023
Friday 23 February
HTS Louis Botha H/S Invitational, Free State Athletics Stadium, Bloemfontein, 8:30am, Lorenzo Joseph 084 399 2933
Saturday 24 February
Kloppers AFS Invitational, MAS, 9am, Kobus Steyn 073 063 5397
Monday 26 February
Kovsies Inter-residence League, Pelliespark, Bloemfontein, 5:30pm, Kesa Molotsane 079 175 0023
Wedneday 28 February
Pamoja AC Schools Development T&F League, Venue TBA, 2pm, Leonard Jingose 084 372 7818

EASTERN PROVINCE
Saturday 3 February
Bestmed Madibaz EP T&F League, Madibaz Stadium, Port Elizabeth, 9am, Nellis Bothma 082 5751 818
Wedneday 14 February
EP League #5, Venue TBA, Time TBA, Godfrey Goliath 083 7654 471
Wedneday 21 February
EP League #6, Venue TBA, Time TBA, Godfrey Goliath 083 7654 471

LIMPOPO
Saturday 3 February
Mile races, Lephalale, 8am, Louis van Rooyen TBA
Saturday 10 February
League #2, Venue TBA, 8am, KA Maponyane 084 761 1534
Friday 23 February
Invitation Meeting, Musina, 8am, Wessie vd Westhuizen 015 534 0706
Saturday 24 February
Waterberg Invitational, Lephalale, 8am, S Cornelius 014 763 2106
Moletjie Meeting, Peter Mokaba Stadium, 8am, Jeremia Mokaba 073 245 9446
Wedneday 28 February
Waterberg Invitational, Lephalale, 8am, S Cornelius 014 763 2106

MPUMALANGA
Wedneday 14 February
Top 10 Meeting, Hoërskool Hoogenhout Stadium, Wicht Street, Bethal, Time & Contact TBA

NORTH WEST NORTH
Saturday 3 February
Track and Field League #3, Venue & Time TBA, Aubrey Moitlobo 076 295 8625
Saturday 24 February
Track and Field League #4, Venue & Time TBA, Aubrey Moitlobo 076 295 8625

GRIQUALAND WEST
Saturday 3 February
Diamantveld Invitational, De Beers Stadium, Kimberley, 8am, Jaco Smit 082 958 7786
Saturday 10 February
Top 20 Meeting, Hartswater High School, Hartswater, 8am, Carina Kernekamp 083 590 3178

NORTH WEST CAPE
Friday 23 February
Parrow Meeting, Parrow, Time TBA, Gavin Abrahams 071 637 2634
Friday 23 – Saturday 24 February
Provincial Champs, De Beers Stadium, Kimberley, 9am, Raymond Esterhuizen 082 082 8949

With just over four months until the Comrades Marathon, this is the time of year when many ultra-runners are thinking about their marathon qualifier and longer training runs, and the Modern Athlete Irene Ultra on 8 April is definitely one to pencil into your training programme.

If the Comrades Marathon is one of your goals this year, then you should be looking to run your qualifying marathon around mid-February – which in other words means anything from late January to early March, depending on the availability of marathons in your area on the race calendar.

To run a good, strategic qualifier, you need to have done the minimum amount of mileage in order to qualify in the slowest time possible within your target batch. For example, if you’re looking for a C-batch qualification at Comrades then you need to run between a 3:20 and 3:40 marathon. You should be aiming for as close to 3:40 as you can, not 3:20 so that you leave plenty in the tank for Comrades.

Apart from long training runs to ensure you can comfortably complete your qualifier, your focus should be on getting faster. This will enable you to cover more distance in the same amount of time when you start your real Comrades build-up in mid-March. Therefore, make sure there is some speed work in your training programme, not just long slow distance (LSD).

Throw in a Shorter Ultra
Then, after you’ve run your qualifier and given yourself enough time to recover, you should look to do gradually longer training runs to increase your mileage and prepare your body for the 87km of Comrades. And for that, the race calendar once again offers some terrific options, like the Modern Athlete Irene Ultra 48km on 8 April.

By using this ultra race as part of your training programme for Comrades, you get a vital long run in, with regular water tables and plenty of company and race-day vibe to motivate you along the way. You also get a challenging route with some big climbs that will give you a solid workout in preparation for the Big 5 hills of Comrades. It just all makes sense.

Of course, the onus will be you to hold back at Irene. Don’t race it too hard, because as with your qualifier, you want the distance in your legs, but don’t want the recovery period to be too long and thus impact on your training programme. The aim is to run it conservatively, rest and recover quickly, and then get back to training.

Now for the Time Bonus
On the other hand, if you intend using the Irene Ultra as your qualifier – the Comrades qualification period ends on 2 May – and this is where the real bonus of this race comes in. The Comrades qualification criteria table says you need to run sub-six hours for the distance of 48-50km, so if you run a 48km race, you actually have 2km free, or more accurately, more time to run 48km instead of 50km for the same qualification.

Let’s break down the math: To clock six hours for 50km, you need to maintain a pace of 7:12min/km. Now if you round that down to an average of 7min/km, so as to build in a safety factor, you would be on course for a 5:50 finish and a safe qualifier. In contrast, to clock six hours on a 48km distance, you only need to maintain a pace of 7:30min/km, thus giving you an extra 18 seconds per kay, and by rounding that down to 7:20min/km, you would be on course for a 5:52 finish, and a safe qualifier.

So that means using a 48km race as your qualifier instead of a 50km race allows you to run up to 20 seconds per kay slower overall! Obviously, this bonus time difference comes down a bit if you are targeting a faster qualifier for a higher seeding, but the shorter distance still allows you to run a bit slower to get the same qualification result as in a 50km race.