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Madoko’s Bus

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They come running into the finish line, chanting, dancing, big smiles on faces, obviously having a whale of a time even though they’re tired, sweaty and sore. On the one hand, they’re relieved to be finishing, and ecstatic to have hit their target time, but on the other hand they don’t want the race to end, because they’re having so much fun! These are the passengers of Madoko’s Bus, driven by legendary pacesetter and coach Madoko Ndhlovu. – BY SEAN FALCONER

With his distinctive singing, chanting and even some dancing, well known pacesetter Madoko Ndhlovu has his bus passengers hanging on his every word as they follow him home in races. “At the beginning I tell them, I am Coach Madoko, I am your driver today, and I am going to change the way you run, talk and smile. I want them to know what to expect from their driver, right from the first kilometre, and then it’s tuck in your stomach and heel to toe!” says Madoko. He also teaches his passengers a few songs and chants, including what has become known as Madoko’s Anthem, Morena re hauhele (a Sotho hymn, which translates to Lord have mercy on me). “When it is tough out there on the road, I start humming the song, and the people just hum along. But when it’s going good, we sing and chant, and people like the vibey atmosphere.”

Unsurprisingly, Madoko’s buses attract a lot of passengers, but he says, “I’m not worried about the size of the bus, I’m worried about how people will finish the race, so I make sure that even the person right at the back of the bus gets the info. That’s also why I ask everybody to pick a partner and work together – they must know each other’s names, and motivate each other to keep going, like brothers in arms. I’ve seen people exchange telephone numbers after the race because they want to stay in touch after the incredible brotherhood of the bus. I also get people who have run Comrades for 20 years saying they have never enjoyed it more than when running with my bus, and that makes it all worthwhile.”

Leading the Way
Madoko (50) runs his own building construction company in Pretoria, having previously worked for Telkom for 20 years, and he is married, with two sons aged 26 and 19, both very talented soccer players. As a youngster, Madoko played volleyball, softball and soccer, but he started running in 2000 with his brother, who was working and running for Transnet, and that’s where he heard the guys talking about Comrades and decided to run it in 2001. “That was fun, something out of this world. I ran one of my best times that year, 8:40, but I also saw people were suffering due to inexperience, so the following year, by which time I had become chairman of the Telkom running club, I started training the members. That’s where my coaching and mentoring started,” he says.

Soon he was pacing clubmates in races to achieve target times or qualifiers, and in 2004 he unveiled his now famous Madoko Bus flag, so that any runners who wanted to stick with him could find him at races, and his buses became hugely popular. “I ran sub-4:00 buses at most of the marathons I was doing and delivered them all on time, but I realised the faster runners can often do it by themselves, whereas the slower runners need more help, so I moved to sub-5:00 to help others qualify for the big ultras.”

After he brought a huge unofficial sub-10:00 bus home at the 2005 Comrades, he was invited to become an official Comrades Pacesetter for the first time in 2006, and for the next few years he was a regular sub-10:00 Pacer. In 2011, however, he ran his 11th Comrades and it would be his last for five years, partly due to injury, but mostly due to the tragic death of his sister Abigail in a motorbike accident that December, which Madoko says hit him very hard. “She always supported me in my running, and she and my wife were my number one supporters. Coping with her loss, that took me three to four years. Fortunately, I was eventually motivated to come back to running by my wife and kids, and all my running friends who wanted me back on the road, so in 2015 I started running seriously again. People kept asking me when I will be back at Comrades, and in 2016 I ran it again.”

Back on Pace
Madoko went straight back to pacing at Comrades 2016 and brought his unofficial sub-11:00 bus home in 10:54:21, and that saw him brought back into the official Modern Athlete Comrades Pacesetter Programme in 2017. Now specialising in a sub-11:00 finish, he led his passengers over the line in 10:58:29, and this year repeated the feat with a 10:57:21 finish. He says that 2017 run really stands out as a highlight, not just for the incredible spirit in the group, but also thanks to one specific passenger in the bus.

“I was standing at the start of the 2017 race when a runner called Johan came up to me and said, ‘Madoko, you helped me run my first sub-nine in the 2008 Up Run, and now you are doing the sub-11:00 bus. Well, this is my wife Martie, and I want you to please assist her now, because she is doing her fifth Comrades and couldn’t finish either of her two previous Up Runs. I told her she must run with you and she will make it.’ Well, Martie then stuck right next to me the whole way!” says Madoko.

“We reached halfway in 5:30 and she turned to me and said, ‘Are you for real? I’ve never made the halfway cut-off before!’ Then as we reached the bottom of Polly Shortts, she asked me if I was going to keep my promise to get her up that hill. Well, when we reached the top, Martie was so overjoyed she stopped at the SABC TV camera for a quick interview. Then her phone rang, and it was her husband, telling her that he had just watched her on the big screen at the finish. She put the phone on speaker mode and we all heard her husband cheering her on while she just cried with joy and emotion.”

“I lost her in the crowd at the finish, but two months later I received a call from her. She said that she had been trying to track me down, so that she could thank me. She was so incredibly happy about finishing, and now every time I am asked for a motivational story about Comrades, I tell the Martie story. It proves that everybody can finish it! She had been unable to finish the Up Run, and then she ran a sub-11. It’s a mind game, that’s why I work with the runners’ minds right from the start.”

Coach and Mentor
Pacing is just one way Madoko is helping his fellow runners. Over the last few years he has also developed training camps to help novices get to the Comrades, and thus far he has a 98% finish rate amongst his trainees. “I just love to help others by sharing a winning formula, and it is all done from the heart, because I don’t ask people to pay me. I now have people coming from all over the country for my training camps, and I focus on the core, not only on running, because running is easier if you have a strong core. I was very pleased when a lady from Gugulethu in the Cape ran in my bus this year at Comrades and told me she got my training programme from my Coach Madoko Training Camp Facebook page –and that it really works! Again, that makes it all worthwhile.”

2018 Old Mutual Soweto Marathon: Substitution September

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Officially sold out by 19 June 2018, the 25th edition of the Old Mutual Soweto Marathon will open its substitution period come 1 September 2018. The month long period will afford those who missed out on an entry an opportunity to purchase from those who can no longer take part and give them the chance to #RunYOURGreat on 4 November 2018!

‘Substitution September’ will run from 1 – 30 September and all changes to entries, including upgrades and downgrades, will be facilitated during this time. It’s imperative to note that any runners offering substitution entries throughout August are not valid: you may only make changes to your entry in September. The EFT option may not be used to pay for any substitutions, downgrades or upgrades. You may only pay for the amount due using the CREDIT or DEBIT CARD option. Payments done with the EFT PAYMENT OPTION will not be accepted and will not be REFUNDED. 

Please take note of how the substitution process will work:

How to do an entry substitution:
If you would like to give up your entry, you will need to wait until the substitution window opens, then log into your race profile using the credentials supplied to you with your race entry confirmation email. Once logged in, you will find an option to “Transfer Entry” to process a substitution, and then follow the system prompts. A voucher code will be issued to the person giving up their entry, and this voucher code must then be used by the new entrant.

The new entrant must then visit www.sowetomarathon.com and go to the entries section, where they must process the entry as per normal. However, when they reach payment stage, they must use the substitution voucher they have received. Then the additional charges must be paid via credit/debit card – take note that there is NO EFT option available for substitutions.

Please also note the following important information:
• Once the entry has been given up, the person giving up the entry may not enter another race category for this year's OMSM race except via a substitution.
• There will be a substitution fee of R50 plus any applicable administration fees. This will be payable by the new entrant on completion of their entry.
• If a runner substitutes their entry, it is that runner's responsibility to collect the entry fee from the runner who has taken over their entry.
• No refunds will be processed by the event and no entrant may on-sell their entry for more than the original entry fee. Any person found doing this will be reported to their club and the relevant provincial and national bodies.
• Any products purchased with the original race entry will NOT pass across to the new entrant – ONLY the race entry and T-Shirt will be transferred, PLEASE NOTE that the original entrants selection for size will be passed onto the new entrant, the new entrant will not be able to change the size.
• The merchandise for the entry given up will be available for collection by the original entrant at the information desk at race number collection. (Remember, the original entrant will NOT be entitled to a T-shirt.)
• Entries done with a sponsor's voucher cannot be substituted.
• Once the substitution window is closed, no further substitutions will be possible.
• There will be no substitutions or changes permissible at race number collection.

