Modern Athlete, Author at Modern Athlete

Baby Steps for Trail Greylings

9 October 201817 May 2019 Modern AthleteFeaturesLeave a Comment

Young Christopher Greyling made his appearance towards the end of September, entering the world with a certain amount of expectation on his shoulders. After all, his parents, Landie and Christiaan Greyling, are pretty much considered royalty in South African trail running circles. – BY SEAN FALCONER

Having both represented South Africa in World Champs events, and having both won an impressive number of events, including the prestigious Otter Trail Marathon, it comes as no surprise that much is expected of Landie and Christiaan’s child. “Everyone keeps telling us that they expect him to be a real running superstar with our combined genes, but we want him to choose what he likes,” says Christiaan. “He doesn’t need to be a runner, but we will expose him to the mountains and outdoor activities, because we believe that what you’re exposed to when you’re young will affect what you love when you’re older.”

Landie says the pregnancy was not exactly 100% planned, although they had been talking about starting a family sometime in the near future, given that they are now both in their early 30s. “I picked up an injury last year and it was quite funny how many people suddenly started suggesting that it was perfect timing to have a baby, since I wasn’t running anyway. We actually considered it and I went to see the doctor about the steps to take, but in the meantime I had started running again, so we decided to cancel the appointments and first do some projects, like our Lesotho Crossing in March 2018… but then I found out on 14 February that I was already nine weeks pregnant.”

Landie still managed to get some racing in earlier this year, even finishing on the podium a few times as she began to regain fitness, and she continued running throughout her pregnancy, still averaging around 60km a week at seven months. “My running has just been slow and controlled of late, because I listened to my body, and gymming three times a week also helped, but I finally had to revert to women’s push-ups, because the weight was getting too much for my arms!” she laughs.

COACHING CREDENTIALS
Naturally, falling pregnant has forced this elite running couple to change their plans, but Christiaan jokes that it has actually proven a lucrative time for their careers, and for their recently launched coaching business, Alpas* Fit. “More people like our posts on social media now that we’re pregnant, so we see this as a great marketing opportunity!” But jokes aside, he says they are enjoying putting all their experience to use as coaches. “People know our reputation as runners, which helps attract new clients, even though we’re not advertising that much yet.”

The two are actually still getting used to this new coaching role, given that neither of them foresaw a full-time career in running until recently. As Landie explains, “I studied to become a chartered accountant and intended to go into the corporate world, but then I discovered this adventurous world of running. Initially I was working and lecturing on top of running, but now that we’ve started the coaching business, which is quickly expanding into other things, there just isn’t time to get back into full-time work. So that’s on hold for now.”

Similarly, Christiaan studied engineering and until recently was working full-time. Then his running really took off, and he also turned pro. “For years I was always there, taking part and picking up experience, and I always tried to win, but my first year of racing was the year of placing 12 over and over. The second year was about injury, the third year of placing top 10, and the fourth year I always seemed to finish fourth! Then I started training with Landie and I think that helped me improve to earning podium positions, and then I was inspired to start winning races.”

RUNNING MATCH
Training together is actually how these two got to know each other in 2008 while at varsity in Pretoria. They first met, briefly, at an adventure racing event in the Magaliesberg, says Landie. “I was in a team with two friends, while Christiaan was in another team. After the race, we all hung out for a while, but I only spoke to him for about three minutes. A week later I went to a trail race and accidentally drove the wrong way up a one-way road, and suddenly there was a bakkie in front of me, hooting and flashing its lights, so I pulled over to let it go past. When I parked, the same bakkie pulled up next to me, so I pretended to scratch around in my car, because I was so embarrassed, but then there was a knock on my window, and the bakkie driver was Christiaan!”

“After that trail run, he asked me out for an ice-cream, but I said let’s rather go for a run, because I told him I was looking for somebody to train with. The next day he phoned me to invite me to join his training group, but I later found out he actually just got a bunch of friends from his ‘koshuis’ to join him for a few early morning runs. One by one they disappeared until it was just us two!” Christiaan just smiles as he admits that “it was the most running I had ever done in my life.”

They’ve now been together for just over 10 years, and in that time they’ve enjoyed many running highs together, including winning the mixed pairs category at events such as the AfricanX Trailrun, SOX, Dryland Traverse Tankwa Trail and the Riano in Spain. They also finished second in the eight-day TransAlps between Germany and Italy in 2015, and Christiaan says they have unfinished business there. “Finishing second in a very strong field was incredible, but we want to go back after our baby arrives, because the couple that won in 2015 had a one-year-old!”

Another great double act was both being selected for the SA Team to the World Ultra Running Champs in Wales in 2013, where Landie was our first female finisher in ninth place, while Christiaan was our first man home in 32nd position. She had also been to the World Short Distance Champs in Italy the previous year, while he also made the SA Team for the World Long Distance Mountain Champs in Slovenia in 2014, but Landie says it was really special to represent SA together in Wales. “It was a really proud moment for both of us.”

Individually, they’ve also both racked up impressive lists of wins, with both winning at the Skyrun and Ultra Trail Cape Town events in SA, but when asked for their standout run, both choose the Otter Marathon as their highlight. “For me it was because I tried for so many years to get that win under my belt,” says Christiaan, while Landie adds, “I won it in 2014, but my 2013 run was better, even though I finished second. Being the first South African woman to break that magical five-hour barrier was huge, because nobody knew if it could actually be done.”

BABYSITTING DUTY
Looking ahead, the couple are already thinking about how to plan racing around the new arrival, but Landie says they will simply take turns with babysitting when necessary. “Luckily our families have been very supportive through the years, attending many of our races, so we should have somebody available to look after the little one to allow us to keep racing.” At that comment, Christiaan breaks out laughing, then says, “Perhaps we should place an ad in Modern Athlete for a babysitter at races. Ideally that person can do sports massage as well… Not too much to ask!”

* Alpas is a Filipino word that means ‘to break free from the old into the new.’ You can find out more at www.alpasfit.com.

IMAGES: Alfred Thorpe, Sportograf, DrozPhoto & courtesy Landie Greyling

Race Calendar – October 2018

3 October 201817 May 2019 Modern AthleteRacingLeave a Comment

Feed Your Need for Speed
OCTOBER 2018

South African runners are blessed with a terrific race calendar, with so many great races to do, so check out these events for the coming month, including road and trail runs as well as other running disciplines, and make your racing plans! – BY TOM COTTRELL AND SEAN FALCONER

GAUTENG

CENTRAL GAUTENG
Wednesday 3 October
Black Diamond Night Trail 8km & 4km, Randpark Golf Club, Setperk Road, Randburg, 7:30pm & 7:40pm, Heidi Muller 082 564 6468
Sunday 7 October
Spar Women's Challenge Johannesburg 10km & 5km, Marks Park. Judith Road, Emmerentia, 8am, Hank Bezuidenhout 083 256 0241
Saturday 13 October
Kings Kloof Paradise Trail Run 25km, 18km, 12km & 6km, Kings Kloof Trail, Oaktree, Muldersdrift, on N14, 7am, 7:20am, 7:40am & 8am, More info: entryninja.com
Sunday 14 October
Burger and Co. 15km & 5km, Boksburg Stadium, Jubilee Road, Leeuwpoort, Boksburg, 6am & 6:05am, Lauren Dance 011 917 3721 (W)
Zoo Trot 10km & 5km, Centenary Lawn. Johannesburg Zoo, Upper Park Drive, 7:30am, Lebogang Mathope 011 712 6817 (w)
Stadium Dash Joburg 6.5km Run powered by Peri, Ellis Park Arena, South Park Lane, New Doornfontein, Johannesburg, Time TBC, Race Organiser 011 022 0426 (w)
Thursday 18 October
Ruimsig Trail Run 10km & 5km, Ruimsig Country Club, Hole in One Avenue, Ruimsig, 6pm, Corne van Zyl 011 053 9153 (w)
Saturday 20 October
The 8-hour Trail Challenge, (5.25km laps), Avianto, Muldersdrif Rd, Zandspruit, Roodepoort, 8am (Solo), 10am (Extreme Relay) & 1pm (Fun Relay), Leon 079 529 0987
Sunday 21 October
Diepkloof Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Nike Football Stadium, cnr Chris Hani Road & Mokoena Street, Klipspruit, Soweto, 6am, 6:30am & 6:45am, Race Organiser 067 031 3383
Fresh Trails #11 15km, 10km & 5km, Rietvlei Zoo Farm, Swartkoppies Road, Mulbarton, Joburg South, 7am, 7:30am & 8am, Eloff Hoffman 083 399 9564
Shift Wellness Summer Trail Run 13km, 8km & 5km, Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden, Malcolm Road, Poortview, Roodepoort, 7am, 7:15am & 7:30am, Shift Wellness Collective 061 898 0432
Friday 26 October
Fresh Trails #12 10km & 5km, Rietvlei Zoo Farm, Swartkoppies Road, Mulbarton, Joburg South, 7am, Eloff Hoffman 083 399 9564
Saturday 27 October
Run With Mapaseka 5km Series, FNB Stadium, Nasrec, 8am, Sibongile 078 445 0249
Sunday 28 October
Carnival City Macsteel Trail Run 21.1km, 15km & 5km, Carnival City Casino & Hotel, cnr Century & Elsburg Roads, Brakpan, 7am (21 & 10) & 7:10am (5), More info: entryninja.com
Wednesday 31 October
Black Diamond Night Trail 8km & 4km, Johannesburg Country Club, Lincoln Street, Woodmead, Sandton, 7:30pm & 7:40pm, Heidi Muller 082 564 6468
Rowlin Glow Run 15km, 10km & 5km, Benoni Northerns Sports Grounds, Albert Bekker Park, Brodigan Street, Northmead, Benoni, 7pm (15 & 10) & 7:10pm (5), Jan Jordaan 082 800 0762

GAUTENG NORTH
Wednesday 3 October
Barn Night Trail 8km & 5km, Clay Café, The Big Red Barn, Nelson Road, Olifantsfontein, 7pm, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Southern Nights Trail Series #1 10km & 5km, Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve, Frandaph Drive, Johannesburg South, 7:30pm, More info: wannado.co.za
Saturday 6 October
Chamberlain Capital Classic Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, PHSOB Club, Hofmeyr Park, Queens Crescent, Lynwood, 6am, Bert van der Raad 082 922 6817
Sunday 7 October
Tiger Trail Run 21km, 15km, 10km & 5km, Tierpoort Adventure Farm, Rooikat Street, Tierpoort, 7:30am, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Wednesday 10 October
Southern Nights Trail Series #2 10km & 5km, Thaba Trails, 101 Kliprivier Drive, Rietvlei, Mulbarton, 7:30pm, More info: wannado.co.za
Saturday 13 October
Jacaranda City Challenge Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Pretoria Rugby Club, Totius Street, Groenkloof, Pretoria, 5:45am (42 & 21), 6:15am (10) & 6:30am (5), Marieta Bortoli 082 466 7031
Wednesday 17 October
Southern Nights Trail Series #3 10km & 5km, Glenvista Golf Club, Vorster Avenue, Glenvista, 7:30pm, More info: wannado.co.za
Saturday 20 October
CSIR Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, CSIR North Gate, off Meiring Naude Road, Brummeria, Pretoria, 6am (21 & 10) & 6:15am (5), Race Organiser 012 841 4094 (w)
Sunday 21 October
Gauteng Summer Trail Series #1 Long 12.2km & Short 6.8km, Hennops River, on R511, 7am (12) & 7:21am (6), Race Organiser 072 438 3242
Friday 26 October
Irene Primary School Moonlight 8km & 4km Fun Run, The Oval, Irene, 6:30pm, & 7pm, Race Organiser 012 667 1037 (w)
Saturday 27 October
CSI Irene Farm Race Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Agricultural Research Council, Olifantsfontein Road, Irene, 6am, Race Organiser 082 951 2581
Bravecto Halloween Adventure Tails Bark Run 5km & 2km (with dogs), The Big Red Barn, Nelson Road, Olifantsfontein, 8am, Glizelle 083 264 3931
Four Seasons at Cowhouse Trail Run Series – Spring 15km, 10km, 5km & 2.5km, Cowhouse Market, cnr Ridge Road and Oukraal Boulevard, Hazeldean, Pretoria East, 4:30pm, Cowhouse Market 072 399 0154

VAAL TRIANGLE
Saturday 6 October
Lite2Nite 12-hour Circuit Race, 10km & 5km, Hoërskool Driehoek, Ramsbottom Street, Vanderbijlpark, 6am & 8am (10 & 5), Malie van der Walt 082 853 9144
Friday 19 October
John Dory 5km, Kollegepark Priary School, cnr Theo Wassenaar & Generaal Froneman, Vanderbijlpark, 5:30pm, Dawid Jordaan 082364 1954
Saturday 27 October
Akzonobel 32km, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Riverside Boulevard Mall, Frikkie Meyer Boulevard, Vanderbijlpark, 6am, Malie van der Walt 082 853 9144

