A casual conversation with the man who just finished his 50th Comrades Marathon and said, “I’m Not Done Yet!” Richard Laskey caught up with King Louis to find out what inspires him to keep going.
Author: Tanika Laskey
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Pilgrimage Of Redemption
From the Cape Flats to Comrades glory in Durban. Ex-drug addict, Denver van den Bergh, conquers drug addiction through his epic 1,770km Pilgrimage of Redemption to earn his back-to-back Comrades Medal.
Courtside chat with Sphelele Dlamini
Read all about how Sphelele Dlamini overcame adversity to become a professional basketball player in Europe. Sphelele had both legs amputated shortly after birth, but hasn’t let this hold him back. Our Roving Cow Richard Laskey gets the full story.
HYROX South Africa’s First Two-Day Event
HYROX Cape Town 2025 Celebrates Record Crowds and Standout Performances
HYROX returned to Cape Town for its second edition, bringing the fitness community together for a major event.
HYROX Cape Town returned to the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), marking a significant milestone as South Africa’s first two-day HYROX event and drawing thousands of athletes from across the region to compete in one of the world’s fastest-growing sports worldwide. The weekend featured a full slate of competitions across all divisions – including Individual Open and Pro races, Doubles, and Relay races – showcasing a broad spectrum of fitness levels and fostering an atmosphere of competition and community. From elite athletes chasing World Championship slots to everyday fitness enthusiasts pushing their limits, HYROX Cape Town delivered excitement and inspiring performances for all.
HYROX Cape Town 2025 was the first South African event to introduce important updates to the competition rules, raising the level of challenge and fairness across categories. In addition to these rule changes, the event also featured the brand-new sled turf, enhancing the race experience by providing athletes with a more consistent and demanding surface for HYROX events globally.
The event attracted approximately 6 200 athletes, of which 51% were men and 49% were women, competing across Individual, Doubles, and Relay divisions. Among these competitors were seven adaptive athletes, showcasing HYROX’s inclusive approach to fitness racing.
Over the course of two days, participants pushed themselves through challenging endurance, strength, and functional fitness stations. The strong turnout highlights the growing enthusiasm for competitive fitness racing in South Africa and HYROX as a whole, with many newcomers joining at each event. Spectator support was equally impressive, with an estimated 5 500 fans filling the venue, creating a vibrant and motivating atmosphere for all involved. Race Director, Simon Goldsbrough says: HYROX Cape Town 2025 was a landmark moment – not only was it our first two-day event in South Africa, but it also gave thousands of athletes and supporters their very first taste of HYROX. The energy inside the CTICC was electric, with brilliant racing and inspiring performances as athletes of all levels pushed themselves to the finish line. None of it would have been possible without our incredible support crew – especially our dedicated volunteers and judges, who ensured the event ran smoothly and upheld thehighest standards throughout. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to making this HYROX Cape Town a success.
Standout performances included Danél Louw securing first place in HYROX Pro Women with a time of 01:01:53 and Kyle Schoonbee finishing first in HYROX Pro Men, clocking in at 00:57:50. Together, they also claimed the top spot in the HYROX Mixed Doubles category with a combined time of 00:52:16 – the 7th fastest time ever in Mixed Doubles, less than 2 minutes behind the world record. In the Men’s Pro Doubles division, Roux Havenga and Estian Ferreira dominated with a winning time of 00:58:10, while Celestie Du Toit and Nadine Roos took first place in the Women’s Pro Doubles, finishing in 01:03:44.
World Champions Rebecca Nagel and Darren Thomas returned to Cape Town to take first place in their respective Adaptive divisions. Additionally, South African adaptive athletes Reyaan Traut, Muazza Latib, Eve Hayes, and Wernise Lewies delivered winning performances in their categories.
The HYROX Relay races, featuring Mixed, Men’s, and Women’s teams, that took place during Sunday evening, injected a spirited team dynamic into the closing moments of the event. These races brought a lively atmosphere as teammates cheered one another on. The relay format always highlights the collective effort of HYROX, making it an athlete favourite and a thrilling conclusion to the event.