How to do a Distance Upgrade/Downgrade Change
• Runners who would like to upgrade or downgrade their distance will be allowed to do so. Please note that in the case of an upgrade the runner will be responsible for the fee difference, but in the case of a downgrade no refunds will be given.
• Please note that the race will not be allowing downgrades from the Marathon.
• Login to your entry, select “EDIT” and amend the “Distance Change” field, which can be found beneath the “Distance” field.
• Once done, select update, which will take you to payment for upgrades only.
• Please note that there is NO EFT payment option for upgrades.
• Once completed, you can log out, and you will receive an email confirmation of the change.
• All changes will be updated to the system once the Distance Change period closes at the end of September.
 

People who train together, grow stronger together!

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Research is increasingly showing the importance of social interaction in influencing human behaviour. This is because the way we behave is strongly affected by our colleagues, friends and family.

Two heads are better than one, they say – and two bodies too, when it comes to an exercise regime! If you’re struggling to stick to a training schedule, the solution could be as simple as finding a friend. Behavioural research shows that exercising with a peer or loved one doesn’t just offer more accountability, but also more satisfaction.*

Training together taps into both our human desire for approval, and our capacity to influence others. 

When was the last time you and your partner experienced a first together?

If you have a training buddy and are looking for a challenge to face together – or if you want an excuse to find a buddy – look no further! This Spring, the world’s leading obstacle course is headed to South African shores.

The inaugural Discovery Tough Mudder will take place on 15 September 2018 in Elgin, Western Cape. This means that you and your fitness partner could be among the very first people to take part in a Tough Mudder event on African soil.

Discovery Tough Mudder’s full lineup of fun, team-oriented obstacles guarantees that you’ll cross the finish line with more friends than you started with. The event offers two distances to cater for all fitness levels – a 16 km and a 9km. Join the action and experience this first together by grabbing your training buddy and signing up. Visit www.toughmudder.co.za to find out more.

If you are a Vitality member, you will get 800 points for 8km course while those braving the 16km route will earn 1 100 points.

It doesn’t have to hurt your pocket.

Making your way to the Discovery Tough Mudder won’t do much damage to your pocket if you are a Vitality member. You can save up to 35% on your flight, car hire and accommodation.

Challenge yourself and dare to do something new, this one should be one for the bucket list. Sign up and be among the first to experience the world’s leading obstacle course on African soil.

In Memory of Munchie

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Three years ago well known back-of-pack runner Keith Solomon lost his great running friend Malcolm Marks, and every step he runs these days is in memory of their incredible friendship. – BY PJ MOSES

Every runner soon finds people who share their passion for running when they get into this sport, but the really fortunate ones make actual friends who become more than just ‘sole mates’ on the roads or trails. That is why from the moment Keith Solomon met his late friend Malcolm Marks at a race, they were inseparable. “We used to call each other ‘Munchie’ and always had a lot of fun during races,” says Keith. “Malcolm would do silly things like try and hide behind a lamp pole or come up with funny definitions for road signs along the route.”

There was no distance that the duo would not take on, and their encouragement of one another helped during the tougher sections of ultra or multi-day races. “We always supported each other in our running. Sometimes Malcolm would do more mileage than me and at other times I would do more than him, but there was never any envy or competition or anything like that.”

Taken Too Soon
Sadly, their long running partnership was broken when Malcolm suddenly passed away in 2015, a week after what would be their final run together. “I couldn’t believe it. We were still planning what adventures we were going to try after his retirement, which wasn’t far off. He was looking forward to travelling overseas for running, especially to run on the Great Wall of China.”

At first Keith found it hard to return to running following Malcolm’s passing, but eventually he decided to continue, because that is what his friend would have wanted. And every step would be in memory of their friendship. At the multi-day circuit races that both loved so much, Keith stuck to their agreed total of 50km per day, even though he could do more. “I didn’t want to do any more than what we used to do together, and I would usually finish my total distance with a day to spare.”

“I finally broke this mourning period of the past three years at a recent six-day race in Germiston, when I did an extra 50km to finish with a total of 350km. After that last lap, I looked up and said, ‘Munchie, this one was for you!’ Now I want to organise a multi-day race in Cape Town, as a way of remembering Malcolm. I know that he would look down on us with a smile and shake his head saying: ‘Look at these moegoes!’ That will be a really special race for me.”

Mind Over Matter
Keith has always been active, playing soccer and hockey, and venturing into cycling – he is a nine-time Cape Town Cycle Tour finisher – before the running bug bit in 1998. He originally joined Atlantic AC, then ran for Hewat AC, Pinelands AC and Central AC before ultimately returning to Pinelands. In that time, he has attempted Two Oceans and Comrades many times, successfully finishing Oceans once and Comrades twice, but he prefers the challenges of the circuit races. “There is so much opportunity to test yourself and the mental side of the races are very tough. To get up every day and do a marathon or more is not easy on your body or your mind.”

He averages about two races a week and will do anything from 10km up to whatever distance is on offer, but he has had to be a bit more careful in recent times after developing a condition known as Athletic Heart Syndrome (AHS), or ‘Athlete’s Heart.’ This means the heart is enlarged, and the resting heart rate is lower than normal. “I only discovered this after fainting during a run at Rondebosch Common. The doctors struggled to find what caused me to faint, but after many inconclusive tests, they asked me what I do to keep busy and I said I’m a runner. Then they smiled and said, ‘Ah, you have Athlete’s Heart!’ At first, I thought they were taking the Mickey out of me, until I Googled it and found that it is a real thing.”

Keith says he prefers simplicity to complications in his life and in his running. “I don’t have a special diet and I don’t use supplements. My shoes are neutral, with a minimal sole. When I run now, I don’t overexert, I just run at an even and slow pace from start to finish. I only have two speeds: Slow and stop! Yes, I run a lot, but I don’t believe in punishing myself, because running is about the joy, not the pain. That’s why I always tell people to check the fine print on the entry form, because I am sure it states that the bailer’s bus is included in the entry fee. I make use of the bus when I feel like it, to relax and get full value for my money! And when people ask me what training programme I follow, I just say I run every weekend and rest in between. Simplicity.”

Images: Ashraf Mallick, Gerhard Fourie, Kanakana Mushanganyisi, Keith Linderoth & Moegsien Ebrahim

Reaching Her Peek

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With a streak of race wins in trail running events, Cana Peek is making a name for herself in the sport, on top of already being a Dusi Canoe Marathon winner. As she explains, the two sports really do go together well. – BY SEAN FALCONER

The FNB Dusi Canoe Marathon covers just over 120km from Pietermaritzburg to Durban in KwaZulu-Natal each February, and some people joke that it is actually a running event with a bit of paddling thrown in. That’s because some rapids or weirs are too risky to shoot in the boats, or long loops can be cut out with an over-hill portage, so paddlers do at least 20km of running during the three-day event, with their boats on their shoulders.

It goes without saying that being a strong runner really helps, and that’s why 20-year-old Cana Peek has excelled in the Dusi. “I think running is a huge aspect of the race, especially for me. I don’t think I have a natural build for canoeing, because you need a lot of power and strength to push through the water, especially on the flat water and sprint sections. But being so light does benefit me in rocky waters, and more importantly, it means less muscle mass to carry when out of boat,” she says.

Paddling Prowess
Cana began paddling while attending Epworth High School in Pietermaritzburg, just a few kays from the Dusi starting point, and says it all started thanks to the annual Adventure the school offers. “One was to paddle around Mauritius, so I had to be fit enough to be chosen to go. I soon found that I was getting better at paddling, so I started doing races, and I also enjoyed the outdoor element far more than being on a hockey field or the squash court.”

That led to her doing her first Dusi in 2014, at the age of just 15. That year it was the K2 two-seater race, so she paddled with a schoolmate and they finished first in the under-18 girls’ category and seventh female team overall. The following year was a K1 race and Cana surprised everybody, herself included, by finishing second overall. In 2016 she partnered with Kyeta Purchase and they once again won the under-18 category as they finished third overall.