WESTERN CAPE

BOLAND
Wednesday 3 October
FinGlobal Cliff Path Night 10km & 6km, Hermanus New Harbour (10) or Marine Hotel (6) to Dutchies Restaurant, Grotto Beach, 6pm (10) & 6:30pm (6), Paul du Toit 082 820 3331
Saturday 6 October
Paarlberg Mountain Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Courtrai Primary School, Montreaux Street, Courtrai, Paarl, 7am & 7:10am, Race Organiser 083 770 5170
Amazing La Capra Goat Trail Run 28km, 15km, 8km & 5km, Fairview Wine Estate, Suid-Agter Paarl Road, Paarl, 7:30am (28), 8am (15), 8km (8:15am), 5km (8:30am) PLUS 8:45am (5km Walk), Race Organiser 072 764 4015
Saturday 6 – Sunday 7 October
Grabouw 2-day Mountain Challenge driven by Land Rover Cape Town, (Long: 25km & 28km, Short: 15km & 17km), Trails End, Worcester Road, Grabouw, 6:30am (long) & 7am (short), Ruan Botes 063 686 7315 (w)
Sunday 7 October
Helen Harder Foundation Breast Cancer Trail Run 10km & 5km, Middelvlei Wine Estate, Flamingo Road, Stellenbosch, 8am & 8:15am, More info: entryninja.com
Friday 12 October
Caltex Voet van Afrika Toontjie 4km Fun Run, Bredasdorp Sports Ground, Recreation Street, 6pm, Pieter du Toit 082 896 9482
Saturday 13 October
Cedarberg Traverse 100km Trail Run, Sanddrif Campsite, Dwarsrivier, Cedarberg, 5am, Caeli Manuel 072 924 2371
Caltex Voet van Afrika Marathon, Half Marathon & 10km, 42: Elim Road, 9.5km outside Bredasdorp, 21: Grashoek Farm, 19km from Bredasdorp, to Bredasdorp Sports Ground, Recreation Street (10 starts there), 6am (42), 7:30 (21) & 8am (10), Lizelle du Toit 082 658 6277
Van Loveren's Java Trail Run 10km, Van Loveren Family Vineyards, Robertson, 7:15am, Alet du Toit 023 615 1505 (w)
Green Forest Trail Run #3 21km, 10km & 5km, Nuweberg Forest to Fruiteways Eikenhof Farm, on R321, Grabouw, 8:30am (21) & 9am (10 & 5), Dominique Provoyeur 084 363 4104
Neethlingshof Pinotage Run 8km, (Wine stops every 2km), Neethlingshof Wine Estate, M12 Stellenbosch Arterial Road, near Stellenbosch, 9am, More info: entryninja.com
Cedarberg Night Marathon 44km Trail Run, Sanddrif Campsite, Dwarsrivier, Cederberg, 6pm, Caeli Manuel 072 924 2371
Sunday 14 October
Falke Klapmuts Cup Trail Run 15km, 12.5km, 7.5km & 5km, Dirtopia Trail Centre, Delvera Farm, on R44 between Stellenbosch & Klapmuts, 8am, 8:15am, 8:30am & 8:45am, Dirtopia 021 884 4752 (W)
Hope Hike & Bike CT 10km, 5km & 3km Trail Run, Blaauwklippen Wine Estate, Stellenbosch, 8am, 8:30am & 8:40am, More info: entryninja.com
Wednesday 17 October
Moore Stephens Nite 10km & 5km, Laerskool Stellenbosch, Endler Road, Stellenbosch, 6:30pm, Erik Eloff 083 792 2643 NEW DATE – WAS 10 OCTOBER
Saturday 20 October
The Hills Challenge Montague Trail Run 15km, 8km & Colour Run 2km, Doringlaagte, near Montagu, 7am, 7:25am & 11am, Hannes Gous 0828 55 3382
Berg & Beach Trail Run 30km, 18km & 7km, Fernkloof Nature Reserve, Fir Avenue, Hermanus, 7:15am, 7:20am & 7:25am, Uge Nel 082 658 3078
Hex Skyrun 30km & 18km, Matroosberg Private Reserve, Erfdeel Farm, Bo Swaarmoed Road, Matroosberg, 7:30am & 8am, More info: www.hexskyrun.co.za NEW DATE – WAS 8 SEPTEMBER
Botriver Chalenge Half Marathon, 10km & 5km PLUS 15km Trail Run MOVED TO 8 SEPTEMBER
Sunday 21 October
Pink Xtreme Trail Run 21km, 10km & 5km, Vrede en Lust Wine Estate, on Klapmuts-Simondium Road, just off R45, 7:15am, 8am & 8:15am, Lans Pepler 082 787 2472
Saturday 20 October
Kaleo Classic Trail Run 15km, 10km & 5km, Kaleo Guest Farm, Koue Bokkeveld, 35km from Ceres, 8:05am, 8:10am & 8:15am, Alet van Heerden 082 875 3656
Wednesday 31 October
Devonvale Night Run 10km & 5km, Devonvale Golf & Wine Estate, on M23 Bottelary Road near Stellenbosch, 6:30pm, Dominique Provoyeur 084 363 4104
Halloween Forest Night Run 10km & 5km, Muratie Wine Estate, Knorhoek Road, off R44 between Stellenbosch & Klpamuts, 7pm & 7:15pm, Dirtopia 021 884 4752 (W)

SOUTH WESTERN DISTRICTS
Thursday 4 – Saturday 6 October
Sneeuberg Traverse 100km 3-day Trail Run, Murraysburg, 40km off N1 on R63. Time TBC, More info: karoorunning.weebly.com
Saturday 6 October
PetroSA Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km & 3.5km, De Bakke Santos Caravan Park, George Road, Mossel Bay, 7am, Soraya De Reuck 044 873 0023 (w) NEW DATE – WAS 22 SEPTEMBER
Sunday 7 October
Marloth Mountain Challenge Trail Run 55km, 35km, 24.5km, Marloth Nature Reserve, Swellendam, 6am, Wildrunner Events 021 821 9898 (w)
Kuralndbrik Robberg Express Trail Run 10km & 5km, Robberg Nature Reserve, Beachyhead Drive, Plettenberg Bay, 8:30am, Greg Minopetros 072 629 5316
Saturday 13 October
Meiringspoort Half Marathon & 10km, Meiringspoort, De Rust, 7am, Elbe Schoeman 084 241 2501
Merrell Tsitsikamma Trail Run 11km, Tsitsikamma Falls Adventure, on N2 about 60km east of Plettenberg Bay, 9:30am, Tatum Prins 083 449 0760
Wednesday 17 – Thursday 18 October
The Otter African Trail RETTO 42km & Dassie 10km Trail Challenge, (Wednesday: 5km prologue – from 10:30am to 4:30pm; Thursday: 42 – waves from 6am to 6:30am), Nature’s Valley to Storms River Rest Camp, Magnetic South Events 044 382 2932 (W)
Friday 19 – Saturday 20 October
The Otter African Trail RETTO 42km & Dassie 10km Trail Race, (Friday: 5km prologue – from 10:30am to 4:30pm; Saturday: 42 – waves from 7am to 7:30am), Nature’s Valley to Storms River Rest Camp, Magnetic South Events 044 382 2932 (W)
Saturday 20 October
Hartenbos SPAR Spring 15km & 4km, Hartenbos Library, Witwatersrand Avenue, Hartenbos, 7am, Johan Viljoen 082 940 8830 NEW DATE – WAS 6 OCTOBER
Dassie 10km & Dassie RockRat 6km Trail Run, Storms River Rest Camp, 8:30am, Magnetic South Events 044 382 2932 (W)
Wednesday 24 October
Grant Thornton Business Relay, (6x2km Run & 4x2km Walk), E Coetzee Pharmacy, York Street, George, 6pm, Thia Landsberg 083 477 4780
Saturday 28 October
The Farm Half Marathon & 10km, Four Brother Potato Store, R404 between George Airport and Blanco, 7am, Thia Landsberg 083 477 4780

WESTERN PROVINCE
Wednesday 3 October
BAKgat Nite 10km, Zone Fitness & Leisure, cnr of Oos & Belrail Streets, Bellville, 6:15pm, Mike Strohman 082 491 2854
Saturday 6 October
CapeGate Clicks Charity Run 10km & 3km, Cape Gate Shopping Centre, cnr Okovango & De Bron Road, Brackenfell, 7am & 7:15am, Robbie Lindsay 082 202 3593
Durbanville Hills Trailfun presented by Cape Aqua Series #7 10km & 5km, Durbanville Hills Wine Estate, Tygervalley Road, 7:30am, Japie Swanepoel 082 443 3033
Sunday 7 October
K-Way Constantia Valley Grape Run Half Marathon & 14km, Alphen Community Centre, Constantia Main Road, 6:30am & 7am, Charlotte Kettlewell 021 761 8887 (W)
Wednesday 10 October
Silver Queen 10km, Ysterplaat Air Force Base, Cape Town, 6:30pm, Gail Jacobs 083 461 0741
Sunday 14 October
OUTsurance 94.5KFM Gun Run Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Beach Road, Granger Bay, 6:30am (21), 7:15 (10) & 8:30am (5), Top Events 021 511 7130 (w)
Wednesday 17 October
ATC Summer Sunset Team Time Trial 4x3km, Green Point Cricket Club, 6:15pm, Gert Wilkins 073 308 3127
Saturday 20 October
West Coast AC Half Marathon & 4km, NSRI Building, Beach Road, Melkbosstrand, 6am & 6:45am, Reid Bremner 076 123 3421
Gratitude Trail Run 10km & 5km PLUS 6-hour 5km Relay, Lourensford Wine Estate, Lourensford Avenue, Erinvale, Somerset West, 7am, Tacia Roux 082 415 5595
African Centurion Walk 100 Miler, (Solo or relay teams of 2 or 4), Robben Island, 12pm, More info: http://africancenturion.com
Sunday 21 October
ARD 3 Vlei 10km & 5km, Fairmont Secondary School, Klip Road, Grassy Park, 7am & 7:20am, Zaid Orrie 083 376 7392
Saturday 27 October
Elsies River 10km & 5km, Salberau Sports Complex, Neptune Street, Elsies River, 6:45am & 7:15am, Bertram Windvogel 082 398 7148
De Grendel Trailfun presented by Cape Aqua Series #8 10km & 5km, De Grendel Wine Estate, Plattekloof Road, Panorama, 7:30am, Japie Swanepoel 082 443 3033
Sunday 28 October
Spar Chappies Challenge Half Marathon & 10km, Velocity Sports Lab, east end of Hout Bay Beach, to Kronendal Primary School, Hout Bay, 6am & 6:35am, Richard Sutton 082 643 6186
Groote Post Country Run 21km, 10km & 4km, Groote Post Wine Estate, on Darling Hills Road, between R27 & R307, Near Atlantis and Darling, 7am, 7:30am & 8am, Race Organiser 022 451 2202 (w)

KWAZULU-NATAL
Saturday 6 October
Sportsmans Spring Trail Series #3 12km & 5km, Cascades MTB Park, McCarthy Drive, Pietermaritzburg, 7am, Travis Dalrymple-Kelly 076 424 0694
Stop Human Trafficking 10km PLUS 5km Walk, Green Hub, 31 Stiebel Place, Blue Lagoon, Durban, 8:30am, UCEC 073 114 8969
Saturday 6 – Sunday 7 October
Run The Berg 2-day Trail Run, (25km & 25km or 15km & 15km), All Out Adventures, Moeggestap Farm, off D119, near Bergville, Northern Drakensberg, 7pm, All Out Adventures 079 417 4989
Sunday 7 October
Duke of York 16km & 5km, Bishopstowe Hall, Pietermaritzburg, 7am, Les Burnard 082 750 0822
South Coast Lake Eland Trail Run Series #4 20km, 10km & 5km, Lake Eland Nature Reserve, Port Sheptstone, 6am, 6:15am & 6:30am, Mandie Stander 079 493 7499
Saturday 13 October
Mutter Ultra Trail Run 65km & Mini Mutter 37km, St Bernard's Peak Mountain Lodge, near Swartberg, Southern Drakensberg, 4am & 6am, Malcolm Millar 083 253 0645
Vryheid Meat Masters Half Marathon Challenge & 5km, Bloemveld Dam, Vryheid, 7:30am, Sean Roberts 083 980 0202
Saturday 13 – Sunday 14 October
Glancairn 2-day Trail Run, Ram Run: 21km & 18km or Lamb Run 12km & 8km, Glencairn Farm, Underberg, 7am, Race Organiser 072 946 2452
Sunday 14 October
FNB Durban 10km CITYSURFRUN, Moses Mabhida Stadium, Masabalala Yengwa Street, Durban, 7am, Race Organiser 082 991 0045
Coastal Series #2 20km, 13km & 6km, Blythedale Coastal Resort, 7am, 7:30am & 7:45am, Lauren Booth 082 791 7069
Saturday 20 October
Pecanwood Oktoberfest 14km & 7km Trail Run, Pecanwood Farm, Birnamwood Road, Merrivale, Midlands, 7:45am & 8am, Jared Wilson 083 790 2801
Sunday 21 October
Merewent 10km, Dhubri Road Grounds, Merebank, 7am, Pat Pather 073 495 5521
Friday 26 October
Durban North CPF Nite 10km & 5km, Northwood Crusaders Sports Club, 10 Ranleigh Crescent, Durban North, 6pm, Dave Ward 082 492 1995
Sunday 28 October
Goss & Balfe Sapphire Coast Marathon, Half Marathon & 10km, Scottburgh (42) or Ilfrocombe (21) to Hutchinson Park, Amanzimtoti (10), 6am, Erich Luckfiel 083 474 7206
TinMan Tri Series #3 10km Beachfront Run, Suncoast Deck, Durban, 7am, B-Active Sports 031 763 1885 (W)
Coastal Series #3 15km, 10km & 5km, Kenneth Stainbank Reserve, Coedmore Avenue, Yellow Wood Park,Durban, 7am, 7:30am & 7:45am, Lauren Booth 082 791 7069

FREE STATE
Saturday 13 October
Makro Extreme – Standard Bank TrailrunSeries #2 20km, 10km & 5km, Makro Bloemfontein, cnr Eland Street & Hoofweg N8, Hoofweg, Bloemfontein, 7am, Nelio de Sa 082 777 6770
Friday 19 – Sunday 21 October
Old Mutual Golden Gate 3-day Trail Challenge, (27km, 29km & 27km), Glen Reenen Rest Camp, Golden Gate National Park, near Clarens, Time TBC, Andrew Booth 082 603 4098 NEW DATE – WAS 6 OCTOBER
Saturday 20 October
Harrismith Mountain Trail 30km & Mountain Race 15km, Harrismith Primary School, Greyling Street, 8am & 9:30am, Barbara van der Hoven 084 570 2544
Pentagon Pistols Charity Run 12km & 5km MOVED TO 8 SEPTEMBER
Sunday 21 October
Free State O.R. Tambo Marathon, Half Marathon & 10km, Mangaung Athletic Stadium, Att Horak Avenue, Bloemfontein, 6am, Kagisho Moeca 082 850 4499
Wednesday 24 October
DRC Pellissier 10km, 4km & 2km, NG Kerk Pellissier, Bloemfontein, 6pm, Jurina Immelman 082 411 0107
Friday 26 October
Pride in Tyres Berg-op Berg-af Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Bloemfontein Bowling Club, Unie Avenue, Naval Hill, Bloemfontein, 6pm, Arnold Rabie 082 446 5791
Saturday 27 October
Ultra Trail Clarens 52km, Old Mill Drift, Clarens, 5am, Ruan Botes 063 686 7315