The weekend was filled with energy thanks to passionate fans, dedicated volunteers, and inspiring athlete performances. This combined enthusiasm embodies the HYROX motto: “Our Sport is HYROX.” The sense of community was palpable, from the roaring crowds and the helpful hands on the race course and behind the scenes, creating a supportive environment that motivated every competitor in the ROXZONE.
HYROX Cape Town holds a place as part of the worldwide HYROX series. It attracts not only elite athletes chasing international qualifications but also everyday athletes seeking a challenging and rewarding experience. This global connection brings South African athletes into a vibrant international fitness network, raising the profile of the sport locally and opening doors for continued growth.
The event’s media coverage extended beyond the competition floor, featuring engaging content , such as race footage of Brazilian athlete, Andre Sanchez, and active social media campaigns that celebrated participant stories, including the first ever HYROX South Africa engagement proposal. These efforts amplified the event’s reach,connecting the HYROX community locally and internationally while providing athletes with platforms to share their journeys and inspire others.
Building on this edition’s success, anticipation is high for upcoming HYROX events across South Africa. With a growing local community and increasing participation, the series is set to offer even more opportunities for athletes to compete, improve, and connect. “HYROX Cape Town 2025 marks a major leap forward for the sport in South Africa. The growth we’ve seen – in both athlete participation and community support – is a testament to how quickly fitness racing is capturing the imagination of South Africans. After listening closely to athlete feedback from our debut event, we focused on elevating the overall race experience. From the upgraded race kits to the new sled turf and improved athlete flow, every detail was designed to reflect our commitment to quality and performance. We’re also incredibly grateful for the continued support from our corporate partners, whose investment is helping build HYROX into a sustainable, world-class platform for competitive racing in South Africa,” says Managing Director Mlondi Mashinini. The future looks bright for HYROX as it continues to fuel South Africa’s passion for fitness racing and strengthens its role in the global HYROX family.
For more information, visit the HYROX website or contact:
Corlia Meyer
Picture credit: Bernard de Clerk
Hyperice Named as The Official Recovery Technology Partner of Nedbank Gravel Burn
The Nedbank Gravel Burn today announced a new partnership with Hyperice, global leader in recovery and movement enhancement technology. As The Official Recovery Technology Partner of the 2025 race, Hyperice will deliver on-site recovery support to all riders through their award-winning Normatec 3 Recovery Boots & Hyperice Range, available daily and free of charge throughout the event.
All registered riders will benefit from a 30-minute Normatec recovery session via designated Hyperice Recovery Stations in each Burn Camp. Using dynamic air compression to boost circulation and combat muscle fatigue, the Normatec system delivers professional-grade recovery to help you stay fresh and strong through all seven days of racing.
“Rider experience is everything,” says Kevin Vermaak, Founder of Nedbank Gravel Burn. “I used the Normatec boots for the first time after the Kindling rides, and honestly, they amazed me. I actually started wondering whether it was the boots that made me feel so strong the next day. We want every rider to enjoy themselves as much as possible out there – and to do that, recovery is key.”
In addition to complimentary use, all registered riders will be eligible to purchase Normatec Recovery Boots at a special discounted rate directly from Hyperice. For those who buy a pair, Hyperice will provide full on-site support, including charging and transportation between stages. Riders will simply collect their boots each day from their allocated Recovery Station, and can use them wherever they like, whether at the recovery station, in their tent, or while winding down around the fire.
“The boots were in use from the moment the first riders were showered after the Kindling, right up into the evening around the campfire,” says Danielle Lopes, Sales & Marketing Manager at Hyperice South Africa. “Being able to relax with a hot drink and good company while actively recovering – that’s the kind of small detail that really makes a difference.”
The Nedbank Gravel Burn and Hyperice partnership brings elite-level recovery to every rider, reinforcing the event’s commitment to performance, health and enjoyment across one of the most demanding and memorable gravel races on the calendar.