After skipping the 2017 race while taking a break from paddling, to begin her B.A. Sports Science degree at Stellenbosch University, Cana returned this year to partner her older sister Jordan (24), who was also studying at Maties, and they dominated the race from start to finish. “This was the first time we paddled the Dusi together, and just to go through all that experience, the training and the race, with my best friend and my role model was awesome. With a sister you can be absolutely blunt and honest, you shout at each other and you have to be tough, but the whole time there is banter and we keep each other entertained on the water.”

Running Talent
At the same time as getting into paddling, Cana also discovered a talent and love for running. “I did athletics from grade eight to grade 10, running the 1500m and 3000m and earning provincial colours, but I found the training on the track got a bit boring. I preferred running cross country, and in high school I ran every single race for Epworth in the inter-school league from grade eight to grade 12, and won every race. I was awarded school colours and became the school cross country captain.”

Now Cana has taken to trail running in a big way. At the time of writing, she had competed in nine trail races in 2018, and won them all, including the 24km event at the Jonkershoek Mountain Challenge in Stellenbosch and the first race of the Cape Winter Trail Series. “At both races, I was behind at the start, but passed the leading women on the technical downhills. I seem to be able to go faster there,” she says. “Everywhere I travel, I try to do trail runs, because it’s a great way to get out and see places, but I am trying to be smart with races. I would race every weekend if I could, but I know that’s not healthy – and I want to see how far I can go in the sport.”

Looking ahead, Cana says her preference now definitely lies in running rather than paddling. “During school I couldn’t choose a favourite, but now I really do prefer my running. Canoeing in the Western Cape is not as supported as back home in KZN, whereas trail running here is much bigger, with a great vibe and social aspect. Also, it’s a lot easier to pick up your shoes and hop out on to the mountain, versus taking your boat and equipment to a dam!”

Images: Mark Sampson, Anthony Grote/Gameplan Media

Double World Champ

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In South African athletics history, only high jumper Jacques Freitag has ever won a clean-sweep of World Titles at Youth, Junior and Senior levels, but now that hurdler Sokwakhana Zazini has added the 2018 World Junior title to his 2017 World Youth title, he may just be on his way to emulating that feat. – BY WILHELM DE SWARDT WITH SEAN FALCONER

In the lead-up to the IAAF Junior World Championships in Tampere, Finland in July, Sokwakhana Zazini went on record stating that he absolutely hates losing on the track. Not that he loses all that often in the 400m hurdles, take note… the last time he didn’t win a youth (under-18) or junior (under-20) age group race was in 2016, and that impressive streak includes winning the 2017 Youth World Champs title in Nairobi, Kenya, and setting a Youth World Record of 48.84 during the 2017 Gauteng North Championships.

In Finland, it was clear that he had no intention of seeing that streak end, but he had to work hard for the win in the 400m hurdles final. The man they call ‘Socks’ appeared to run fairly relaxed for the first 200m, but that saw him caught up in a fierce four-man tussle with just 60 metres remaining. However, the Tuks High School matric pupil was able to shift up another gear for the last two hurdles and final dash for the line to narrowly take the gold medal in 49.42 seconds. Bassem Hemeida (Qatar) was second in 49.59 and Alison Santos (Brazil) third in 49.78. In an interview straight after his win, the ecstatic double World Champion just had this to say: “The competition was really tough, but I'm thrilled with my support team. This is an exceptional and proud moment for me and my country.”

This latest title is yet another highlight in a great 2018 season that has also seen Socks taking on the seniors for the first time. In March he finished second at the SA Senior Champs, running 49.32 to beat the likes of three former Olympians, LJ van Zyl, Cornel Fredericks and Le Roux Hamman. Then in June he, he competed for the first time in an international race in Prague, and placed fourth in 49.56. He attributes this success against the seniors to the mind shift he made at the beginning of this year: “I told myself that I don’t consider myself to be a junior athlete anymore. I will race anyone, anytime, no matter how old they are or what they have achieved. If I get whipped, so be it, I will take it like a man. The only thing that matters to me is that afterwards, I should know that I raced to the best of my ability.”

Still Learning
In spite of this success, Socks feels that his hurdling technique is not yet what it should be. “I am getting better, but my technique going over the hurdles is not yet as efficient as it can be. There are a few other small things we are also working on. Once I have mastered it all, I think there will be no limits as to what I might be able to achieve. I just have to be prepared to put in the hard work. I don’t ever focus on what others are doing, I do my own thing, but most important is to enjoy what I am doing.”

Meanwhile, he is no slouch over the 400m flat sprint. At the 2017 SA Junior and Youth Championships, he won the youth 400m in 47.23 and the 400m hurdles final in 50.85. Then in March this year he repeated the feat by winning both junior titles, clocking 45.86 and 49.98 respectively. That also meant that he became only the second SA junior ever to break 46 seconds over 400m, the first being Riaan Dempers, whose SA Junior Record of 45.15 has stood since 1994. “It had been my goal for a while to break the 46-seconds barrier,” says Socks. “The secret is to be focused, so when I settled in the starting blocks that day, I told my mind to switch into racing mode. It is always special when you get to achieve the goal you set yourself.”

When asked about his future plans, especially if he will continue racing both events, Socks says, “The reason I love competing in the 400m is that it helps to improve my speed, but I am first and foremost a hurdler.” And that speed is going to come in handy, because his coach, Hennie Kriel, believes that Socks has a realistic chance of being good enough in 2019 to compete for the first time in the hurdles at the Senior World Champs. “I do not doubt that Socks has the makings to become one of the greats of international athletics. He has the hunger and is a quick learner. To top it all, he has ‘big match temperament.’ For him, it is a case of when the going gets tough, the tough get going.”

IMAGES: Reg Caldecott

A Flash of Red

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Whether it is triathlons, trail running or life-saving competitions, Linda Detering has the talent and potential to become a major force in every sport she tries. – BY PJ MOSES

With her red hair blowing in the wind and a steely look in her eyes, Linda Detering has in a still short sporting career proven that she is a force to be reckoned with. Winning has become a bit of a habit, and she has collected a number of podiums over the course of the last two years, including taking first place over the short distances at the Old Mutual Two Oceans and Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS) trail races in 2017. This year she maintained that form by placing second at the Two Oceans race, and once again taking victory at VWS.

Now most people would be happy with talent in one sport, but this 18-year-old ‘wunderkind’ decided to give multisport a go as well, after watching some of her friends participating in a triathlon. With the help of Mike Reddington of the Embark Triathlon Club, she was able to win the Freshpak Fitness Festival sprint triathlon last September, and followed that success by entering the IRONMAN 70.3 race in East London in January. Surprising even herself, she finished second in her age group, and earned herself a slot at the 70.3 World Championships to be held this coming September in PE. “I never expected to do that well. It was just a bucket list item that I wanted to tick off, but naturally I am happy and excited with how it all worked out in the end,” says Linda.

With that success still fresh, Linda took on a new challenge at the Walker Bay Extreme Big 6 Challenge earlier this year, where competitors had to do six events over four days. “It is a whole weekend of adventure and you have to do a mountain bike race, a swimming leg, a triathlon, a street mile run, a run/swim/run, and a trail run. It was tough and very tiring, but I managed to finish in second spot overall in the women’s division. It is not always about chasing podiums for me, but when it is there to take, I won’t let it slip by. It just adds to the fun I am having out there.”

GAME FOR ANYTHING
Born close to Munich in Germany, Linda and her family moved to Cape Town in 2011. The eldest of three kids, she’s always been active, with her main sport being horse-riding when still living in Germany. However, the warmer SA climate and the beautiful mountains around her Hout Bay home inspired her to try new sports, including running, cycling, swimming, surfing, lifesaving, water-skiing, paragliding and skydiving! “In South Africa there is just so much more to do, and I love being outdoors. I’ve also made so many friends doing all of these things, and nothing beats the vibe around an active lifestyle. But I still find time to relax as well: I love movie nights with my family, or socialising with my friends, also reading good books and taking my dogs for long walks.”