EASTERN CAPE

BORDER
Saturday 13 October
Jawitz Colour my Run 5km, Old Selbornian Club, Pearce Street, Berea, East London, 2:30pm, Sharon Eldridge 083 284 3781
Friday 26 October
Out the Green Box Nite Trail 5km Series #4, East London Golf Course, Gleneagles Upper Road, Bunkers Hill, East London, 7:15pm, More info: www.wonadventure.co.za
Saturday 27 October
Trick or Treat Trail Halloween Night 5km & 1km, Old Selbornian Club, Pearce Street, Berea, East London, 7pm, Sharon Eldridge 083 284 3781
Sunday 28 October
Encounter East Griqualand Trail Run 21km, 13km & 6km, Cedarberg Guest Farm, on D649 gravel road just outside Cedarville, 7:20am, 7:30am & 7:50am, More info: www.roag.co.za

EASTERN PROVINCE
Saturday 6 October
Buco Kowie Striders 27km & 10km, Big Pineapple, Bathurst (27) to Port Alfred Country Club, Mentone Road (10), 7am (27 walk), 7:30am (27 run) & 8am (10), Sticks Stiglingh 046 624 4948 (w)
Saturday 13 October
Clover Milk Run 10km & 5km, Kings Beach, Port Elizabeth, 7am, Kevin Benade 079 490 0427
Saturday 20 October
Mthatha Stret Race 10km & 5km, Unitra (WSU) Sports Grounds, Mthatha, 7am, Monwabisi Mgquibi 078 101 2695
Wednesday 24 October
Merrell Spring Night Trail Run 8km & 5km, Norm Hudlin Trails, Kragga Kamma Road, Port Elizabeth, 6:30am, Tatum Prins 083 449 0760
Sunday 28 October
1City Nelson Mandela Bay Marathon & 4×10.5km Relay, City Hall, Port Elizabeth, 6am & 6:15am, Michael Mbambani 079 149 6796

FAR NORTH

LIMPOPO
Friday 5 October
Mazda Polokwane Nite 2-in-1 10km & 5km, Peter Mokaba Stadium, Dorp Street, Polokwane, 6:30pm, Corrie Calitz 072 149 2674
Saturday 13 October
Foskor Open Pit Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Foskor Moshate Parking Area, Phalaborwa, 7am, Solomon Makhubedu 060 996 9067
Saturday 27 October
SA Run 4 Cancer Ultra Marathon 48km, 32km, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Route R71 Moria ZCC (48, 32 & 21) or New Peter Mokaba Stadium, Webster Street, Polokwane (10 & 5), 6am (48, 32 & 21), 7am (10) & 7:30am (5), Corrie Calitz 072 149 2674

MPUMALANGA
Wednesday 3 October
Maximed Pharmacies Nite 10km & 4.9km, Standerton Show Grounds, 7pm, Heidi van der Merwe 072 391 0788
Saturday 6 October
Rainbow Lake Umuzi Festival Half Marathon, 10km & 4km, Lake Umuzi, Secunda, 6:30am (21 & 10) & 6:40am (4), July Mavuso 082 806 1352
Build it Graskop God's Window Half Marathon, 10km & 4.9km, Graskop Caravan Park, Main Street, Graskop, 7am, Andre Vianello 084 516 8374
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 10 October
Waypoint Night 10km & 4.9km, Sasol Recreation Club, Secunda, 7pm, Wynand 071 858 4228
Saturday 13 October
Embalenhle 2 in 1 Challenge Half Marathon, 10km & 4.9km, Skhosi Life Style Centre, Dr Ngwasheng Street, Embalenhle, near Secunda, 6am, July Mavuso 082 806 1352
Mariepskop Trail Run 15km, Forever Resorts Swadini, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Swadini Road. 8am Nathalie Richter 072 271 4006
Saturday 13 – Sunday 14 October
Crystal Crusade 2-day Trail Run, (Crusader: 25km & 15km, Discoverer: 10km & 5km), Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge, Robber’s Pass, Pilgrims Rest, 7am, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Wednesday 17 October
Hans Storm Memorial Nite 10km & 4.9km, Laërskool JJ van der Merwe, Ermelo, 6pm, Engela van Zyl 082 491 1681
Saturday 20 October
Sanbonani 3-in-1 Marathon, Half Marathon & 10km, Perry’s Bridge, Grasko Road, to Sanbonani Resort Hotel, Hazyview, 5:30am (42) & 6am (21 & 10), Benjamin Maluka 071 491 4306
Mall to Mall Half Marathon, 10km & 4.9km, Middelburg Mall, Dolerit Crescent, Middelburg, 7am, Piet Schoeman 072 791 0378
Wednesday 24 October
MHS Run 10km & 4.9km, Middelburg High School, Time TBC, Paul Bester 082 966 7767
Saturday 27 October
Elhanzeni Sport Tourism Day Half Marathon, 10km & 4.9km, Mbombela Stadium, 1 Bafana Road, Mataffin, Nelspruit/Mbombela, 6:30am, Beth Bloch 079 881 3582
Coaldust Circuit Race 48km, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Elkana Educational Centre, 2 Aasvoël Street, Reyno Ridge, Witbank/eMalahleni, 6am, Abie Smit 072 573 2501

NORTH WEST

CENTRAL NORTH WEST
Saturday 13 October
Matlosana Mall Fun Run 10km, 5km & 2.5km, Matlosana Mall, Klerksdorp, 7am, Jasper van Zyl 083 290 4743
Wednesday 17 October
Supa Quick Nite 10km & 5km, Olen Park Rugby Stadium, cnr James Moroka Avenue & Piet Bosman Street, Potchefstroom, 7pm, Chantelle Pat 073 466 9158
Wednesday 24 October
Gereformeerde Church Klerksdorp 10km, 5km & 2.5km, Gereformeerde Kerk, Flamwood Drive, Klerksdorp, 6pm, Andre Pelser 082 875 2378

NORTH WEST NORTH
Saturday 27 October
Lichtenburg Zebra Zamba Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, 1 Caroll Street, Lichtenburg, 6:30am, Francois du Toit 083 376 1800
Sunday 28 October
Gauteng Summer Trail Series #2 14km & 7.4km, Titan’s Forest, Segwati Game Ranch, on R400 near the Cradle of Humankind, 7am & 7:21am, Race Organiser 072 438 3242
Hope Hike & Bike GP 10km, 5km & 3km Trail Run, Van Gaalens Farm, on R560, near Skeerpoort, 8am, 8:30am & 8:40am, More info: entryninja.com

NORTHERN CAPE

GRIQUALAND WEST
Saturday 6 October
RWFL Lion Roars Trail Run #2 18km & 5km, Tarentaalrand Safaris, off R64, Kimberley, 8am, Jenny Uys 082 834 8499
Saturday 13 October
Vodacom4U Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Bishops Old Boys Club, Memorial Road, Kimberley, 6am, Magda Oldewage 083 676 0921
Saturday 27 October
Van Zyl's Vleis 10km, Van Zyl's Vleis, Kimberley, 7am, Magda Oldewage 083 676 0921

NORTH WEST CAPE
Saturday 20 – Friday 26 October
Kalahari Augrabies Extreme Marathon, (248km over 7 days with one rest day), Augrabies Falls National Park, 120km from Upington, 7am, Nadia Arndt 083 309 7755

NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES

NAMIBIA
Saturday 6 October
Hangana Hake Run & Ride Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km, 42: Pro-Ed Akademie Primary School, Kiaat Street, Vineta, Swakopmund (42) or Daredevil Adventures, Long Beach (21) to Jan Wilken Stadium, Walvis Bay (10 starts here), 6am (42), 7am (21) & 8am (10), Francois van der Merwe +264 (0)85 122 9177
Saturday 13 October
Cycle Classic 10km & 5km, SKW Olympia, Windhoek, Time TBC, Windhoek Harriers +264 (0)81 124 9471
Omaruru Street Mile, Omaruru, Time TBC, BK Karumendu +264(0)81 311 8489
Saturday 20 October
Somerfees 12km & 7km Trail Run PLUS 5km Walk, Okahandja Spar, Time TBC, Lance +264 (0)85 122 1308
X-Trail, Moon Landscape, Swakopmund, more details TBC
Dr Sam Nujoma Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Windhoek, Time TBC, Robert +264 (0)81 276 6327
Friday 26 October
Halloween Trail Run, Windhoek Trails Farm, Otjivero Street, Kleine Kuppe, 6pm, More info: [email protected]
Saturday 27 October
Copper Run 10km & 5km, Minen Hotel, Tsumeb, Time TBC, Nigel Reynolds +264 (0)81 417 2922
Walk For Bibles 5km, Various venues & Times TBC, Race Organiser +264 (0)83 333 7787

ORIENTEERING
Sunday 7 October
Gauteng Bush #9, (Middle Distance), Le Godimo Horse Trails, Broederstroom, North West Province, Time TBC, ROC: Ian Bratt 082 887 6611
Saturday 13 October
Polokwane Rogaine, Ga Rampheri, Molepo, Limpopo, Time TBC, POC: Club Administrator 073 462 6114

MULTISPORT
Sunday 7 October
Cowhouse Cross Duathlon #6, 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
Friday 12 – Sunday 14 October
Cape Cross Triathlon, Day 1: 1.5km/35km/10km, Day 2: 1.5km/28km/10km, Day 3: 1.5km/27km/13kmTheewaterskloof Dam to Somerset West, 10am, Adriaan Theron 082 980 9318
Saturday 13 October
Uplands Pretoria Offroad Duathlon, 4km/35km/4km, 2km/15km/2km & 750m/5km/750m, Individual or Relay (2 & 3) entries, Uplands School, Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, 6am, 6:30am & 8:30am, Race Organiser 082 439 2805
Sunday 14 October
Tribal Triathlon Series #2, Olympic 1.5km/40km/10km, Sprint 750m/20km/5km & Mini 400m/10km/2.5km, Orient Beach, East London Beachfront, Border, 7:30am, SCR Tribal 0714294255
Saturday 20 October
Free State Triathlon/Duathlon, Maselspoort, near Bloemfontein, Free State, More details TBC: www.fstriathlon.co.za
Steam Train Challenge 90km, (Six legs: 3 run, 3 MTB Relay teams or individual entries), Wellington to Ceres Golf Club, 8am, Race info: http://steamtrainchallenge.co.za
Sunday 21 October
Standard Bank 5150 Ekurhuleni, Olympic 1.5km/40km/10km & FunTri 400m/20km/5km, Germiston Lake, Gauteng, Time TBC, Race Office 082 476 6626
Saturday 27 October
Slanghoek MTB Triathlon, Sprint 650m/12km/5km, Breëdland Wine Cellar, Slanghoek Road, near Rawsonville, Western Cape, 9:20am (men) & 10am (women & teams), Iqela Events: [email protected]
Sunday 28 October
Redhub Triathlon/Duathlon MTB & Road #6 & Ultra Tri, Road: Ultra Tri 1.9km/90km/21km (7am), Standard Tri 1.5km/40km/10km (7:30am), Sprint Tri 750m/20km/5km (8am), Du 4km/40km/5km (7:30am) or Cross: Ultra Tri 1.9km/50km/21km (7am), Tri 1.5km/25km/10km (7:30am), Light MTB 750m/12km/5km (8am), Du 4km/25km/5km (7:30am), Cradle Moon Lakeside Lodge, Gauteng, Time TBC, Race Organiser 073192 5533
Slanghoek Road Triathlon, Long 1.5km/42km/10km & Short 650m/20km/5km, Breëdland Wine Cellar, Slanghoek Road, near Rawsonville, Western Cape, Long: 7:40am-8:40am (various waves) & Short: 9:20am-10am (various waves), Iqela Events: [email protected]
TinMan Triathlon Series #4 Final, Challenge 1km/32km/10km, Sprint 600m/21km/5km & Mini Tri 200m/6km/2.5km, Suncoast Deck, Durban, Kwazulu-Natal, 7:10am (Mini), 7:20 (Sprint) & 7:40 (Challenge), B-Active Sports 031 763 1885 (W)

OBSTACLE RACING
Saturday 6 October
Toyota Warrior #7 Meerendal, Black Ops 15km (30 obstacles), Commando 10km (20), Rookie 5km (15) & Kids 1km (8, unlimited laps), Meerendal Wine Estate, Vissershok Road, Durbanville, Western Cape, Various times, Race Office 087 150 3144
Fedhealth Impi Challenge #3 – Gauteng, Elite 18km (26 obstacles), Challenge 10km (18 obstacles), Dash 5km (12), Van Gaalens Kaasmakerij, Skeerpoort, Brits, North West, Various start times rom 7:30am, Iqela Events 087 012 5044
Runstacles 4km, Cape Town Ostrich Ranch, Van Schoorsdrif Road, off N7, Philadelphia, Western Cape, 8:30am, The Grind HQ 021 813 9282 (w)
Special Ops OCR, Sergeant Elite 10km (38 obstacles), Sergeant 10km (38) & Corporal 5km (22), Sunset River Resort, Maselspoort, near Bloemfontein, Free State, Start waves from 7am, Special Ops OCT 082 442 4988
Saturday 13 October
Fisherman's Friend Strongmanrun, 21km (27 obstacles), 15km (21) & 8km (12), Faure Stadium, Faure Street, Paarl, 8am, 9:30am & 9:40am, Race Organiser 083 462 0424
Cliffview Crusher Challenge, Crusher 4.4km, Commander 2.2km, Intermediate 1.2km & Junior 600m, Cliffview Primary School, Wilson Street, Fairland, Johannesburg, 11am (600m), 12pm (1.2km), 1pm (2.2km) & 2pm (4.4km), More info: entryninja.com
Alverstone Altitude Rush 6km, Roseway Waldorf School, D435 Alverstone Road, Alverstone , KwaZulu-Natal, Various waves from 9am, Race Organiser 072 748 8819
Runstacles 4km, Cape Town Ostrich Ranch, Van Schoorsdrif Road, off N7, Philadelphia, Western Cape, 8:30am, The Grind HQ 021 813 9282 (w)
Sunday 14 October
Stadium Dash Joburg 6.5km & 3.5km powered by Peri, Ellis Park Arena, South Park Lane, New Doornfontein, Johannesburg, Gauteng, Start times from 7am to 9:35am, Race Organiser 011 022 0426 (w)
Gajiga Run Riversands, 5km with inflatable obstacles, Riversands Farm Village, Rose Road, Fourways, Gauteng, 8am, www.gajiga.co.za
Saturday 27 October
Runstacles 4km, Cape Town Ostrich Ranch, Van Schoorsdrif Road, off N7, Philadelphia, Western Cape, 8:30am, The Grind HQ 021 813 9282 (w)
Afterdark Invasion: Zombie Edition 6km, D’Vines Estate, on R101 near N1 Toll Plaza, Paarl, 7pm, More info: www.afterdarkinvasion.com