About Hyperice
Hyperice is a global high-performance wellness brand specialising in technology-driven recovery solutions that help people move better. Founded in 2010, Hyperice has developed a suite of award-winning products — including Normatec dynamic air compression, Hypervolt percussion massage, and Venom heat and vibration technology — used by athletes, fitness professionals, and wellness enthusiasts in over 60 countries. The company’s mission is to help everyone on Earth move and live better, by unlocking the full potential of the body through science-backed innovation.
For more information, visit www.hyperice.co.za.
About Nedbank Gravel Burn
Nedbank Gravel Burn is a 7-day, 800km gravel stage race through South Africa’s diverse landscapes. From lush coastal forests to the vast Great Karoo, riders enjoy remote camps under starry skies and conclude their journey at Shamwari Private Game Reserve, encountering Africa’s iconic Big 5 wildlife. The race inspires and challenges riders in equal measure.
For more information, visit Nedbank Gravel Burn’s official website www.gravel-burn.com.
Meet the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 Series: Smartwatch Power for Every Move
Whether you’re a casual runner, serious trailblazer or lifestyle athlete juggling work and workouts, the new HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 Series is built to match your every stride. Featuring the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 and the performance-driven WATCH FIT 4 Pro, this fourth-generation range combines smart tech, sleek design, and powerful health insights to help you train smarter, recover better, and live well.
Lightweight Comfort Meets Durable Design
At just 27g and 9.5mm thin, the WATCH FIT 4 is featherlight for all-day comfort, whether you’re at your desk or chasing a personal best. The Pro model, while still light at 30.4g, steps it up with aviation-grade aluminium, a titanium bezel, and sapphire glass—designed to withstand tough trails, dives, and multisport adventures.
Bright Displays Built for Action
Both watches feature a 1.82-inch AMOLED display, ensuring crisp clarity in all lighting. The WATCH FIT 4 shines with 2,000 nits of brightness, while the Pro maxes out at 3,000 nits, making it easy to check stats on sunlit runs, hikes or bike rides.
Smarter Fitness, Sharper Tracking
The WATCH FIT 4 is ideal for everyday movers. It supports seven new sports modes (like mountain climbing and trail running), offers HRV monitoring, sleep insights, and a new Emotional Wellbeing Assistant. Its Sunflower Positioning System improves GPS accuracy by 30%, while the air pressure sensor enhances elevation tracking. There’s even route tracking for aquatic sports.
The Pro goes further, with Advanced Terrain Map Tracking, offline contour maps, backtracking, and checkpoint navigation. It also features Golf Mode with 15,000+ course maps, Diving Mode (up to 40m), and Breath-Hold Training—making it a versatile tool for athletes of every kind.
Health Monitoring That Goes Deeper
At the heart of the Pro model is Huawei’s new TruSense System—an advanced sensor suite that monitors heart rate, ECG, blood oxygen, respiratory rate, and sleep breathing. It even supports temperature-based menstrual tracking for women. The standard WATCH FIT 4 still provides impressive insights, making both models powerful health companions.
Puma Signs Double Olympic Champion Miltiadis Tentoglou
Global sports company PUMA continues strengthening its portfolio in track and field by signing long jump double Olympic champion, Miltiadis “Miltos” Tentoglou, from Greece.
Last summer, at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Tentoglou captivated the world by successfully defending his Olympic title—a feat previously accomplished only by the legendary Carl Lewis. With a leap of 8.48 m, he once again proved that embracing your true self is the ultimate path to greatness.
“We’re incredibly proud to welcome Miltiadis to the PUMA family. Signing him is a great moment for PUMA as we keep growing our presence in athletics and establishing PUMA as a dominant,” said Pascal Rolling, Director of Sports Marketing Running at PUMA. “Watching his performance in Paris was a thrill, and we’re excited to support him both on and off the track as he continues to push boundaries and inspire a new generation of athletes,” Pascal Rolling continues.