Unsurprisingly, trail running and triathlon are not the only sports that Linda excels at. She is also part of the Llandudno Lifesaving Club, and at this year’s SA Lifesaving Champs, she won both the junior and senior women’s 2km beach runs, on the same day. “It was 500m loops on the beach and the crowd really helped me, because the atmosphere was so fantastic. I knew this was my last opportunity to compete in both events, so even with little turn-around time between races, I just gave it my all.”

INSPIRATION AT HAND
In spite of all the success Linda has enjoyed in a short period, there have also been a few low points and disappointments, but she stays motivated, and gets herself race-ready, by watching one of her favourite videos on YouTube, called Rise and Shine. “It puts me in the right frame of mind, and if things get really tough, I just take a deep breath and look around me. The beauty of nature reminds me why I am doing this. I do it because I love it, and that there’s nowhere else I would rather be.”

With her focus currently on training for the 70.3 World Champs, she says she knows that finding balance is of the utmost importance, too, if you want to be at your best. “I think there is a time and a place for everything, and you have to get your priorities straight. You can’t be out the whole night before a race and expect to do well the next day. People just need to choose what is important to them, but never forget to have fun. Do the things you love and don’t force yourself to do anything that you don’t want to.”

IMAGES: Kara Bruins-Robertson, Michael Theunissen, Oakpics, Threshold Photography & courtesy Linda Detering

Beat Your Winter Sinus Problem Naturally!

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Are your morning runs a drippy affair, and do you keep tissues in every pocket to cope? Does that crisp morning air burn your nasal passages, bringing tears to your eyes? One thing we can all agree on is that this is not the way you should be starting your training session!

Good news is that help is at hand: Allerguard™ is a nasal spray containing all natural ingredients which will make those morning sessions a dream for your nose1!

But first, what causes this unpleasantness, and how is Allerguard™ going to help you? Most often these reactions are caused by an allergic reaction to something in the air2. When an allergen lands in the nasal passage of someone who is sensitive to it, it triggers a chain reaction that releases chemicals such as histamine into the tissue of the nasal passage, causing it to swell, itch and produce excess mucus2. This results in uncomfortable symptoms such as a blocked or runny nose, itchy nose, sneezing and watery eyes2.

Allerguard™ Allergy Nasal Spray is specifically designed to protect your nose against airborne allergens. It contains Ectoin®, which forms a calming barrier1 against airborne allergens, and a natural sea salt solution that cleans out the nose3. Together, these elements enable your body to create a natural barrier protecting your sinuses and preventing a burning nose and crying eyes1!

Ectoin® forms a calming barrier1

The best thing about Allerguard™ is that you can use it every day1! In fact, it can be used several times per day, is preservative-free, and is suitable for use in children and people with sensitive noses1. You don't need a script, and Allerguard™ is available at all leading pharmacies!

1. Allerguard Package Insert. July 2016.
2. Pawankar R et al. (eds) WAO White Book on Allergy 2011 World Allergy Organization.
3. http://www.allergieratgeber.de/livocab/livocab-ectomed/

Proprietary name (and dosage form): Allerguard Allergy Nasal Spray. Name and business address of applicant: iNova Pharmaceuticals (Pty) Ltd. Co. Reg. No.: 1952/001640/07. 15E Riley Road, Bedfordview. Tel. No. 011 087 0000. www.inovapharma.co.za. For full prescribing information, refer to the package insert approved by the MCC (Medicines Control Council). Further information is available on request from iNova Pharmaceuticals. IN2829/18.

Race Calendar – August 2018

Modern AthleteRacingLeave a Comment on Race Calendar – August 2018

Want to get ready for some fast racing in Spring? Need to get your legs moving again after some winter hibernation? Then check out all the races in August and use them as a great stepping stone to build speed and endurance ahead of the peak racing season. As always, our jam-packed race calendar has it all, including road and trail runs as well as all the other running-related disciplines! – COMPILED BY TOM COTTRELL & SEAN FALCONER

GAUTENG

CENTRAL GAUTENG
Wednesday 1 August
Kinetic Night Trail Run 8km & 4km, Randpark, Johannesburg, 6pm, Heidi Muller 082 564 6468
Sunday 5 August
RevitaPro Klipriviersberg Challenge 18km, 10km & 5km Trail Run, Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve, Peggy Vera Road, Kibler Park, 7am, Charles Peternell 083 320 8901
Stor-age Pirates 10km & 5km, Pirates Club, Braeside Road, Greenside, 8am, Race Organiser 011 568 0922 (w)
Thursday 9 August
Totalsports Ladies’ Race Johannesburg 10km & 5km, Mary Fitzgerald Square, Newtown, 8am, Stillwater Sports 082 911 0445
Wonder Woman Mission Night Trail Run 15km, 10km & 5km, Serengeti Golf and Wildlife Estate, Kempton Park, 7pm, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Dirkies Bergpretloop 8.8km & 4km, Hoerskool John Vorster. Graaff-Reinet Street, Nigel, 8am & 8:15am, Bout Time 082 562 9841
Sunday 12 August
Old Eds Half-Marathon, 10km & 5km, Virgin Active Old Ed’s Club, cnr 4th Street & 11th Avenue, Lower Houghton, 8am (21 & 10) & 8:20am (5), Race Organiser 011 728 7335 (w)
Zoo Trot 10km & 5km, Centenary Lawn, Johannesburg Zoo, Upper Park Drive, 7:30am, Lebogang Mathope 011 712 6817 (w)
Wednesday 15 August
Ruimsig Trail Run 10km & 5km, Ruimsig Country Club, Hole in One Avenue, Ruimsig, 6pm, Corne van Zyl 011 053 9153 (w)
Saturday 18 August
Clearwater 10km & 5km, Clearwater Mall, cnr Hendrick Potgieter Drive & Christiaan de Wet Road, Strubens Valley, Roodepoort, 7am & 7:15am, Andrew Young 083 236 9275
Central Gauteng Cross Country Champs, Kagiso Sports Complex, 11am, CGA 011 873 2726 (w)
Sunday 19 August
Arthro Choice Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Inanda Country Base, Rose Road, Knopjeslaagte, Midrand, 7am, Glenn Andrews 083 259 7581
Land Drover Mountain Monster Trail Run 28km, 13km, 8km & 5km, Modderfontein Nature Reserve, Arden Road, Modderfontein, 8am, Ruan Botes 063 686 7315
Sunday 26 August
Wanderers Aucor Property Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, The Wanderers Club, 21 North Street, Illovo, 7am (21 & 10) & 7:15am (5), Hilde Harvey 063 389 0681
Central Gauteng Cross Country Club Challenge, Tembisa, 11am, CGA 011 873 2726 (w)
Wednesday 29 August
Merrell Spring Night Trail Run Powered by Black Diamond 8km & 5km, Delta Café, Marlborough Avenue, Craighall Park, 6:30pm, Tatum Prins 083 449 0760