ADVENTURE RACING
Sunday 14 October
Bushwhacker Tuff Race #2, More info: www.wonadventures.co.za
Saturday 27 – Sunday 28 October
A1 Adventure Racing Series #5 – Expedition Africa Full Moon Kinetic Adventuro, 120km Run, MTB, Kayak & Ropework, Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal, Heidi Muller 082 564 6468

Recovery Advice from Wietse

25 September 201817 May 2019 Modern AthleteAdvertorialLeave a Comment

Wietse van der Westhuizen is 60 and has finished the Comrades Marathon an impressive 41 times! Organiser of the weekly Wietse se Run training in Cape Town, he is always asked by people, why he runs. His answer is always the same, “I run because I love to eat and enjoy a nice craft beer and good red wine. My philosophy in life is to do what you enjoy and make the most of every day. Try to do everything in moderation.”

Wietse's dream is to to run 50 consecutive Comrades Marathons, he has been healthy for the last 41 years and trusts that by the grace of God he will reach this goal. But to do this he has to make sure he looks after himself. “I am a firm believer that if you look after your body by doing the necessary training, eat healthy food that were provided by God to us you can enjoy many active years without the worries of the all the modern health problems. Unfortunately, because of the rat race, more stress and hard training, the food that land on our tables today can’t provide us with all the nutrients that we need to get the best out of our bodies. With 1000’s of km run, I need something more to help me reach that dream of 50 consecutive Comrades Marathons.”

With Wietse's experience he has now developed a daily routine that not only keeps him running but keeps him healthy too:

My day starts with Avogel Multiforce Alkaline powder to help me get rid of all the unnecessary acids in my body due to my love for food, wine and beer. That is followed up after breakfast with Threshold MSM because it is a natural anti-inflammatory it helps me to maintain healthy joints, tendons and ligaments. With two knee operations behind me due to a rugby injury and cracking my knee cap on a tile floor, Threshold MSM assists me with my weak knees while training for my next race. Thanks to Threshold MSM , gone are those days of waking up with pain when walking that first steps towards the bathroom not even thinking of running.

In his running career Wietse has learn't the importance of recovery in his training, he takes us through his recovery process below:

One aspect of running that most runners forget about is what to do when they just finished that race. Most of us are on a high and just want to celebrate our victory, don’t even think about tomorrow, about another run and most of all, about a recovery drink. The first few minutes after your race and even a training session is vital for your recovery!

The best recovery drink for running or any other sport depends on the amount of time you are doing the exercise. The purpose of a recovery drink is to restore fluid and electrolytes lost in sweat, replace muscle fuel used during the run and provide protein to help repair damaged muscle tissue.

If you are running for less than an hour, water is the best drink during and after your run. If your runs routinely last longer than 60 minutes, you will need something more than water for recovery. I usually love to drink Chocolate milk after a long run for recovery because of its combination of simple and complex carbohydrates along with protein. The simple carbohydrate will provide quick fuel replenishment while the protein helps build and repair muscle. Chocolate milk also provides the fluid and minerals needed for rehydration.

To get the most out of you body is to take care of it before, during and after a run and even a stressful day at work. We have only one body and the privilege to live once, make the best of it.

Win a ThreshHold MSM Recovery Hamper! Simply click on the Enter Now button below and fill out a form and anser the simple question: Name the key ingredient used in THRESHHold

*hint THRESHHold MSM*

The Ultimate Warrior, Jason Fritz Tells All

21 September 201817 May 2019 Modern AthleteAdvertorialLeave a Comment

Toyota Warrior Races have become a regular on the race circuit, the gutsy obstacle course race is the perfect test of endurance for any athlete, its combination of fitness and fun makes it the perfect event for anyone and everyone to take part in.

Just ask Jason Fritz, he has taken on more than 43 Toyota Warrior races over the last 7 years. This dedicated warrior has fought bravely on the muddy battlefield and triumphed over many obstacles. We wanted to find out a little more of why exactly he keeps coming back for more!

Exactly how many Toyota Warrior races have you finished?

30 Black-ops Elite's

5 Commando Elite's

8 Rookie's

What is it that you most enjoy about the Toyota Warrior races?

There are many things I enjoy about the Toyota Warrior Race, but if I need to single out one or two things, I would say it's the people you meet on course and by the finishline the friends you have made, and of course the awesome challenges that you face at each race.

What’s your all-time favourite obstacle?

It has to be the flying monkey and any heavy pull obstacles.
*for those that are newbies the flying monkey is a set of overhead bars that you literaly swing from one bar to another like a monkey. Heavy pull obstacles … pulling heavy objects from point A to B ;0

What’s your least favourite obstacle?

Sjoe, the running is by far the hardest thing for me – I am a big guy and definetly not the quickest runner on the course.

What is your advice for all the Warrior Rookies taking on their first race?

Go out, have fun, enjoy it, take it a challenge at time, you can always improve on the next race, what is important is to remember the main reason you are doing the Toyota Warrior is to have fun and meet like minded people who like you want to enjoy themselves.

Do you currently do any training?

I recently started with a running coach and have been working on my running a lot. I train grip work and obstacle twice a week with strength work in between.

What motivates and drives you to finish?

The feeling of accomplishment and knowing that your training and hard work pays off, is a huge motivating factor to finish. Knowing that we are privileged to do what we do and have the opportunity to race, inspires me to always give my best.

Do you have a psych-up mix of songs, and which one is at the top?

On the way to a race I listen to good old house music in the car. Before a race and on warm-up it’s me and the natural sound around me.

The Toyota Warrior race is the perfect combination of fitness and fun for everyone taking part. Distances range anything from 5-kilometres to 15-kilometres with three categories to set them apart, namely: Rookies, Commandos and Black-Ops. This gutsy obstacle course race has proven to test the endurance of many top athletes, in search of the ultimate warrior. Through burpees, climbing, running, crawling and jumping, a hero emerged.

Do you think you have what it takes to beat Jason at his game? Enter now for the Toyota Warrior race taking place 24 November 2018, at Soweto.

Slow Carma, There is Nothing Slow about It

14 September 201817 May 2019 Modern AthleteNewsLeave a Comment

Are you tired all the time? Stressed Out in your daily life? Most South Africans have a magnesium deficiency within their diet and experience these symptoms on a daily basis. Slow Carma is a Magnesium compound, that together with L-Carnitine combats this deficiency, strengthens your metabolic system and helps the body to produce energy naturally.

What is L-Carnitine?

L-Carnitine is a naturally occurring amino acid derivative that’s often taken as a weight loss supplement. It plays a few crucial roles in our bodies that include assisting in the production of energy! It does this by transporting fatty acids into your cells mitochondria, this inhibits the build-up of lactic acid in your body – one of the primary causes of fatigue. L-Carnitine has also been shown to support the heart and cardiovascular system.

Taking just two capsules of Slow Carma daily will help introduce L-Carnitine into your system and where before you felt fatigued you will now have the energy you need to take on the day!

Why do I Need Magnesium?

Magnesium is a vital nutrient for your body, it is involved in many important physiological processes that occur when you exercise. Adding magnesium to your diet assists your body with the production of Energy through Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), considered by biologists to be the energy currency of life. It is the high-energy molecule that stores the energy we need to do just about anything and is especially necessary when you are going for that PB in a race. Magnesium also helps the body manage muscle contraction and muscle relaxation – important for those that suffer with cramping while exercising, but most importantly it keeps your body’s cells healthy!

Leading an active lifestyle means that there are numerous benefits to include Magnesium as a daily supplement in your diet, as it can improve your athletic training, your performance, and aid recovery. Studies have shown those with higher Magnesium levels showed better muscle integrity and function, grip strength, lower leg muscle power, knee extension torque and ankle extension strength. All vital for a runner!

Professional Athletes Agree!

As featured in the July edition of Modern Athlete, track, road and cross country star Thabang Mosiako believes that using Magnesium Café supplements after suffering severe head injuries in a brutal attack, was a tremendous contributing factor to his quick recovery and return to competition.

“Benita tracked me down after the attack and told me to try the product, that I will see the results. Everyone thought I would only be running again next year, or at least after six months of recovery, but I went to African Champs. What really helped me recover was the magnesium products, and I can’t thank Benita and Magnesium Café enough. It took away the headaches, and gave me the energy and focus I needed in training. The terrible headaches I was getting are not so bad now, and I plan to keep using the product, because it saved my career!”

Having earned IAAF Gold Label status after a brilliant run at the World Half Marathon Champs earlier this year in Spain, Nolene Conrad added magnesium to her current supplement regime and immediately noticed the difference.

“As I have been struggling with a magnesium deficiency, I started using Slow Carma as an additional supplement to my usual recovery drink. Magnesium is crucial for performance, energy and recovery, and I have seen the results after using this product on a daily basis. What is great is that it’s a combination of magnesium and L-carnitine to enhance the repairing of damaged muscles, relieve muscle soreness and give you more energy.”

The Perfect Partner for Comrades Marathon

Wiseman Sibaya, has attempted four and completed two Comrades Marathons, he says taking two Slow Carma before and during the race assisted his body to not cramp, “it’s a long race, and taking two 30 minutes before and two just before half way helped me a lot.” Speaking on the two that he didn’t finish, he realized there was something lacking saying, “it’s not only about running, it’s always what you put in your body to assist you, since using Magnesium it has helped my body to finish the race. After completing the 90km race, I could still walk 1km to my car and drive home, I didn’t limp the next day, and I believe it’s because of the Magnesium.”

Slow Carma is available from their online store Magnesium Café at a special rate for the month of September.

Race Calendar – September 2018

13 September 201817 May 2019 Modern AthleteRacingLeave a Comment

Superb Spring Racing
September 2017

GAUTENG

CENTRAL GAUTENG
Saturday 1 September
Adrienne Hersch Challenge Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Randburg Central Sports Complex, cnr Republic Road & Silver Pine Avenue, Randburg, 6:30am, Cathy Cowan 079 844 7156
Merrell Spring Run 20km, 12km & 6km, Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden, Malcolm Road, Poortview, Roodepoort, 7am, 7:30am & 8am, Tatum Prins 083 449 0760
Heidelberg Mountain Challenge 10km & 5km Trail Run, Hoër Volkskool Heidelberg, Heidelberg, 8:40am & 8:50am, Race Organiser 082 560 2275
Sunday 2 September
Awesome Ladies Spring 10km & 5km, Edenpark Stadium, Eden Park, Alberton, 7am, Bongane Mabuza 082 453 5437
The Campus Run Series 8km & 5km – Spring Run, The Campus, Sloane Street, Bryanston, 8am, More info: [email protected]
Wednesday 5 September
Kinetic Night Trail Run 8km & 4km, Woodmead Country Club, Lincoln Street, Woodmean, Sandton, 6pm, Heidi Muller 082 564 6468
Sunday 9 September
Fred Morrison Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Germiston Stadium, Delville Road North, Germiston, 7am (21 & 10) & 7:15am (5), Les Black 082 552 7866
Zoo Trot 10km & 5km, Centenary Lawn, Johannesburg Zoo, Upper Park Drive, Parkview, 7am, Lebogang Mathope 011 712 6817 (w)
Four Seasons Hotel Run for Hope 7.8km & 5km, Hope School Sport Grounds, Pallinghurst Road, Westcliff, Johannesburg, 7am, More info: www.westcliffrunforhope.co.za
Friday 14 September
Serengeti Night Trail 10km & 5km, Serengeti Golf and Wildlife Estate, Kempton Park, 7pm, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Sunday 16 September
Rockies Gerald Fox Memorial Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Johannesburg Zoo, Upper Park Drive, Parkview, 7am, Race Organiser 084 674 3290
Wednesday 19 September
Thaba Nights 10km & 5km Trail Run #1, Thaba Trails Bike Park, Klipriviersburg Nature Reserve, Mulbarton Johannesburg, 7:30pm, More info: [email protected]
Thursday 20 September
Jackal Trail Run 10km & 5km, Jackal Creek Golf EstateBoundary Road, Northriding, 7pm, Race Organiser 011 053 9153 (w)
Sunday 23 September
Mayfield Square 10km & Street Mile, Mayfield Square, Lurie Road, Daveyton, 7am, Vusi Mashinini 072 128 9030
Monday 24 September
FNB Joburg 10km CITYRUN, FNB Bank City, Simmonds Street, to Mary Fitzgerald Square, Newtown, 8am, Race Organiser 074 927 4838
Friday 28 September
Germiston Golf Club Night 8km & 4km, Germiston Golf Club, 99 Rand Airport Road, Elandsfontein, Germiston, 7pm, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Sunday 30 September
Rainbow Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Barnard Stadium, cnr Plane & Green Roads, Kempton Park, 7am, Stanley Khoele 082 968 1372