On top of his Olympic achievements, Miltiadis is a six-time European champion, winning a record three consecutive outdoor titles in 2018, 2022 and 2024 and a record three successive men’s indoor titles between 2019 and 2023.
PUMA is all about backing track and field athletes—those who bring passion, personality, and bold energy to the sport. In collaboration with athletes like Miltiadis, PUMA continues to push the boundaries of performance innovation, developing cutting-edge products that empower them to perform at their peak.
Tentoglou will compete as a PUMA athlete during the Novuna London Athletics Meet on July 19, continuing his journey of success among the wild ones.
For more information about PUMA and Go Wild, visit www.puma.com, or follow our journey on social media @PUMA.
Do You Know That Running Ages Your Face?
By Dr Joan van Wyngaard, Founder of Vitant
Glow Harder Than You Train: Skincare for Active Skin.
You’ve clocked the kilometres, nailed your fuelling strategy, and kept your recovery game tight. But here’s a truth many runners and active people overlook: your skin is under pressure too. The very habits that build endurance and strength can accelerate ageing on your face. UV, sweat, wind, and friction don’t just affect your muscles—they attack your collagen, microbiome, and skin barrier. Over time, this results in dullness, fine lines, dehydration, and breakouts. If you’re training for personal bests, it’s time your skincare kept up. That’s where Vitant comes in. Functional skincare made for real life, designed by a pharmacist and endurance runner who knows what active skin needs.
Why Active Skin Needs a Smarter Routine Running outside exposes you to more than just fresh air:
– Sun: UV rays break down collagen and trigger pigmentation, even in winter.
– Sweat: Disrupts your microbiome and can clog pores.
– Wind + Pollution: Dry out and inflame your skin barrier.
Add age and hormones into the mix, and the result is often skin that looks more tired than it feels.
Vitant was built with this in mind: multifunctional products that deliver real results with minimal effort. No layering 7 different products. No complicated routines.
Introducing the Vitant Ranges
– Vitant Complete: A 5-step anti-ageing skincare set for women who want radiant, resilient skin with minimal fuss.
– Vitant men: A simplified 3-step regimen for men who want effective skincare that just works.
– Vitant Clear: A targeted solution for teens and blemish-prone skin, designed to clarify without stripping.
The Science Behind the Simplicity
Every Vitant product is packed with clinically backed actives that deliver visible results:
– RetinART™: A marine bio-retinoid that reduces wrinkles, improves firmness, and boosts collagen without the redness or irritation of retinol.
– LactoSporin®: A postbiotic that balances your skin microbiome, fights acne bacteria, and protects from UV-induced damage.
– Plectranthus aliciae: A South African botanical that kills acne bacteria, clears breakouts, and reduces pigmentation.
– Bulbonella (Bulbine frutescens): Soothes irritation, strengthens the skin barrier, and improves hydration.
– Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide): Brightens, calms, and supports long-term skin health.
These ingredients are dosed for performance—not for marketing.
Created By a Runner, For Active People
Vitant was born not in a boardroom, but on early morning runs and in the chaos of real life. As a pharmacist and athlete, I built this range because I needed it myself. From the gym bag to the finish line, Vitant delivers protection, performance, and results. Because active skin deserves a routine as smart as your training plan. Smart skincare is your skins recovery plan. Ready to glow harder than you train?
Head over to our Modern Athlete socials and follow the steps to enter the giveaway!
Explore the range at www.vitant.co.za
New MTB Challenge Puts Underberg on the Map
Running Man Adventures (RMA) is thrilled to announce the launch of the Sani Pass Time Trial (SPTT), a new mountain bike challenge set to take place on Saturday, 25 October 2025. Entries for this unique event opened Wednesday, 2 July 2025, visit www.sanipasstt.com to enter.