GAUTENG NORTH
Wednesday 1 August
Jackal Night Trail Run 10km & 5km, Copperleaf Country Club, Ernie Els Boulevard, Centurion, 7pm, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Saturday 4 August
SPAR Women’s 10km & 5km – Centurion, SuperSport Park, cnr South & West Streets, Centurion, 2pm, Race Organiser 012 327 4930 (w)
Adventure Tails Bark Run 5km & 2km (with dogs), Rosemary Hill 257, R964, Pretoria, 8am, Glizelle 083 264 9331
Sunday 5 August
Smuts Trail Series 21km, 15km, 10 & 5km, Jan Smuts House Museum, Jan Smuts Avenue, Irene, Centurion, 8am, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Prestige Trail Run Series #3 21km, 15km, 10km & 5km, Ingaadi Spar, Garsfontein Road, Pretoria East, 8:30am, 8:45am, 9am & 9:15am, Race Organiser 082 562 9841
Cosave Mica Sunrise Challenge Trail Run 12.5km & 5km, Cosave Mica, 560 Alfred Boyes Avenue, Kirkney, Pretoria, 7am, Gustav Oosthuysen 072 525 5090
Wednesday 8 August
Botanical Series Trail Run 10km & 5km, Pretoria National Botanical Gardens, Cussonia Ave, Brummeria, Pretoria, 7pm, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Thursday 9 August
Castle Walk Shopping Centre Women’s 10km & 5km, Castle Walk Shopping Centre, cnr Nossob & Swakop Streets, Erasmuskloof, Pretoria, 7am & 7:15am, Liesel van Zyl 060 582 1651
Lady and the Tramp Trail Run 10km & 5km, The Clay Café, The Big Red Barn, Nelson Road, Olifantsfontein, 8am, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Saturday 11 August
Clicks Wierie Half-Marathon, 10km, 5km & 2km, Laerskool Wierdapark, cnr Ruimte Road & Willem Botha Street, Wierda Park, Centurion, 6:30am (21 & 10), 7am (5) & 7:15am (2), Hennelie Kotze 084 031 3212
Sunday 12 August
Rietvlei Dam Trail Series 10km & 5km, Rietvlei Dam, Irene, 8am, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Wednesday 15 August
Rietvlei Dam Night Trail Run 10km & 5km, Rietvlei Dam, Irene, 7pm, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Saturday 18 August
Phobians Fifteen 15km & 5km, Pretoria Boys High School, Roper Street, Brooklyn, 7am & 7:15am, Graham Strangleman 076 246 5185
AGN Cross Country Championships, Sutherland & Eldoraigne High Schools, Christopher Road, Centurion, Time TBC, Alet Kieser 073 894 2929
Wednesday 22 August
Owl Night Trail Run 10km & 5km, Irene Country Club, 1 MI8, Doornkloof 391-Jr, Centurion, 7pm, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Friday 24 – Saturday 25 August
Dawn2Dusk 100 Mile & 12-Hour Circuit Race, Gerrit Maritz High School, Daan de Wet Nel Drive, Pretoria, Fri 4pm (160) & Sat 7am (12-hour), Gerrie Strydom 082 940 5453
Saturday 25 August
SMU Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Sepako Magatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria, 7am, Moses Lengweng 082 426 4455
Adventure Tails Bark Run 8km, 5km & 2km (with dogs), Tierpoort Adventure Farm, Rooikat Steet, Tierpoort, 8am, Glizelle 083 264 9331
Wednesday 29 August
Run with the Lions Night Trail Run 10km & 5km, The Farm Inn, Silverlakes Road, Silverlakes, Pretoria, 7pm, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552

VAAL TRIANGLE
No races scheduled for this period.

WESTERN CAPE

BOLAND
Saturday 4 August
PPC Riebeeck Berg Marathon, Half-Marathon, 10km & 5km, PPC Cement Plant, Riebeeck West, 7:30am (42), 8am (21), 8:30am (10) & 8:45am (5), Ilze Vlok 079 523 5145
Green Forest Trail Run #1 21km, 10km & 5km, Lebanon Forest, Grabouw (21 & 10 runners bussed to start from Hickory Shack Restaurant, just off N2 between Grabouw & Botriver), 8:30am (21) & 9am (10 & 5), Dominique Provoyeur 084 363 4104
Sunday 5 August
Cape Winter Trail Series #3 13.5km & 7.5km, Taal Monument, Paarl, 9am & 9:21am, Wildrunner Events 021 821 9898 (w)
Wednesday 8 August
Devonvale 10km & 5km Night Run, Devonvale Golf & Wine Estate, Blumberg Drive, off M23 Bottelary Road, near Stellenbosch, 6:30pm, Dominique Provoyeur 084 3634 104
Thursday 9 August
Auric Auto / Auto Athlantic BMW Run The Vines Trail Run #6 17km, 10km, 5km & 3km, Olsen Private Vineyards, near Paarl, 7:45am, 8am, 8:15am & 8:30am, Lans Pepler 082 787 2472
Saturday 11 August
Kleinmond XL 23.3km & Cape Winter Trail Series #4 13.8km & 8km, Kleinmond Lagoon, 8:30am (23), 9:15am 13) & 9:36am (8), Wildrunner Events 021 821 9898 (w)
Blue Crane Run & Ride 12km & 6km, Riviersonderend High School, Voortrekker Road, Riviersonderend, 7:30am & 8am, Race Organiser 028 261 1215 (w)
Boland Cross Country Champs, Dal Josaphat Stadium, Bo-Dal Josafat Street, Groenheuwel, Paarl, 10am, Etheresia Thomas 082 475 6070
Sunday 12 August
Winter Trail Run 11km & 6km, Morgenhof Wine Estate, on R44 between Klapmuts & Stellenbosch, 9am & 9:15am, Dirtopia 021 884 4752 (w)
Saturday 18 August
Merrell Whale of Trail 53km, De Hoop Nature Reserve, near Arniston/Witsand, 7am, Tatum Prins 083 449 0760
Riebeek Valley Trail Run 12km, Riebeek Wine Cellars, Pieter Cruythoff Avenue, Riebeek Kasteel, 8:15am, Arina Bruwer 082 877 8663
Sunday 19 August
Nissan Trailseeker Trail Run #4 21km, 10km & 5km, Bosman Family Vineyards, Hexberg Road, Wellington, Time TBC, Race Organiser 086 199 0001
Staalwater Trail Run 15km, Caledon Casino, Hotel & Spa, Caledon, 9:30am, Dirtopia 021 884 4752 (w)
Saturday 25 August
Tru-Cape Packhouse Challenge Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Elgin Grabouw Country Club, Eikenhof Dam, near Grabouw, 7:30am, Petra van Rensburg 082 776 8811
Greyton Brew Run 20km, 12km & 6km, Old Potter’s Inn, Main Road, Greyton, 8am, 8:15am & 8:30am, Race Organiser 083 253 1663
Sunday 26 August
Change of Season Trail Run 15km, 11.5km & 7km, Uitkyk Wine Estate, on R44 between Klapmuts & Stellenbosch, 8:30am, 8:45am & 9am, Dirtopia 021 884 4752 (w)
Wild-One Trail Run 21km, 11km & 6km, Wildekrans Wine Estate, Hoof Way, Bot River, 9am, 9:15am & 9:30am, Sue Kirk 083 578 9375
Thursday 30 August
First Ascent Spier Night Run #1 8km & 4km, Spier Wine Estate, on R310 Baden Powell Drive near Stellenbosch, 7pm, Ugene Nel 082 658 3078

SOUTH WESTERN DISTRICTS
Saturday 4 August
Herbertsdale Race Against Crime Half Marathon, 15km & 5km, Agri Hall, Herbertsdale, 8am, Paulus Allart 073 412 5440
ASWD & Decti RTB Cross Country League #6, Hessequa, Time TBC, Joe Arendse 082 907 1296
Thursday 9 August
Women’s Day Challenge 10km & 3km, Rainbow Motors, Onverwacht Crescent, Oudtshoorn, 8am & 8:10am, Race Organiser 083 376 7414
Friday 10 – Sunday 12 August
RCS SOX 3-Day Trail Run, (Full: 32km, 30km & 18km, Sport: 22km, 18km & 18km or Lite: 9km, 10km & 10km), Ebb and Flow Camp, Garden Route National Park, Wilderness, 8am, 8am & 7:30am, Janine Swart 083 662 2022
Saturday 11 August
Circles in the Forest 30km & 10km, Mother Holly Tea Garden, Millwood State Forest, Rheenendal, 8am & 8:15am, Janine Swart 083 662 2022
Saturday 18 August
ASWD & Decti RTB Cross Country Championships, Olympia School, Pacaltsdorp, Time TBC, Joe Arendse 082 907 1296
Saturday 25 August
Schoemanshoek Half Marathon & 10km, Orchard Fine Foods (next to Church), Schoemanshoek, 6am, Lampies Lamprecht 072 601 8189