GAUTENG NORTH
Saturday 1 September
Spirit of Flight 10km & 5km, Air Force Base Swartkop, Valhalla, Centurion, 6:30am, Jan Essau 071-3434504
Wednesday 5 September
Rietvlei Night Trail 10km & 5km, Rietvlei Nature Reserve, Rietvlei Dam, Pretoria, 7pm, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Saturday 8 September
Value Logistics Addicted to Life Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Voortrekker Monument, Pretoria West, 6am, Race Organiser 071 405 5588
Spring Trail Run 15km, 10km & 5km hosted by Dootch Fund, The Big Red Barn, 7 Nelson Road, Olifantsfontein, 8am, Race Organiser 072 662 7243
Bark Run 10km, 5km & 2km (with dogs), Rockfalls Ranch, Hoekplaats, Main Road, Erasmia, Centurion, 8am, Glizelle 083 264 3931
Rotsvas Trail 12km, Rotsvas Moolman, Pretoria, 8am, Race Organiser 083 635 9722
Sunday 9 September
The Zoo Trot 10km & 5km, Pretoria Zoo, Boom Street, Pretoria, 8am, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Wednesday 12 September
Lester Mills Memorial Nite 10km & 5km, Bestmed Athletics Stadium, South Street, Hatfield, Pretoria, 6:30pm, Vollie Spies 082 821 6952
Barn Spring Night Trail Run 10km & 5km, The Big Red Barn, 7 Nelson Road, Olifantsfontein, 7pm, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Saturday 15 September
Brooklyn Half Marathon, 10km & 5km PLUS 21km & 10km Walk, Brooklyn Design Square, cnr Veale and Bronkhorst Streets, Brooklyn, Pretoria, 5:30am (21W), 6am (21), 6:10am (10), 6:20am (10W) & 6:30am (5), Bert van den Raad 082 922 6817
Prestige Trail Run #4 21km, 15km, 10km, & 5km, Wattlesprings Country Recreation, Garsfontein Road, Bronkhorstspruit, 8am, 8:15am, 8:30am & 8:45am, Race Organiser 082 562 9841
Family & Paws Fun Run/Walk, (Distance optional), Smuts, Irene River, Pretoria, 8am, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Sunday 16 September
Fresh Spring Trail Run 18km, 12km & 6km, Spark Adventure Park, Shabelo Estate, Roodepoort, 7am, Eloff Hoffman 083 399 9564
Smuts Trail Series 21km, 15km, 10km & 5km, Smuts, Irene River, Pretoria, 8am, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Wednesday 19 September
Wellness Nite Trail Run 10km & 5km, Irene Golf Club, 1 Main Road, Irene, 7pm, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Saturday 22 September
Bigen Charity Fun Run 10km & 5km, The Innovation Hub, Allan Cormack Street, Pretoria, Time TBC, Glizelle 083 264 3931
Sunday 23 September
Jolly July in Spring Trail Run 21km, 13km & 8km, Casa-Lee Country Lodge, Donkerhoek, Pretoria East, 8am, 8:15am & 8:30am, Debbie Aggenbeg 083 294 5260
Rietvlei Trail Series 10km & 5km, Rietvlei Nature Reserve, Rietvlei Dam, Pretoria, 8am, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Monday 24 September
Bophelong 10km & 5km, Bophelong Community Centre, Mamelodi, 6:15am, Katlego Ngconewane 078 446 1838
The Great Train Race #2 10km, Rayton to Cullinan, 7:30am, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Afrirun Trail Run 10km, 5km & 1km, Function at the Junction Golf Course & Country Club, Apies River Road, Vastfontein, Pretoria, 7:20am, SS Timing 082 738 2909
Wednesday 26 September
Botanical Series 10km & 5km Trail Run, Pretoria National Botanical Gardens, Cussonia Avenue, Brummeria, Pretoria, 7pm, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Saturday 29 September
Clover Irene Spring Race Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Irene Village Mall, Nellmapius Drive, Centurion, 6am, Race Organiser 082 951 2581
National Business Challenge Relay 6x7km Run PLUS 3x7km Walk, Rietondale Park, Soutpansberg Road, Rietondale, 6am, Race Organiser 087 097 0011
Bark Run 10km, 5km & 2km (with dogs), The Big Red Barn, 7 Nelson Road, Olifantsfontein, 7:30am, Glizelle 083 264 3931
Sunday 30 September
Barn Family Trail Run Series 21km, 15km, 8km & 5km, The Big Red Barn, 7 Nelson Road, Olifantsfontein, 8am, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552

VAAL TRIANGLE
Sunday 2 September
Vaal River City Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Isaac Styl Stadium, Vanderbijlpark, 6am, Norman Dlomo 072 295 4175
Saturday 8 September
Adam Barnard Colour Run 5km, Emerald Resort & Casino, 777 Frikkie Meyer Boulevard, Vanderbijlpark, 8am, SS Timing 082 738 2909
Monday 24 September
Lusa Trail Run 15km, 10km, 5km & 2km, South East Boulevard Shopping Centre, cnr Andries Potgieter & Hendrick van Eck, Vanderbijlpark, 8am, SS Timing 082 738 2909
Saturday 29 September
Midvaal Half Marathon, 10km & 5km CANCELLED

WESTERN CAPE

BOLAND
Saturday 1 September
Riebeek-Kasteel Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Riebeek-Kasteel Church Hall, Piet Retief Street, Riebeek-Kasteel, 7:30am (21), 8am (10) & 8:15 (5), Anneke Mouton 082 495 3234
Auric Auto/Auto Atlantic Run The Vines #7 Windmeul 17km, 10km & 5km Trail Run, Windmeul Kelder Wine Estate, near Paarl, 7:45am, 8am & 8:15am, Lans Pepler 082 787 2472
Zoetendal Academy Southernmost Fun Run in Africa 16km & 5km, Zoetendal Academy, Melkbos Street, L’Agulhas, 8am, Herman Oosthuizen 082 586 4409
Tip Trans Cederberg Extreme 15km Trail Run, Citrusdal, 8:45am, Aldo Bruwer 082 801 5766
MediHelp Ride & Run 10km Trail Run, Dirtopia Trail Centre, Delvera Farm, on R44 between Stellenbosch & Klapmuts, 9:10am, Dirtopia 021 884 4752 (W)
Saturday 1 – Sunday 2 September
Run2Nowhere 2-day Stage Trail Run, Dutch Reformed Church Grounds, cnr of Church & Voortrekker streets, McGregor, Time TBC, Race Organiser 082 642 6303
Thursday 6 September
First Ascent Spier Night Run #2 8km & 4km, Spier Wine Estate, on R310 Baden Powell Drive near Stellenbosch, 7pm & 7:10pm, Ugene Nel 082 658 3078
Friday 7 September
Botrivier Challenge Night Run 5km, Historic Botrivier Station, 7pm, Wilfred Habelgaarn 083 324 1846
Saturday 8 September
Botrivier Challenge Half Marathon, 15km, 10km & 5km, Historic Botrivier Station, Botrivier, 7am, Wilfred Habelgaarn 083 324 1846
Piket-Bo-Berg Trail Run 18km & 8km, Moutons Valley Farm, Piket-Bo-Berg, Piketberg, 9:15am & 9:30am, Gus Pickard 076 450 7870
Hex Skyrun 30km & 18km, Matroosberg Private Reserve, Erfdeel Farm, Bo Swaarmoed Road, Matroosberg, 7:30am & 8am, More info: www.hexskyrun.co.za
Ride2Nowhere Fun (Trail) Run 12km & 6km, Dutch Reformed Church Grounds, cnr of Church & Voortrekker streets, McGregor, 8:30am, Race Organiser 082 642 6303
Sunday 9 September
Spring Trail Run 10km & 6km, Knorhoek Wine Estate, Knorhoek Road, off R44 between Stellenbosch & Klapmuts, 8am & 8:15am, Dirtopia 021 884 4752 (w)
Green Forest Trail Run #2 21km, 10km & 5km, Hawequa Plantation, Paarl to D’Vine Estate, R101 near N1 Tunnel Toll Plaza, 8:30am (21) & 9am (10 & 5), Dominique Provoyeur 084 363 4104
One Heart Family Trail Run 10km, 5km & 3km, Blaauwklippen Wine Estate, on R44 near Stellenbosch, 8am, More info: www.oneheartforkids.co.za
Wednesday 12 September
Devonvale Night Run 10km & 5km, Devonvale Golf & Wine Estate,Blumberg Drive, off M23 Bottelary Road, near Stellenbosch, 6:30pm, Dominique Provoyeur 084 363 4104
Thursday 13 September
First Ascent Spier Night Run #3 8km & 4km, Spier Wine Estate, on R310 Baden Powell Drive near Stellenbosch, 7pm & 7:10pm, Ugene Nel 082 658 3078
Saturday 15 September
Ceres Fruit Juices Michell’s Pass Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Victoria Park, Ceres, 7:30am (21) & 7:45 (10), Nico Jansen 078 882 5299 NEW DATE – WAS 22 SEPTEMBER
N7 Track Challenge Trail Run 12km & 5km, Kardoesie on N7, Piekenierskloof Pass, near Citrusdal, 8:30am & 9am, More info: www.entryninja.com
Sunday 16 September
Sunfield Home Trail Run 17km, 10km & 5km, Welbedacht Wine Estate, Oakdene Road, Wellington, 8:30am , 9am & 9:15am, Lans Pepler 082 787 2472
Delvera Coffee & Craft Market 10km & 5km Trail Run, Dirtopia Trail Centre, Delvera Farm, on R44 between Stellenbosch & Klapmuts, 9am & 9:15am, Dirtopia 021 884 4752 (W)
Sunday 23 September
Funky Fynbos Trail Run 30km, 12km & 5km, Lomond Wine Estate, Gansbaai, 7am, Naomi Potgieter 083 267 8164
Monday 24 September
Auric Auto/Auto Atlantic Run The Vines #8 Anura 17km, 10km & 5km Trail Run, Anura Wine Estate, near Klapmuts, 7:45am, 8am & 8:15am, Lans Pepler 082 787 2472
Saturday 29 September
Total Whale Festival Half Marathon & 5km, Hermanus High School, Jose Burman Street, Hermanus, 7am, Carina van der Merwe 082 823 8632
Slanghoek Trail Run 17km, 10km & 5km, Slanghoek Cellar, Breede River Valley, 8am, 8:15am & 8:30am, Lans Pepler 082 787 2472

SOUTH WESTERN DISTRICTS
Saturday 1 September
Die Naguil 5km & 3km, Rainbow Motors, Onverwacht Crescent, Oudtshoorn, 9am, Petrus Le Roux 083 443 8824
Friday 7 September
Space Race George Herald Run with the Stars Nite 10km & 3km, Glenwood House, Glenwood Avenue, George, 6pm, Thia Landsberg 083 477 4780
Saturday 22 September
PetroSA Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km & 3.5km, De Bakke Santos Caravan Park, George Road, Mossel Bay, 7am, Soraya De Rueck 044 873 0023 (w)
Saturday 22 – Monday 24 September
Oyster Catcher 3-Day Trail Run, (20km, 16km & 20km), Sandpiper Sports Centre, Boggomsbaai, near Mossel Bay, 8am, Janine Swart 083 662 2022
Saturday 29 September
Laingsburg Karoo Ultra Marathon 80km, Half Marathon & 10km, JJ Ellis Sports Field, Meiring Street, Laingsburg, 5am, Petro Buys 073 654 1652
Strawberry Festival Farm Trail Run 9km & 5km, Redberry Farm, Blanco, George, 9am, Thia Landsberg 083 477 4780
Saturday 29 – Sunday 30 September
Oyster Catcher 2-Day Trail Run, (20km & 16km), Sandpiper Sports Centre, Boggomsbaai, near Mossel Bay, 8am, Janine Swart 083 662 2022

WESTERN PROVINCE
Saturday 1 September
WPA Race Walking Grand Prix #4 30km, 20km, 10km, 5km, 3km & 1km, Youngsfield Military Base, Wetton, 7am (30), 8am (20), 9am (10) & 10am (other), Stefano Kruger 076 948 8483
Spring TrailFun 10km & 5km, Hillcrest Wine & Olive Estate, M13 Tygerberg Valley Road, near Durbanville, 8am, Japie Swanepoel 082 443 3033
Medihelp Tekkie Challenge 10km & 5km, Jan Kriel School, School Street, Kuilsriver, 7:30am & 7:45am, Estelle Kock 073 313 1668
Sunday 2 September
Satori Camel Run 16km, Noordhoek Sports Fields, off Chapman’s Peak Drive, Noordhoek, 7:30am, Craig Farham 082 416 5488 NEW DATE – WAS 9 SEPTEMBER
Table Mountain Challenge Trail Run 44km, Gardens Tech Rugby Club, Monteal Avenue, Oranjezicht, Cape Town, 6am, Caeli Manuel 072 924 2371
Fittest on the Farm Trail Run 10km, 5km & 3km, La RicMal Estate, off Bottelary Road near Kraaifontein, 8:15am, 8:30am & 8:45am, Lans Pepler 082 787 2472
Wednesday 5 September
Merrell Spring Night Run #1 8km & 5.5km, Jonkershuis Restaurant, Groot Constantia Wine Estate, Constantia, 6:45pm, Tatum Prins 083 449 0760
Sunday 9 September
Ommiedraai 10km & 5km PLUS 10km Walk, Rosmead Sports Fields, Rosmead Avenue, Wynberg, 7am & 7:15am PLUS 7:10am, Waled Samsodien 084 603 3155
Wednesday 12 September
Merrell Spring Night Run #2 8km & 5.5km, Jonkershuis Restaurant, Groot Constantia Wine Estate, Constantia, 6:45pm, Tatum Prins 083 449 0760
Saturday 15 September
UWC Street Mile, UWC Campus, Modderdam Road, Bellville, 10am, Glen Bentley 021 952 2318 (w)
Sunday 16 September
MSA Multisport 10km & 5km, William Herbert Sports Grounds, Rosmead Avenue, Wynberg, 7am, Nasrulla Enus 082 574 5323
Wednesday 19 September
Merrell Spring Night Run #3 8km & 5.5km, Jonkershuis Restaurant, Groot Constantia Wine Estate, Constantia, 6:45pm, Tatum Prins 083 449 0760
Saturday 22 September
Sanlam Peace Trail 22km and 12km, Green Point A Track, Fritz Sonnenberg Road, Green Point, 6:40am & 7:10am, Wildrunner Events 021 821 9898 (w)
Sanlam Cape Town Peace 5km Fun Run, Green Point A Track, Fritz Sonnenberg Road, Green Point, 8am, Race Office 021 511 7130 (w)
TrailFun at CY Market Trail Run 10km & 5km, CY Market, Stone Shed venue, Cape Farms, near Durbanville, 7:30am & 7:4am, More info: www.entryninja.com
Sunday 23 September
Sanlam Cape Town Marathon & 10km, Cnr Beach Road & Granger Bay Boulevard, Green Point, 7am (42) & 7:10am (10), Race Office 021 511 7130 (w)
Saturday 29 September
Goodwood Harriers Challenge 10km, Fort Ikapa Military Base, Townsend Street, Tygerdal, 7am, Faffa de Jager 082 978 9339
Battle Up Blaauwberg Hill Trail Run 16km & 10km, Table Bay Mall, cnr West Coast Road & Berkshire Boulevard, Sunningdale, Blaauwberg, 7:30am & 7:45am, Race Organiser 082 855 9014