WESTERN PROVINCE
Saturday 4 August
Namaqua Daisy Challenge Trail Run 27km, 14km & 5km, Die Keldery, Namaqua Wines, Vredendal, 8am, 9am & 10am, Renier van Greunen 082 321 5200
WPA Race Walking Grand Prix #3 20km, 10km, 5km, 3km & 1km, Youngsfield Military Base, Wetton, 8am (20), 9am (10) & 10am (5,3,1), Stefano Aracena 076 948 8483
Western Province Cross Country League #6, Venue TBC, 11am, Candyce Hall 072 821 0841
Sunday 5 August
McKenna Scott Pinelands 10km & 5km, Pinelands Athletic Club, Lower Oval, St Stephens Road, Pinelands, 7:30am & 7:45am, Dion Stevens 082 730 8320
Thursday 9 August
Totalsport Women’s Day Challenge Cape Town 10km & 5km, Grand Parade, Darling Street, Cape Town City Centre, 8am & 8:20am, Stillwater Sports 072 392 7558
Women’s Day Trail Run 10km & 5km, Durbanville Hills Winery, Tygerberg Valley Road, 8:30am, Japie Swanepoel 082 443 3033
Saturday 11 August
Strandloper 18km Trail Run, De Hoek, Noordhoek Beach, to The Hub, Scarborough, 7:15am, Ugene Nel 082 658 3078
Atlantis Half Marathon & 5km, Wesfleur Sports Grounds, Saxonsea, Atlantis, 8am, Desmond Arendse 084 392 1061
Sunday 12 August
TrailFun V&A Waterfront Winter Series 5km #3, V&A Waterfront, Dock Road, Cape Town, 8:30am, Japie Swanepoel 082 443 3033
Western Province Cross Country Interclub Relay #2, (4x2km), Goodwood Rugby Club, 1:30pm, Candyce Hall 072 821 0841
Saturday 18 August
Lipco Law for All Puffer 80km, Good Hope Nature Reserve, Cape Point, to Ferryman’s Tavern, V&A Waterfront, 5:30am, Andy Campbell 083 457 6656
Western Province Cross Country Champs, CPUT. Symphony Way, Bellville, 8am, Candyce Hall 072 821 0841
Sunday 19 August
Metropolitan John Korasie 30km, SA Navy Sports Grounds, Martello Road, Simon’s Town, 7am, Luqmaan Patientia 082 847 1680
Bos Sport Helderberg Mountain Challenge 24km, 15km & 11km, Helderberg Nature Reserve, Verster Avenue, Somerset West, 7am, 8:15am & 9am, Wildrunner Events 021 821 9898 (w)
Saturday 25 August
Langebaan Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Club Mykonos Resort, Langebaan, 8am (21 & 10) & 8:10am (5), Bossie Boshoff 083 462 4400
Sunday 26 August
Khayelitsha 10km & 4km, Mandela Park Stadium, Tambo Street, Khayalitsha, 7:30am, Patience Nkohla 083 946 7154
PSFA Blisters for Bread 10km & 5km Walk, Green Point Cricket Club, Vlei Road, Green Point, 7:30am & 8am, Top Events 021 511 7130 (W)

KWAZULU-NATAL
Friday 3 August
Durban North CPF Nite Run #3 10km & 5km, Northwood Crusaders Sports Club, Ranleigh Crescent, Durban North, 6pm, Dave Ward 082 492 1995
Saturday 4 August
Ngoje Trail Run Eshowe 36km, 24km 10km & 5km, Brocklee Dam, Eshowe, 6am, 6:30am, 7am & 7:15am, Meg Kennedy 083 286 5768
Sportsmans Trail Series #3 12km & 5km, Cascades MTB park, McCarthy Drive, Pietermaritzburg, 7am, Travis Dalrymple-Kelly 076 424 0694
Longest Day 12-Hour Circuit Race, (Minimum 80km run or 60km walk), Collegians Sports Club, 381 Boshoff Street, Pietermaritzburg, 7am, Race Office 082 750 0822 NEW DATE – WAS 11 AUGUST
KZN Cross Country Champs, Venue & Time TBC, KZNA 031 312 9374 (w)
Sunday 5 August
Durban Runner Challenge Half Marathon & 10km, Port Natal High School, Dirk Uys Road, Glenwood, 6:15am, Zane Ebrahim 066 101 0705
Illovo Eston Trail Run 18km & 9km, Eston Farmers Club, Eston, 6:30am, Stu Berry 083 456 8435
Little Owls Colour Run 5km, Umkomaas Golf Course, Moodie Street, 8am, More info: www.entryninja.com
KHS 3km Colour Run, Kloof High School, Kloof, 11:30am, More info: www.roag.co.za
Thursday 9 August
Women in Action Ladies’ Challenge 10km & 5km, Chatsworth Stadium, Trisula Avenue, Arena Park, Chatsworth, 8am, Dees Govender 082 789 5559
Saturday 11 – Sunday 12 August
Zini Beach ‘n Bush 3-in-1 Bushwhacker 2-day Trail Run, (27km & 16km), Mtunzini Town Hall, Hely Hutchinson Street, Mtunzini, Eshowe, 7am, Paul Mannix 082 571 6559
Sunday 12 August
Tinman 10km, Suncoast Casino, Durban, 7am, B-Active 031 764 1885 (w)
Umgeni River Run 75km, 50km, 25km & 10km, Karkloof Road, Howick, 2am, 6am, 7am & 7:30am, Lauren Booth 082 791 7069
Zini Beach ‘n Bush 3-in-1 Mtunzini Bush Challenge Trail Run 16km & 10km, Mtunzini Town Hall, Hely Hutchinson Street, Mtunzini, Eshowe, 7am, Paul Mannix 082 571 6559 NEW DATE – WAS 5 AUGUST
Saturday 18 August
Bruce Prentice Trading Harburg Trail Run 10km & 5km, Harburg Hall, Harburg, 7:30am & 7:45am, Rolf Lutge 082 555 0432
Saturday 18 – Sunday 19 August
Marriot Dargle Trail Festival, Sat: 20km, 10km & 5km, Sun: 30km, 20km, 10km & 5km (any combination), Lions River Club, Dargle, just north of Howick, Times TBC, Andrew Booth 082 603 4098
Sunday 19 August
Supa Mama Savages Half-Marathon Challenge & 10km, Morningside Primary School, Peter Makoba Road, Durban, 6:30am, Robin Honeysett 078 281 6981 NEW DATE – WAS 11 AUGUST
Maritzburg SPAR Women’s 10km & 5km Challenge, The Oval Cricket Stadium, Alexandra Park, Pietermaritzburg, 8am, Race Info 073 145 8929
Saturday 25 August
Vryheid Meat Masters 15km Challenge, Bloemveld Dam, Vryheid, 6am, Sean Roberts 083 980 0202
Mandela Day Trail Run 15km, 8km & 4km, Mandela Capture Site, on R103 outside Howick, 6:30am, 6:40am & 6:50am, Race Organiser 033 897 6713 (w)
Cathedral Peak Challenge #3 21km, Cathedral Peak Hotel, Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park, 8am, Info: www.cathedralpeak.co.za/challenge
Sunday 26 August
Mandela Day Marathon, Half Marathon & 10km, Manaye Hall, Edendale, Pietermaritzburg (42), Hillary Road, Hilton (21) & Howick Sports Fields (10), to Mandela Capture Site, outside Howick, 6am, Race Organiser 033 897 6713 (w)
Sun Sibaya King Shaka Trail Run 10km & 5km, Sun Sibaya, Sibaya Drive, Umhlanga Rocks, 6:30am, Dave Ward 082 492 1995
Boston Trail Run 45km, 20km & 8km, Boston Country Club, Natal Midland, west of Howick, 6:30am, 8am & 8:30am, More info: www.roag.co.za

FREE STATE
Saturday 4 August
IBL Sun to Sun Half Marathon & 10km, Mmabana Stadium, Milner Street, to Black Mountain Hotel, Groothoek Dam Road, Thaba Nchu District, 8am, Pretty Booysen 082 945 9051
Free State Cross Country League #7, UFS X-Country Track, Bloemfontein, 2:30pm, AFS Office 051 430 3251 (w)
Saturday 18 August
Free State Cross Country Championships, UFS X-Country Track, Bloemfontein, 9am, AFS Office 051 430 3251 (w)
Saturday 25 August
Eskom Vista MediClinic Night 10km, Ladies 5km & 1.5km, Welkom Mediclinic, Meulen Street, Welkom, 4:30pm (1.5), 6pm (ladies 5) & 7pm (10), Hilde du Plessis 072 499 2602
Friday 31 August
Makiti Night 10km & 5km, Amari School, Arrarat Street, Welkom, 6pm, Deon Lodder 082 921 3330

EASTERN CAPE

BORDER
Sunday 5 August
Amathola Marathon, Stutterheim Main Road, to King Williams Town, 6am, Alex Kambule 084 202 4872
Saturday 11 August
Buffalo City Half Marathon & 5km CANCELLED
Friday 17 August
Out the Green Box Nite 6km Trail Series #2, Areena Riverside Resort, East London, 6:30pm, More info: www.wonadventure.co.za
Saturday 25 August
White Clay Coffee Bay Halfish Marathon Trail Run 21km, Ocean View Hotel, Main Road, Coffee Bay, to White Clay Holiday Resort, 7am, Roy Sparg 083 979 4499
Sunday 26 August
Mdantsane Kasi Race 10km & 5km, Sisa Dukashe Stadium, Sandile Road, to Masizakhe Children’s Home, Spine Road, Mdantsane, 7am, Alex Kambule 074 139 0550

EASTERN PROVINCE
Saturday 4 August
EP Cross Country Champs, Venue TBC, 8am, Attie Williams 083 293 0202
Saturday 11 August
Nelson Mandela Bay Diva Women’s Run 10km & 5km, NMMU Second Avenue Campus, Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth, 7am, Mike Mbambani 079 149 6796
Sunday 19 August
Medihelp Nelson Mandela Bay Train Race, 38km over 7 legs: 5.5km, 3.5km, 4.5km, 5.5km, 5km, 5.5km & 8.5km, Port Elizabeth Station, Settlers Way, Port Elizabeth, to Uitenhage Station, 9am, Race Organiser 041 484 7860 (w)
Saturday 25 August
GBS Mutual Bank Mountain Drive Half Marathon, Graeme College, Somerset Field, cnr Miles and Selbourne Roads, Grahamstown, 8am, David Stoloff 082 643 6733

FAR NORTH

LIMPOPO
Satuday 4 August
Exxaro Mogol 3-in-1 Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Lephalale Mall, Onverwacht Road, Lephalale, 6am, Wikus Geyser 083 304 1073
Limpopo Cross Country Champs, Venue TBC, 8am, Rene Coetzee 083 254 6532
Thursday 9 August
Maroela to Maroela 10km & 5km, Phalaborwa Road Runners Clubhouse, Sealene Street, Phalaborwa, 8am, Molatelo Rankweteke 084 552 4323
Saturday 11 – Sunday 12 August
The ClemenGold Wolkberg 2-day Trail Run, (40km & 25km), Stanford Lake College, R71, Haenertsberg, 7am, More info: [email protected]
Sunday 12 August
The ClemenGold Wolkberg Single Day Trail Run 25km & 10km, Stanford Lake College, R71, Haenertsberg, 7:10am & 7:30am, More info: [email protected]
Saturday 18 August
Hout is Goud Day Breaker 80km Circuit Breaker, ATKV Resort, Klein Kariba, Bela-Bela (Warmbaths), 6am, Erika Kotze 014 736 6008 (w)
Saturday 25 August
Tzaneen Lifestyle Spring Opener Half-Marathon, 10km & 5km, Tzaneen Lifestyle Centre, Danie Joubert Street, Tzaneen, 7am, Paul Zaayman 083 460 4204

MPUMALANGA
Saturday 4 August
Skukuza Castle Lager Half-Marathon, Skukuza Rugby Field, Staff Village Green, Skukuza, 8:30am, Martie Oosthuizen 082 680 3864
Buffalo Gorge Trail Series 18km, 10km, 6.5km & 2.5km, Buffalo Gorge Eco Adventure Centre, Buffelskloof Farm, Middleburg, 8:30am, Ryk Diepraam 083 528 9586
Saturday 11 – Sunday 12 August
Mpumalanga Cross Country Champs, Venue & Time TBC, Theuns Luus 083 630 8729
Sabie Forest Hill X Trail 2-day Stage Race CANCELLED
Saturday 18 August
Rotary Greatest Train Race 32km, 15km & 4.9km, Nkangala District Municipality, Walter Sisulu Street, Middelburg (32), Plot 85, Jackaroo, R555 Road, aMalahleni (15) & Witbank Dam Leisure Resort, Mandela Road, eMalahleni (4.9), 7am, Elsabe Dawson 086 118 7246
Wednesday 22 August
Eskom Old Medal Nite 10km & 4.9km, Eskom Clubhouse, Eskom Park, eMalahleni (Witbank), 7pm, Paul Bester 082 966 7767
Saturday 25 August
Cara Cara 10km Trail Run, Ruby River Resort, Groblersdal, 7am, Andrew Collett 079 523 5498
Wednesday 29 August
Kutting Mpumalanga Nite 10km & 4.9km, Kees Taljaard Stadium, Middelburg, 7pm, James Faber 082 443 4193

NORTH WEST

CENTRAL NORTH WEST
Saturday 25 August
Nedbank Schweizer-Reneke Half Marathon, 10km, 5km & Business Relay, Dutch Reformed Church, Cronje Street, Shweizer-Reneke, 7am (21 & 10) & 7:45am (5km & relay), Susna du Plessis 082 920 5063

NORTH WEST NORTH
Saturday 4 August
North West North Cross Country Champs, Venue, Time and Contact TBC
Saturday 11 August
Salomon Magaliesburg Trail Challenge 50km, 36km, 25km & 12km, Van Gaalen Restaurant, Skeerpoort, near Hartbeespoort, 7am, 7:30am, 8:15am & 9:15am, Caeli Manuel 072 924 2371
Saturday 18 August
Actionman #4 Trail Run 15km, 10km & 5km, ATKV Buffelspoort, Time TBC, Jaco 081 320 8924
Saturday 25 – Sunday 26 August
Kashan Quest 50km & 30km Stage Race, (25km & 25km or 15km & 15km), Mountain Sanctuary, near Buffelspoort, 7am, Nina Furness 083 275 2362

NORTHERN CAPE

GRIQUALAND WEST
Saturday 4 August
AGW Cross Country League #7, Kimberley, 9am, Petro Nel 072 259 6759
Saturday 18 August
Rihanna Moshoeshoe Half-Marathon, 10km & 5km, Galeshewe Stadium, Phakedi Street, Galeshewe, Kimberley, 7am, Mase Mogorosi 071 853 3509
AGW Cross Country Champs, Laerskool Seodin, Seodin Road, Kuruman, 9am, Petro Nel 072 259 6759

NORTH WEST CAPE
Thursday 23 – Saturday 25 August
Namaqua Quest Trail Run, (Three days: 24km, 25km & 20km) Jakkalswater Guest Farm, Nababeep, near Springbok, Three days: 7am, 7:30am & 8am, Janine Swart 083 662 2022
Saturday 25 August
Schaap River Canyon Ultra Trail Run 100km & 60km, Jakkalswater Guest Farm, Nababeep, near Springbok, 5am, Janine Swart 083 662 2022

NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES

NAMIBIA
Saturday 4 August
Starlite/FNB Eros Girls Fundraiser 10km & 5km PLUS 10km Walk, Eros Girls’ School, cnr Independence & Eros Avenue, Windhoek, 7am & 7:15am PLUS 6:30am, Eros Girls’ School +264 (0)81 338 9911
Husab Mine Marathon, 10km, & 5km, Husab Access Road, Swakopmund, 7am, Frank Slabber +264 (0)81 240 3383
Erongo Cross Country Champs, Omaruru, Time TBC, BK Karumendu +264 (0)81 311 8489
Sunday 5 August
Windhoek Light Wild Run #3 14km & 8km Trail Run, Midgard Self Catering Lodge, on B6 Road about 80km from Windhoek, 8:30am & 9am, Yvonne Brinkmann +264 (0)81 142 9966
Saturday 11 August
Train Track 11km Trail Run, Elisenheim, Windhoek, 7am, Joel Talbot +264 (0)61 433 6000
Rundu 10km Challenge, Rundu, Time & contact person TBC
Saturday 18 August
Victory Series Half Marathon & 5km, Indepence Stadium, Windhoek, Time TBC, Old Mutual +264 (0)61 299 3249
Oshana Region Street Mile, Oshakati, Time & contact person TBC