KWAZULU-NATAL
Saturday 1 September
Spring Mnweni Marathon 38km Trail Run, Mnweni Cultural & Hiking Centre, Bergville, Time TBC, Bruce Arnett 083 564 3750
Sunday 2 September
Parkland Superspar Capital Climb Challenge 15km & 5km, Voortrekker High School, Cordwalles Road, Town Hill, Pietermaritzburg, 8am, Tony Morrison 083 374 9502
Saturday 8 September
Old Mutual Mont-Aux-Sources 50km Challenge, Royal Natal National Park, Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park, 5:30am, Race Organiser 083 387 3939
Esjay 10km Trail Run, Giba Gorge, Giba Gorge MTB Park, 110 Stockville Road, Pinetown, 6pm, More info: www.roag.co.za
Lynford Umko Trail Run 30km, 18km & 10km, Lynford School, Ixopo, 7am, Sandy Wetherill 082 876 7628
Biggarsberg Mpati Mountain Race 15km & 5km, Dundee Junior School, Excelsior Avenue, Dundee, 2pm, Lani van der Mesht 083 697 3333
Saturday 8 – Sunday 9 September
Lynford Umko 2-Day Stage Trail Run, (Sat: 30km or 18km, Sun: 15km), Lynford School, Ixopo, Sat: 7am & Sun: 8am, Sandy Wetherill 082 876 7628
Sunday 9 September
Swift Half Marathon & 10km, Hulamin Grounds, Camps Drift, Pietermaritzburg, 6am, Obert Mpanza 076 109 8895
SAPS Heritage Challenge Half Marathon & 10km, Kings Park Athletics Stadium, Marine Parade, North Beach, Durban, 6:30am, Nicholas Mchunu 083 821 8004
Durban & Coast SPCA Trail Run 22km, 14km & 5km, Durban & Coast SPCA, Springfield Park, Durban North, 7am, 7:10am & 7:20am, Race Organiser 082 492 1995
Lynford Umko Trail Run 15km, 8km & 4km, Lynford School, Ixopo, 8am, Sandy Wetherill 082 876 7628
Saturday 15 September
Michaelis Challenge Trail Run 22km, 10km & 5km, Bloemveld Dam, Vryheid, 7:30am, 7:45am & 10am, Norma 083 209 0116
Sunday 16 September
Queensburgh Mineshaft 15km, Queensburgh Sports Association Bowker Road, Escombe, 6am, Lucas Esterhuyse 083 309 3847
Safire Baynesfield 10km & 5km Trail Run, Baynesfield Recreational Club, Baynesfield Estate, Hopewell, 6:30am, Sean Stanton 082 806 6968
Friday 21 – Sunday 23 September
Karkloof 100 Miler and 50 Miler Trail Run, (160km & 80km), Yard 41, 2 Shafton Road, Howick, Fri 10pm (160)) & Sat 7am (80), Andrew Booth 082 603 4098
Friday 21 – Wednesday 26 September
100 Capital Classic, (Fri: 32km @ 6pm; Sat: 12-hour @ 7am, 100km, 100 miler, 24-hour, 48-hour & 6-day @ 9am; 12-hr Longest Night @ 8pm), Pietermaritzburg Oval Cricket Ground, Park Drive, John Hall 082 491 7679
Saturday 22 September
Gooderson Monks Cowl Trail Run 15km & 5km, Gooderson Monks Cowl Golf Resort, Cathkin Park, Draogns Peak, 7:30am, Dave Ward 031 563 5645
Cathedral Peak Challenge #4 21km, Cathedral Peak Hotel, Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park, 8am, Info: www.cathedralpeak.co.za/challenge
Ladysmith AC Night Half Marathon, Ladysmith Sports Club, Klip Bank Road, 5pm, Lincoln Sibiya 079 361 0871
Sunday 23 September
Waterfall 15km, 10km & 5km, Inanda Road, Hillcrest, 6am, Syanda Sibiya 078 639 6234
Chesterville 10km, Chesterville Sports Grounds, Chesterville, 7am, Adam Howard-Davies 082 301 0856
Rox Beach Classic 14km, 8km & 4km, Umhlanga Rocks Lifesaving Club, 8am, More info: www.roag.co.za
Monday 24 September
1860 Indentured Labour Challenge 10km & 5km, Green Hub, Blue Lagoon, Durban, 6:30pm, Anand Naicker 083 783 6363
Sunday 30 September
eThekwini Township2Township Marathon & Half Marathon, King Zwelithini Stadium, uMlazi (42) & Chesterville Sasol Garage (21), 5:30am, Sipho Mkhathini 082 460 9761
Coastal Series #1 Rocky Bay Trail Run 20km, 12km & 6km, Rocky Bay Resort, Old Main Road, Park Rynie, Scottburgh, 7am, 7:30am & 7:45am, Lauren Booth 082 791 7069
Ability Charity Fun Run 10km, 5km & 2km, Moses Mabidha Stadium, Isaac Ntshangase Road, Durban, 8:30am, More info: www.ability10km.com

FREE STATE
Saturday 1 September
Twizza Allan Ferguson Round Naval Hill Half Marathon, 10km & 4km, Bloemfontein Bowling Club, Union Avenue, Hamilton Park, 6:15am, Beverley Olivier 071 895 3183
Volksblad Mark Botanical Gardens Standard Bank Trailrun Series Spring 10km, 5km & 1km, Free State National Botanical Gardens, Rayton Road, Dan Pienaar, Bloemfontein, 9am, Nelio De Sa 082 777 6770
Wyndford Trail Run 10km & 5km, Wyndford Holiday Farm, Fouriesburg, 9am & 9:30am, More info: www.wyndford.co.za
Saturday 8 September
Louis Massyn Mieliepap Fees 10km & 5km, Cnr Hamilton & Smith Streets, Ventersburg, 6:30am, Kieth Rhoode 082 882 9496
Letlaka Trail Run 24km, 15km & 5km, Mountain View Guest House, Tielman Roos Avenue, Zastron, 7am, Corne van Niekerk 082 908 1716
Friday 14 September
NK Kerk Berg en Daller 10km & 5km, NG Kerk, Berg-en-Dal, Albrecht Street, Bloemfontein, 6pm, Lieb loots 082 560 3830
Saturday 15 September
Bothaville Two River Trail Run 16km & 5km, Bothaville High School, Symond Street, Bothaville, 7am, Philip Viljoen 079 515 6203
Oliewenhuis Trailrun 10km & 5km, 16 Harry Street, Dan Pienaar, Bloemfontein, 8am, Nelio De Sa 082 777 6770
Saturday 22 September
Trappers Four Peaks Mountain Challenge 24km, Moolmanshoek Private Game Reserve, on R70 between Ficksburg & Rosendal, 5am, Michael de Haast 072 078 5278
Saturday 22 – Sunday 23 September
Clarens Cosmos Challenge Spring Stage Race, (Day 1: 24km or 18km, Day 2: 17km), Bokpoort Farm, Clarens, 6:30am, Ruan Botes 063 686 7315
Saturday 29 September
Webbers & Vic Theron’s Laboratories Dress-Up Spring Run Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Bloemfontein Achilles Sport Centre, Att Horak Avenue, Bloemfontein, 6:30am, Beverley Olivier 071 895 3183
GI Joe Viper Clash 10km Trail Run, Tikwe River Lodge, Virginia, Free State, 8am, GI Joe Office 082 962 6565

EASTERN CAPE

BORDER
Sunday 2 September
NFB Tony Viljoen Masters Marathon PLUS Half Marathon Walk, Macleantown Road, Cobongo turn-off, to Beacon Bay Country Club, Beaconhurst Drive, 6am, John Oatley 084 619 5126
Sunday 9 September
Elliot Madeira Charity Club Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, N2 Mthentu Cuttings, near Nelson Mandela Home, Mthatha, 7am, Temba Mtshabe 083 929 4286
Monday 10 – Wednesday 12 September
Wildcoast 112km Wildrun, (43km, 35km & 34km), Kei Mouth to Hole-in-the-Wall, 6am, Wildrunner Events 021 821 9898 (w)
Sunday 16 September
Caltex Sole Destroyer Half Marathon & 8km, Highgate Hotel, Voortrekker Road, Cambridge, to Oxford Striders Club, Beach Road, Nahoon, East London (8km starts here), 6:30am, Dillon Pretoruis 073 799 6075
Sunday 23 September
Legends Ultra Marathon 68km, Half Marathon & 5km, Bhisho Stadium (68) & Jan Smuts Stadium (21), to Phillip Kahts Softball Stadium, Bunkers Hill, East London (21 & 5), 6am (68) & 7am (21), Meta Scott 081 487 4984 NEW DATE – WAS 24 SEPTEMBER
Saturday 29 September
Lammergeyer Mountain Challenge 24km & Extreme 32km, Lady Grey Country Club, 6am (32) & 7am (24), Pieter Du Preez 083 294 9477
RB Katberg Sky Trail 35km, Katberg Eco Golf Estate, Katberg, 8am, Dominique 076 151 2852
Sunday 30 September
Mercedes Benz 15km & 5km, Old Selbornian Club, Pearce Street, Berea, East London, 7am, Sharon Eldridge 083 284 3781

EASTERN PROVINCE
Saturday 15 September
Builders Warehouse Rafi's Friendly City Marathon, 10km & 5km, Fountain Vineyard Church, behind Builders Warehouse, Buffelsfontein Road, Port Elizabeth, 5am, 6:30am & 7:30am, Graham Channon 078 184 9723
Telle Bridge 30km, 10km & 5km, Bensonvale College Complex, Sterkspruit, 6:30am, 7am & 7:15am, Race Organiser 082 478 4605
Saturday 29 September
Windpomp Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Botanical Sports Grounds, Somerset Street, Graaff-Reinet, 7am, Rozelle Köhne 076-180 8853

FAR NORTH

LIMPOPO
Saturday 1 September
Tzaneen Lifestyle Spring Opener Half Marathoner, 10km & 5km, Tzaneen Lifestyle Centre, Danie Jourbert Street, Tzaneen, 7am, Hercules Erasmus 078 156 1499 NEW DATE – WAS 25 AUGUST
Saturday 1 – Sunday 2September
Waterberg Canopy 2-day Trail Run, (28km & 24km, 17km & 16km or 12km & 11km), Lindani Lodges, Melkrivier Road, Vaalwater, 6am, Ruan Botes 063 686 7315
Saturday 8 September
Hanlie Steyn Memorial Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Polokwane C Rugby Field, next to old Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane, 6:30am (21 & 10) & 6:40am (5), Corrie Calitz 072 149 2674
Sunday 16 September
Nissan Trailseeker Trail Run #5 21km, 10km & 5km, Mabalingwe Nature Reserve, R516 Rooiberg Road, Bela-Bela, 8am, Race Organiser 086 199 0001
Saturday 22 September
Two Countries at Musina Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Eric Louw High School, Musina, 6am (42) & 7am (21), Ferreira Nel 082 749 0413
Falconwood Tunnel Trail 25km, 12km & 6km, Falconwood Factory, Anneckest 1, Aquapark, Tzaneen, 7am, Paul Zaayman 083 460 4204

MPUMALANGA
Saturday 1 September
MHS Spring Trail Run Half Marathon, 10km & 4.9km Trail Run CANCELLED
Wednesday 5 September
Elkana Night 10km & 4.9km, Elkana Educational Centre, 2 Aasvoël Street, Reyno Ridge, eMalahleni (Witbank), 7pm, Abie Smit 072 573 2501
Saturday 8 September
ACK Vorentoe Bethal Half Marathon, 10km & 4.9km, Marietjie van Niekerk Primary School, Market Avenue, Bethal, 7am, Engela van der Merwe 072 672 2015
Buffalo Gorge Trail Series 18km, 10km, 6.5km & 2.5km, Buffalo Gorge Eco Adventure Centre, Buffelskloof Farm, off N11 between Middelburg & Groblersdal, 8:30am, Ryk Diepraam 083 528 9586
Wednesday 12 September
Nashua Kanonkop Night 10km & 4.9km, Kanonkop Primary School, Loerie Street, Middelburg, 7pm, Theuns Luus 083 630 8729
Saturday 15 September
Samanco Ferrometals Half Marathon, 10km & 4.9km, Elkana Educational Centre, 2 Aasvoël Street, Reyno Ridge, eMalahleni (Witbank),, 7am, Abie Smit 072 573 2501
Wednesday 19 September
Rooies Nite 10km & 4.9km, HTS Middelburg Rugby Field, 7pm, Theuns Luus 083 630 8729
Saturday 22 September
Boulders 25km & 10km, Mara turn-off from N4, 25km from Nelspruit/Mbombela towards Komatipoort, to Kaapmuiden Primary School, 6am, Deon Valks 082 788 0675
Wittenberg Trail Run 20km, 10km & 4km, Wittenberg Primary School, 20km south of Piet Retief, 7am, Anne Nieuwenhuizen 082 440 2294
Wednesday 26 September
SAVF Night Race 10km & 4.9km, SAVF Old Age Home, 52 Walter Sisulu Street, Middelburg, 7pm, Paul Bester 082 966 7767
Saturday 29 September
Supporting Healthy Lifestyle 10km & 5km, St Peters Primary School, Neethling Street, Nelspruit, 7am, Yolanda De Villiers 060 852 0340