ORIENTEERING
Sunday 5 August
Gauteng Bush Series #6 – Middle Distance, Hennops River, Centurion, Time TBC, RACO: Roger Blane 083 306 9161
Sunday 12 August
Gauteng Rogaine, Pretoria, Time TBC, ROC: Nick Cooper 074 188 9250
Saturday 18 August
Polokwane Short Event, Polokwane, Time TBC, POC: Ephraim Chuene 082 095 1035
Sunday 26 August
Gauteng Bush Series #7 – Long Distance, Pelindaba, Broederstroom, Time TBC, RACO: Roger Blane 083 306 9161

OBSTACLE RACING
Saturday 4 August
Runstacles 4km, Cape Town Ostrich Ranch, Van Schoorsdrif Road, off N7, Philadelphia, Western Cape, 8:30am, The Grind HQ 021 813 9282 (w)
Wednesday 8 August
JumpCity Urban Challenge Women’s Day Edition, Gold Reef City Theme Park, Ormonde, Johannesburg, Gauteng, 6pm, Shift Concepts 011 022 0426 (w)
Saturday 11 August
Toyota Warrior Race #6, Black Ops 15km (30 obstacles), Commando 10km (22), Rookie 5km (15) & Warrior Bratz 500m (8, unlimited laps), Mbombela Stadium, Mbombela (Nelspruit), Mpumalnga, Various times, Race Organiser 087 150 3144
Runstacles Race4Keanu 4km, Cape Town Ostrich Ranch, Van Schoorsdrif Road, off N7, Philadelphia, Western Cape, 8:30am, The Grind HQ 021 813 9282 (w)
Saturday 18 August
Actionman #4, 10km (17 obstacles) & 5km (11), ATKV Buffelspoort, North West Province, 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)
Friday 24 August
Waterra #3 5km, Infinite Adventures, Wootton Ave, Bothas Hill, Hillcrest, KwaZulu-Natal, From 6:30pm, More info: www.waterra.co.za
Saturday 25 August
Runstacles 4km, Cape Town Ostrich Ranch, Van Schoorsdrif Road, off N7, Philadelphia, Western Cape, 8:30am, The Grind HQ 021 813 9282 (w)
Sunday 26 August
Muddy Princess 5km, Giba Gorge, Stockville Road, Westmead, Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal, 8am, Info: [email protected]
Red Method Run, Ultra Red: 15km (20 obstacles) & Rookie Red: 8km (10), Hopewell Conservation Estate, Standford Road, Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, 9am & 10am, Race Office 074 115 6396

TRIATHLON & DUATHLON
Saturday 4 August
Standard Bank 5150 Bela Bela Triathlon, 5150: 1.5km/40km/10km (from 11:30am) & FunTri: 400m/20km/5km (11am), Forever Resorts Warmbaths, Bela Bela, Limpopo, Race Office 082 476 6626
Sunday 5 August
Cosave Mica Sunrise Challenge MTB Duathlon, (12.5km bike/12.5km run), Cosave Mica, 560 Alfred Boyes Avenue, Kirkney, Pretoria, 7am, GustavOosthuysen 072 525 5090
Sunday 12 August
Tinman Triathlon #3, Tinman Challenge 1km/32km/10km (7:40am), Tinman Sprint 600m/21km/5km (7:20am) & Tinman Mini (200m/6km/2.5km (7:10am), Suncoast Casino, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, B-Active 031 764 1885
Saturday 18 August
aQuelle Tour De Krantz Harburg Off-road Duo, 10km run/45km MTB, 10km/25km, 10km/10km, 5km/45km, 5km/25km & 5km/10km, Harburg Hall, Harburg, 7:30am & 7:45am, Rolf Lutge 082 555 0432
Sunday 19 August
Redhub Triathlon & Duathlon, Standard Road Tri 1.5km/40km/10km, Sprint Road Tri 750m/20km/5km, Cross Tri 1.5km/25km/10km, Cross Light Tri 750m/12km/5km, Road Du 4km/40km/5km & Cross MTB Du 4km/25km/5km, Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge, Beyers Naude Drive, Muldersdrift, 8am, Spectrum Sport 016 982 6060
Centrum Like2Duo Kids Duathlon, Power 2km/10km/1km, Mid 1km/5km/500m & Lite 500m/2km/250m, Riversands Farm Village, Knopjeslaagte, Midrand, Gauteng, 9am, 9:10am & 9:20am, More info: www.jumpertrax.com
Saturday 25 August
Mandela Day Triathlon, Olympic 1.5km/40km/10km, Sprint 600m/20km/5km & Mini 200m/5km/2.5km, Midmar Dam, near Howick, KwaZulu-Natal, 10:30am (Mini), 11:15am (Sprint) & 1pm (Olympic), Damian Bradley 031 764 1885 (w)
Sunday 26 August
Olympic Dirty Double, Long: 15km trail run & 35km MTB & Short:8km trail run & 20km MTB, Solo or team entries, Doolhof Wines, Bovlei Road, east of Wellington, 9am, Gravel Travel 072 764 4015

ADVENTURE RACING
Saturday 4 – Sunday 5 August
A1 Adventure Racing Series #3 – Cyanosis 24, KwaZulu-Natal, Time TBC, info: www.adventure1series.com
Saturday 25 – Sunday 26 August
Kinetic Expedition Africa 120km, Run, MTB, & Kayak Challenge, Cape St Francis, Eastern Cape, Time TBC, Heidi Muller 082 564 6468

Mokoka Claims Eighth SA 21K Title

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For the third consecutive year the often windy city of Port Elizabeth produced a perfect day for running for the Nelson Mandela Bay ASA Half Marathon Championships on Saturday 28 July, and the athletes took full advantage, with personal bests, season bests, list leaders and national records throughout the field and age categories.

In the men’s race, Stephen Mokoka (Gauteng North) out-kicked the rest of the leading pack to snatch the win in 1:01:44, beating Kenyan Benard Bil by two seconds, with another Kenyan, Linus Ruto, a further two seconds back. Fourth place went to Elroy Gelant (Central North West) in 1:01:48, with Gladwin Mzazi (Central Gauteng) fifth in 1:01:49. Six of the next nine South Africans clocked PBs.

With foreigners and those SA runners who were not members of provincial teams not eligible for the national championships, this saw Mokoka claim the 2018 SA Half Marathon title and gold medal, with Gelant and Mzazi earning the silver and bronze medals respectively. It was Mokoka’s eight SA 21km Title, and the second time he has recorded a hat-trick of three consecutive wins, with his previous wins coming in 2008, 2009, 2011-13, 2016 and 2017. Remarkably, this win was his 27th SA title across all three running surfaces (road, track and cross country).

Mbhele Wins Women’s Title
Foreign athletes dominated the women’s race, with Lesotho’s Mamorallo Tjoka taking the win in 1: 10:46, a massive personal best by almost three and a half minutes and shattering her own Lesotho national record, set 11 years ago! She finished five seconds ahead of second-placed Helalia Johannes of Namibia, whose 1:10:51 also broke her own longstanding national record of 1:10:59, set in 2008. Third home was Kenyan Susy Chemaimak in 1:12:32.

Janet Mbhele of KwaZulu-Natal was the first South African woman home in sixth place, clocking a personal best 1:13:07 to win the SA title and gold medal. The next South African over the line was Lebogang Phalula (Central Gauteng), who finished ninth in 1:15:31, with her provincial teammate Christine Kalmer just three seconds behind in 10th position to claim the bronze medal. Defending champion Cornelia Joubert was 13th in 1:16:06, while René Kalmer, the winner of 40 SA titles, the most by any SA athlete, was 22nd in 1:19:12. Seven of the top eight women set PBs.

And the car goes to…
This year’s event saw a new, faster route used, with an out-and-back section on the beachfront, then a loop followed by the same out-and-back section. There were a total of 1424 finishers, (888 men and 536 women), which was a sizable increase on last year’s 1166.

While most of these athletes were not in the running for national titles, they were all in the running to win a brand new Datsun Go, proudly sponsored by Eastern Cape Motors, in the lucky draw at prize-giving. And you could not wipe the beaming smile off the face of Bruce McEwan of Achilles Club, when his name was drawn for the hat!