NORTH WEST

CENTRAL NORTH WEST
Wednesday 19 September
Goudkop Primary School Fun Run 10km, 5km & 2.5km, Goudkop Primary School, Flora Avenue, Klerksdorp, 6pm, Andre Pelsel 082 875 2378
Saturday 29 September
PG Glass Vlakvark Trail Run Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Faan Meintjies Nature Reserve, about 10km out of Klerksdorp on Dr Yusuf Dadoo Avenue (D2787), 7am, Jasper van Zyl 083 290 4743

NORTH WEST NORTH
Saturday 1 September
Keystone Milling Rustenburg Mountain Race 25km, 10km & 5km, Rustenburg Kloof Resort, 1 Donkerhoek Road, Rustenburg, 7am, Nico Steenkamp 083 264 3071
Wild Africa’s Ginovation Trail Run 17km, 12km, 8km & 5km, Glen Afric Country Lodge 144 Broederstroom, 7:30am, Paul McIntyre 083 642 6698
Sunday 9 September
Arnold Chatz Rock Rabbit Trail Run 20km, 12km, 6km & 1.5km, Segwati Game Reserve, Hartbeeshoek, 7am, 7:30am, 8am & 9:30am, Nina Durieux 083 275 2362
Saturday 15 September
Konka Farm Trail Run 20km, 10km, 5km & 2km, Konka Farm, Rustenburg, 7am, 7:15am, 7:20am & 7:30am, Hetta Havenga 083 350 7839
The Citizen Trail Run hosted by Sun City 21km, 10km & 6km, Sun City Valley of the Waves, near Rustenburg, 7am, 7:15am & 7:30am Johan Du Toit 062 915 8057
Saturday 22 September
Kromberg & Schubert 25km, 15km & 5km, Hoërskool Brits, cnr Schutte & Soetdoring Streets, Brits, 6am, Hendri Brokhorst 012 252 2625 (w)
Saturday 29 September
Wild Africa’s Oktobeerfest Trail Run 15km, 10km, 8km & 5km, Black Horse Brewery, 32 Seekoeihoek & Bekker Schools Road, Magaliesberg, 7:30am, Paul McIntyre 083 642 6698
The Magalies Trail Running Adventure 16km, 8km & 4km, The Cog & Sprocket, Mount Grace Country House & Spa, Old Rustenburg Road, 7:30am, Jessica 082 787 3317

NORTHERN CAPE

GRIQUALAND WEST
Saturday 1 September
PC Struwig Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Bishops Old Boys Club, Memorial Road, Kimberley, 7am, Magda Oldewage 083 676 0921
Saturday 8 September
Vulture Conservation Trail Run 16km & 6km, Benfontein Nature Reserve, Kimberley, 9am, David Janse van Vuuren 083 443 8198
Saturday 15 September
De Aar Stone Crushers WesRun Half Marathon & 10km, De Aar High School, 1 Jupiter Road, De Aar, 6:30am, Wessie van der Westhuizen 071 725 8521

NORTH WEST CAPE
Friday 28 September
Kalahari Kuierfees Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Reitzpark, Upington, 6pm, 6:30pm & 7pm, Carel Burger 082 622 7109 NEW DATE – WAS 2 NOVEMBER
Saturday 29 September
Kakamas Kanaal Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Die Mas Kakamas Wine Cellar, Kakamas, 6am, Carel Burger 082 622 7109

NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES

LESOTHO
Saturday 1 – Sunday 2 September
The 3222 Ice Stage Trail, (25km & 15km or 10km & 5km), Afriski Mountain Resort, Time TBC, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Saturday 22 September
Highlands Trout Mountain Challenge 42km, 21km & 5km, Orion Katse Lodge, Katse Dam, 6am, Bruce Fordyce 011 726 2867 (w)

NAMIBIA
Saturday 1 September
Spring Festival 9km & 4.5km Fun Run PLUS 2km Walk, Avis Dam, Windhoek, 8am, Cycletec +264 (0)61 244 324
Tuesday 4 September
FNB Nite 8km & 5km PLUS 5km Walk, United Club, Esther Brand Street, Olympia, Windhoek, 5:45pm (5W) & 6pm (8 & 5), Charles +264 (0)81 124 9471
Saturday 8 September
The Rock Half Marathon & 10km Trail Run, Spitzkoppe, near Usakos, Christine +264 (0)81 299 0945
Tuesday 11 September
FNB Nite 8km & 5km PLUS 5km Walk, United Club, Esther Brand Street, Olympia, Windhoek, 5:45pm (5W) & 6pm (8 & 5), Charles +264 (0)81 124 9471
Saturday 15 September
Spring TrailFun 9km & 6km, Daan Viljoen Game Reserve, off C28 near Windhoek, 7am, Japie Swanepoel 082 443 3033
Navachab Half Marathon PLUS 5km Walk, Usab Field, Karibib, 7:30am, BK Karumendu +264 (0)81 311 8489
Run for Hope 10km & 5km, Windhoek, Rest of details TBC
Saturday 22 September
Fish River Marathon, Half Marathon & 8km PLUS 10km Walk PLUS 7km Cross Country, Keetmanshoop, 6am, Mari Pesch +264 (0)81 249 7200
Standard Bank Dunes XTrail 15km & 7km, Tiger Reef, Swakopmund, Yvonne +264 (0)81 142 9966

ORIENTEERING
Saturday 8 September
Gauteng Rogaine Event, Buffelskloof / Venterskroon, Parys Dome, Gauteng, Time TBC, ROC: Nick Cooper 074 188 9250
Sunday 16 September
Gauteng Bush Series #8 (Middle Distance), Phambile, Cradle of Humankind, Gauteng, Time TBC, RACO: Paul Wimberley 082 550 7793
Saturday 22 September
SA Champs – Middle Distance, Woodbush, Haenertsburg, Limpopo, Time TBC, ROC: Nick Cooper 074 188 9250
Sunday 23 September
SA Champs – Long Distance, Iron Crown, Haenertsburg, Limpopo, Time TBC, ROC: Nick Cooper 074 188 9250
Monday 24 September
SA Champs – Relay, Turfloop, Haenertsburg, Limpopo, Time TBC, ROC: Nick Cooper 074 188 9250

TRIATHLON & DUATHLON
Saturday 1 September
MediHelp Ride & Run, (20km MTB/7.5km Trail Run or 10km MTB/7.5km Trail Run), Dirtopia Trail Centre, Delvera Farm, on R44 between Stellenbosch & Klapmuts, 8am & 8:30am, Dirtopia 021 884 4752 (W)
Saturday 1 – Sunday 2 September
Ironman 70.3 World Champs, (Sat: Women, Sun: Men) Nelson Mandela Bay, Eastern Cape, Race Office 041 581 7990 (w)
Sunday 9 September
MiWay Cape Ultra Triathlon, Ultra 1.9km/90km/21km & Sprint 600m/20km/5km, Theewaterskloof Dam, near Villiersdorp, Western Cape, 8am, B-Active Sports 031 763 1885
Sunday 16 September
Trinity Germiston #1 Triathlon & Duathlon, Tri: Standard 1.5km/40km/10km, Sprint 750m/20km/5km, Mini 400m/10km/1.25km, Kids 200m/5km/1km, Young Ones 75m/2.5km/500m, Du: Standard 5km/40km/5km, Sprint 5km/20km/2.5km, Mini 2.5km/10km/1.25km, Kids 1km/5km/500m & Young Ones 500m/2.5km/500m, Germiston Lake, Ekurhuleni Municipal Park, Gauteng, 7:20am (Young Ones), 7:22am (Kids), 8:15am (Standard), 9:15am (Sprint), 10am (Para Sprint & Juniors), Japie Boonzaaier 084 501 2712
Saturday 22 September
Free State Triathlon/Duathlon, Maselspoort, Bloemfontein, Free State, 9am, Free State Triathlon 073 718 5427
North West Triathlon & Duathlon Series, Tri: Standard 1.5km/40km/10km, Sprint 750m/20km/5km & Super-sprint 400m/10km/2.5km, Du: Standard 10km/40km/5km, Sprint 5km/20km/2.5km & Super-sprint 2.5km/10km/1.25km, Vaal Reefs Boating Club, Orkney, North West, 8am (Standard), 8:45 (Sprint) & 9:15 (Super-sprint), Yolanda Kruger 082 787 5496
Monday 24 September
Afriman Duathlon (including Tshwane Duathlon Champs), Afriman 10km/70km/5km, Miniman 5km/23km/2.5km & Super Sprint 2.5km/10km/1.5km, Afriman Function at the Junction Golf Course & Country Club, Apies River Road, Vastfontein, Pretoria, 7:20am, SS Timing 082 738 2909
Saturday 29 September
Freshpak Fitness Festival, Triathlon: 800m/20km/5km, Duathlon: 5km/20km/2.5km, Biathlon: 5km/20km, FitKids: 1km/200m/1km run/swim/run, Plus 3km & 1.5km swim, Clanwilliam Dam Campsite, Western Cape, 9am (swim, 10:30am (FitKids), 12:30pm (Du/Bi) & 3pm (Tri), Tri & Du Sport 021 914 1157 (w)

OBSTACLE RACING
Saturday 1 September
Daniel’s Lion Heart Challenge, 10km (20 obstacles), 5km (10), Blyde Adventure Camp, Jonkmanspruit Road, Hoedspruit, Limpopo, 7am, More info: www.entryninja.com
Runstacles 4km, Cape Town Ostrich Ranch, Van Schoorsdrif Road, off N7, Philadelphia, Western Cape, 8:30am, The Grind HQ 021 813 9282 (w)
Sunday 2 September
Obstacle Wars Race #6, 4km & 2km courses, Winston Park, Vian Road, Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal, Batches from 8am, More info: www.entryninja.com
Gajiga Run 5km, (With inflatable obstacles), Thaba Trails, Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve, Mulbarton, Johannesburg, Gauteng, 9am, More info: [email protected]
Saturday 8 September
Multiply Adventure Challenge, 3.5km routes for Extremist (25 obstacles), Brave (20) & Apprentice (15), Riversands Farm Village, Rose Road, Knopjeslaagte, Midrand, Gauteng, Batches from 8am, Advendurance 086 199 0001
Runstacles 4km, Cape Town Ostrich Ranch, Van Schoorsdrif Road, off N7, Philadelphia, Western Cape, 8:30am, The Grind HQ 021 813 9282 (w)
Sunday 9 September
Muddy Princess Joburg South, 5km course, Rietvlei Zoo Farm, Swartkoppies Road, Johannesburg South, Gauteng 8am, More info: iwww.muddyprincess.co.za
Nelson Mandela Bay Urban Run 10.5km, Donkin Reserve, Belmont Terrace, Port Elizabeth, 9am, Michael Zoetmulder 041 484 7860 (w)
Saturday 15 September
The Beast Challenge #16 & Beast Sprint #16, Savage Beast 15km (50 obstacles), Wild Beast 10km (30) & Tame Beast 5km (15), Crocodile Creek, Botasdal Farm, Lanseria, 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)
Saturday 22 September
PowerXtreme OCR #4, BadAss 10km & Newbie 5km, Tierpoort Adventure Farm, Rooikat Street, Tierpoort, Pretoria, Time TBC, Jaco 081 320 8924
Runstacles 4km, Cape Town Ostrich Ranch, Van Schoorsdrif Road, off N7, Philadelphia, Western Cape, 8:30am, The Grind HQ 021 813 9282 (w)
Saturday 29 September
Runstacles 4km, Cape Town Ostrich Ranch, Van Schoorsdrif Road, off N7, Philadelphia, Western Cape, 8:30am, The Grind HQ 021 813 9282 (w)
GI Joe Viper Clash #4 12km & 6km, Commander 12km (84 obstacles), Normal 12km (52) & 6km (32),Tikwe River Lodge, Virginia, Free State, 8am, GI Joe Office 082 962 6565

ADVENTURE RACING
Friday 7 – Saturday 8 September
Lilyfontein Adventure Race, 110-150km, 60-70km, 55-65km, 30km, 12km & 6km, Yellow Sands Caravan Park, East Coast Resorts Road, Kwelera, East London, Various times, Margaret Mitchell 043 737 4258
Friday 14 September
Out the Green Box Nite Series #3, More info: www.wonadventures.co.za
Saturday 15 – Sunday 16 September
A1 Adventure Racing Series #4 – WCAD 24, Cape Town, Western Cape, Time TBC, info: www.adventure1series.com
Sunday 16 September
Kinetic Adventure 25km, Run, MTB & Kayak, Cowhouse Market, Hazeldean, Gauteng, Heidi Muller 082 564 6468

2018 Red Bull Box Cart Race Update – Skullcandy’s War Rig Will Show No Mercy!

13 September 201825 June 2019 Modern AthleteNewsLeave a Comment

The ferocious construction of SKULLCANDY’s WAR RIG can be heard for miles across neighbourhoods as fierce war cries and screeching metal drilling pierce the air, the sounds echoing through the streets, scaring local bullies indoors and feral cats scuttle for cover. A sudden burst of thunderous hammering breaks nearby rocks into gravel, a reminder of what’s to come; the most brazen, kick-butt, battle-waging machine, a prodigy of Mad Max, the fierce, animalistic SKULLCANDY WAR RIG is ready to tear down Sandton Drive with all the ferocity of Imperator Furiosa in search of GLORY!

With nothing but gravity and gallons of mad bravado and Red Bull, the fearless pilots, Capper and Fitzgerald, shrugged off as mere misfits by their peers, will shake down the egos of those before them, instilling fear and confusion in those still to come. “CAN YOU FEEL IT?”

Come the 16th September, the posh, meek and mild must lock their doors and close the curtains as Sandton Drive will be taken over by hundreds of mad, thrill-seekers out to beat the fearsome War Rig Warriors, who, we might mention, are deeply indoctrinated in the belief that dying in battle will take them to Valhalla.

If you’re brave enough to cast your eye in the direction of these four apocalypse survivors, you can’t miss the brutish War Rig engineer, Martin van Staden, EFC Champion who chases his opponents around the ring until they slip over their spilt blood; the War Rig’s breakneck mechanic, Courtnaé Paul, a steely avenger with combat and tactical skills that will beat brawn at every break of dawn; then there’s the gung-ho co-pilot, Kerim Fitzgerald, the raging, fiercely competitive KTM warrior who thrives in hostile environments, living only for today, no price is too high to pay; and finally, the Chief of Five Wives, and of all citizens in Citadel, is kamikaze pilot, Brian Capper. He is dangerous on wheels, an extreme adrenaline junkie with pure savagery and rage surging through his veins, feeding fire through the steel and rubber of the War Rig, crushing all who attempt to outrun the War Rig in this deadly, high-speed chase through the concrete jungle.

Hold onto your wives, they are coming. YOU WILL #FEELIT….

Tornado from Tembisa

12 September 201817 May 2019 Modern AthleteFeaturesLeave a Comment

Young track talent Ryan Mphahlela enjoyed a breakthrough 2017-2018 season on the track, and now looks set to take on the world. – BY MANFRED SEIDLER

Tembisa is a large township in the north of Kempton Park on the East Rand with a population of just under 500,000. It is also home to the Tembisa Athletics Club, which hosts the annual Tembisa Street Mile and 10km road race. the club also hosts a 5km time trial every Wednesday at the Living Waters Bible Study Centre, and on 10 January this year, 19-year-old Ryan Mphahlela made a massive statement as he flew to a time 14:39 to set a course record for the Time Trial. He had already represented SA at the 2016 African Cross Country Champs and 2017 World Cross Country Champs in his age category, but that time trial made the older runners sit up and take notice!

To prove this was no flash in the pan, Ryan then went on to destroy the field in the 1500m at the Central Gauteng Championships, in a race that included former SA Champion Folavio Sehole and Dumisane Hlaselo, who have been considered part of the big three in the event in SA for a number of years. Ryan was uncatchable, running from the front to win in 3:44.03, and it was that result more than his 5km time trial that prompted the organisers of the first Liquid Telecom Grand Prix event in Ruimsig on 1 March to allocate a starting berth to Ryan. He literally grabbed the opportunity with both hands, finishing fourth in a field that included the then U18 World Champion, George Manangoi of Kenya, who recently added the U20 World Title to his name, and Ronald Musagala of Uganda, who boasts a best of 3:33.65 for 1500m. A mere seven tenths of a second separated second from fourth.

More to Come
The pundits were even more impressed when Ryan once again showed his trademark never-say-day attitude a week later in the 3000m at the second Grand Prix meeting in Pretoria. He was the only athlete able to stay with World Championship 10,000m silver medallist, Joshua Cheptegei, who many believe will be the next force in world 5000/10,000m racing with the retirement of Britain’s Mo Farah, and the crowd were on their feet as Ryan tracked the Ugandan lap after lap.

Joshua eventually shook the youngster off with a final surge at the bell to win in 7:49.48, but Ryan was warmly applauded as he continued to chase the Ugandan down the home straight and finished second in 7:59.96. Having watched the young South African post a marvellous sub-eight in his debut at the distance, the Ugandan said, “He is a big talent. He shows no fear, and that is good. He will give some people a big scare in the years to come.” High praise indeed, but Ryan calmly took in all in stride. “I love to challenge myself, and racing Josh showed me I do not need to fear anyone. Respect yes, fear no.”

International Exposure
On the back of those two performances, Ryan was then invited to Europe to race in a series of middle distance events in Belgium and Holland, after he had represented SA again at the African Cross Country Champs. He won his first 1500m at the Nivelles Meeting International on 23 June, clocking 3:41.44, just a second off his lifetime best of 3:40.44. A week later he had to settle for fourth in his next 1500m with a time of 3:42.55. “I ran a tactically poor race there and paid the price. One thing I have learnt is that racing in Europe is different to racing in South Africa. Here I can play a big role in dictating the race, but in Europe there is so much more depth and I cannot lead from the front. It also shows I need to get stronger and faster.”

His final race in Europe was over 3000m on 7 July at the Hilversum Arena Games. This time he did lead from the front, clocking 7:53.96 for a huge, satisfying personal best. “That is my season for 2018. Now I will prepare for the 4km at the SA Cross Country Championships in September, which will be first attempt at a senior national title, and my focus will be on qualifying for the World Cross Country Championships. Then in 2019 I want the SA 5000m title. I think that will be my best event in the future, but I still want to qualify for the 1500m at the World Championships in Doha next year.”

Ironically, Ryan was a keen footballer and had no idea of his running talent until he was entered in a cross country race in Grade Four. “I was so shocked, but I won, and it was then that coach Elvis started coaching me and I’ve been with him ever since,” says Ryan. (That’s Elvis Innocent, the coach at Tembisa Athletics Club). It is here, in Tembisa, that this remarkable young talent is staying level-headed as he prepares himself to continue taking on the world’s ‘big guns,’ and after this season, they have been warned!

Ryan’s PB’s
1500m – 3:40.44
1 mile – 3:59.44
3000m – 7:53.96
5km – 14:39

IMAGES: Courtesy Ryan Mphahlela

Positive Mindset

12 September 201817 May 2019 Modern AthleteFeaturesLeave a Comment

Ultra-distance triathlete Jade Nicole is not just making a name for herself in the sport, she is ready to take on the world’s best in the hopes of pursuing a pro career in triathlon. – BY SEAN FALCONER

The right mindset. That’s what Jade Nicole (28) says was missing when she went to Europe aged 18 to become a pro cyclist. “Cycling started out as a hobby during school in Cape Town, but soon I was racing the top girls and signed by the Konica-Minolta team, riding the big races like the Cycle Tour and 947. Then I went to Europe, and honestly, I really missed my family and friends, and the comforts of home. I was living in a team house with 10 other riders and it was a lot more difficult to get into the pro team, and after three years I realised I wouldn’t make it.”

Fast-forward a few years and Jade is once again making a name for herself on the sporting front. Now living in Johannesburg, she won the recent MiWayLife Sun City Ultra triathlon (1.9km/90km/21km), having finished first in her age group and eighth overall at the Standard Bank Ironman SA 70.3 in East London earlier this year, as well as well as first in her age group and second overall at the MiWayLife Durban Ultra. Those great results followed overall wins in 2017 at the Durban 70.3 and Indian Ocean Triathlon in Mauritius, and a first in age group and seventh overall in the 2017 Ironman SA 70.3. And she says it is largely thanks to her coach, Lucie Zelenkova.

“Sun City was not my best race, but I pulled a rabbit out of the hat after being two minutes down on Magda Nieuwoudt at T2. Somehow I passed her on the second lap of the run and ended up beating her by nearly seven minutes. I had been sick the week before the race and still wasn’t feeling great, but I had one of my best runs that day – and I must give credit to Lucie for helping me develop the mindset that now allows me to race so successfully. I wish I had this mindset eight years ago in Europe – I could have achieved so much more, but I didn’t believe in myself as much.”

A Second Chance
Jade had actually done a few triathlons while in school, but says she struggled with the swimming. With her cycling days behind her, and having initially trained as a chef upon her return to SA and worked in that field for four years before training to become a personal trainer, she decided to give triathlon a go again in 2015 when a client invited her to a tri event. Her initial results were competitive but not top level, so in 2016 she decided to take things more seriously and signed up with Lucie’s Trifactri squad. “I’ve always been inspired by her, having watched her race and win in East London when I was young,” says Jade.

“I now have a coach who has raced all around the world, who’s been there and done it, and I love that she is very hands-on and supportive. We have regular meetings to ensure I am focused, while avoiding over-training, and I trust the process, and that Lucie will get me there. She is always open and honest with me, and she has said a lot of things that make me confident about the future, including possibly turning pro. Still, we’re both being realistic, and I first need to see how I do against the world’s best before I can even start thinking about trying to make a living from triathlon.”

Bring on the Best
Of course, the chance to test herself against the world’s best triathletes is just around the corner. Having won her age group in East London earlier this year, Jade qualified for the Ironman 70.3 World Champs, which will take place in Port Elizabeth on 1 September. “My goal is to win my age group at World Champs, and then, if things go well, to turn professional and represent my country at an international level. The World’s best are coming to SA and it will be my first international race, so a good indication to see where I stand on the world stage. I need to be able to make money if I turn pro, so I’ll be comparing times when they are here.”

Happily for Jade, her motivation to succeed is strong enough to overcome any doubts, especially when she thinks bout her decision to cut back on her work hours in the Virgin Active Classic Collection gymnasium at Alice Lane in Sandton, in order to train for World Champs. “I am currently only working half-day, and have sacrificed my morning working hours – and pay – to fit in training from 4:30am to 12, before I see clients in the afternoon and evening. But I am motivated and looking forward to the challenge.”

STOP PRESS: Since this article was written, Jade went on to win her age category at the Ironman 70.3 World Champs in PE… which means chances are good she will be turning pro in the near future!

IMAGES: Jethro Snyders and courtesy Asics & Jade Nicole

Beloved Runs

12 September 201817 May 2019 Modern AthleteFeaturesLeave a Comment

With his customary “Hello, Hello,” followed by whistling, click sounds and shaking knees as he ‘calls the route’ for the day, Dean Wight begins the briefing for another Beloved Long Run. It’s just part of the popular weekly training runs taking place all over the KwaZulu-Natal province. – BY SEAN FALCONER

Our Beloved Chairman… that’s what the members of Queensburgh Harriers nicknamed Dean Wight when he served as Club Chair from 2006 to 2017, and when it came to choosing a name for the long training runs he has been organising each weekend since 2008, it just seemed right to go for Beloved Long Runs. “I would get up at 2am or 3am and go hide drinks and sweets in the bushes along the route, then go meet up for the run,” recalls Dean. Now, 11 years later, those Queensburgh club runs have grown into multi-club runs that attract from 60 to 250 runners each Saturday morning, who turn out to run up to 32km together, with water tables every three to four kays serving water, cold drinks and snacks. Oh, and lots of crème soda… because Dean really loves his crème soda!

Dean (50) works as a rep for Asics in the KZN and Eastern Cape areas. He was introduced to running at the tender of age of 11, when he did a 5km fun run in La Lucia in December 1979. “I was initially reluctant to participate, but instantly fell head over heels in love with the sport. After that I continued running every fun run I could find until I was finally old enough to join Queensburgh Harriers in 1984. I ran my first marathon in 1986, and my first Comrades in 1988, and I’ve now done 27. My target is 40.”

Going the DIstance
In 2014, Dean and wife Des – “My biggest long run supporter and go-to girl,” says Dean – moved to Gillits, but as a life member he stayed with Queensburgh and carried on organising the training runs. He started charging R10 per run to cover the costs of the drinks and snacks, and says he had a contact list of 20 to 30 guys in a database that he would mail the weekend’s plans to, and they would then send-on to their friends. By the time Dean organised a big Hillcrest to Beachfront training run in January 2016, he was being asked to organise more runs, “So I decided to start organising runs all over the province, find volunteers for seconding tables, and create a webpage and Facebook page to promote the runs, while also upping the fee to R20 to cover the additional costs.”

When he was approached later in 2016 by several running clubs that wanted to be part of the runs, he grabbed the opportunity. “We were taking up too much parking at shopping centres and garages, so in 2017 we started partnering with various clubs and running from their clubhouses. The clubs could then make their showers, clubhouse and bar available, which could bring in some money while also offering runners a safer running environment. A large percentage of our runners are women, who are attracted by the increased safety of our group runs.”

The Beloved Long Runs are mostly on out-and-back routes, so runners can turn wherever they want to, and all take place on Saturday mornings. “I never clash with races on Sundays, because these runs rely on the clubs for support, and even on those weekends with really big races, I still still get a good turn-out.” Added to the weekly runs, Dean organises the ‘Comrades in Three Days’ on Easter Weekend, and helps organise the 56km Comrades Route Tester in early May, in conjunction with the long-standing Collegians and Hillcrest route tester runs. “We’ve brought 14 more clubs on board to help with the water tables, and it has really grown in popularity.”

Running for a Cause
One of the most commendable aspects of Dean’s runs is that once he has covered his costs for catering and logistics from the ‘entry fee,’ the rest goes to charity. He also puts out a donations box for any runners that may want to give more, and in 2016-2017 they raised R70,000 for various charities. However, much more was to follow this year. “The Hillcrest Aids Centre Trust was nominated as an official Comrades charity and early in 2018 they approached me to become a running ambassador for the Centre, but I said I wanted to do more by partnering the Beloved Long Runs to their charity.”

“I set an initial target of raising R10,000 for them, but then said, hold on, we’ve got over 3000 Facebook members and can aim higher, so I increased that to R100,000. An old school friend of mine then said that he would double the money if we reached that target, which we did in the first week of May. With R200,000 raised, I upped the target to R250,000, then R300,000, and eventually a few weeks after this year’s Comrades we finished on R327,000! It really is terrific to see how much the runners are willing to give back.”

To find the next Beloved Long Run, go to www.belovedlongruns.co.za or www.facebook.com/groups/belovedlongruns.

IMAGES: Jetline Action Photo & courtesy Dean Wight

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Tornado from Tembisa

Positive Mindset

Beloved Runs

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