Nestled in the breath taking Southern Drakensberg, Underberg is a renowned natural backdrop for various adventure activities, hosting major events such as the Sani2C, the Drak Challenge Canoe Marathon, RMB Ultra-trail Drakensberg and Sani Stagger endurance races. The introduction of the SPTT further solidifies the region’s reputation as a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
SPTT offers a truly distinctive experience: a 21km ascent of the iconic Sani Pass, often referred to as the “holy grail of all Southern African mountain passes” and the gateway to the “Roof of Africa.” The race will commence from Premier Resort Sani Pass at an altitude of 1450m, culminating at the finish line on the edge of Lesotho at 2876m, involving an impressive climb of nearly1500m.
“The South African MTB calendar is definitely crowded, but there’s nothing quite like a time trial up the Sani Pass, so we feel we’re offering something truly unique,” says Spurgeon Flemington, owner and race director of Running Man Adventures. “We also wanted to provide a race where the challenge is very real, but the time commitment isn’t excessive, allowing riders to enjoy a fantastic weekend on their bikes without needing extended leave or time away from family.”
This pure time trial format will see riders setting off at timed intervals with a strict no-drafting policy. The clock will stop as each rider or pair crosses the timing mat at the summit. The return journey down the Pass will be an untimed neutral zone, encouraging participants to safely take in the magnificent surroundings of the Maloti Drakensberg World Heritage Site, with its unparalleled vistas and thin air.
First-timers to Sani Pass can expect to be immersed in a special landscape, while experiencing the extreme challenge of the ascent. The route comprises 13km of tar to the South African Border Post, followed by 8km of lung-busting gravel to the summit.
The Sani Pass Time Trial will feature four race categories: MTB, E-Bike, Gravel Bike, and Single Speed, with options for riders to compete solo or as a team of two. The inaugural event on Saturday, 25 October 2025, will see the first riders depart at 07:00, with the last by 09:00. Start times will be allocated once entries close, with Single Speeds leading the charge, followed by Gravel Bikes, Mountain Bikes, and E-Bikes. All riders are expected to be back by 13:00.
Premier Resort Sani Pass will serve as the race base, hosting the start, finish, prize-giving at15:00, and a celebratory spit braai and after-party for all entrants. On-site accommodation at the hotel will be available for booking two weeks after race entries open.
“It’s always motivating to bring people from all over SA and beyond to share in the beauty of the Southern Drakensberg,” adds Flemington. “All our events are growing, and the future looks bright as we strive to continue offering transformative experiences for athletes from around the country.”
Glenrose Xaba Looks Set For Another Spar Grand Prix Triumph
Glenrose Xaba (Boxer) took another step towards defending her SPAR Women’s Grand Prix title on Sunday when she won the Durban SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge in 31:54 minutes. She heads the log with a total of 55 points. Xaba was one of five runners to earn the maximum 10 bonus points by finishing within 33 minutes.
Xaba is three points ahead of her nearest rival, Selam Gebre (Nedbank). Gebre finished third in the race, behind her teammate and fellow Ethiopian Dinayah Abaraya, who was running her first SPAR race of the year. Abaraya is currently fifth on the log, with 29 points.
Karabo Mailula (Tuks) and Cacisile Sosibo (Boxer) are in joint third position on the log with 36 points. Mailula finished third in Cape Town and eighth in Durban, with five bonus points in Durban, while Sosibo was fourth in Cape Town and seventh in Durban, also with five bonus points.
Former SPAR Grand Prix winner, Diana-Lebo Phalula (Boxer) heads the 40-49 category, with 20 points, having won in Cape Town and Durban with five bonus points. International runner Olga Firsova is in second position, with nine points.
The 50-59 category is headed by Capetonian Anne Stewart of Atlantic, who has 14 points, after winning in Cape Town and finishing second in Durban, with five bonus points.
In the 60+ category, Judy Bird (Boxer) celebrated her birthday on Sunday with another win. She heads the log with 20 points, having earned bonus points in Cape Town and in Durban. Former seven-time Comrades Marathon gold medalist, Grace de Oliveira (Maxed Elite) is hot on her heels with 18 points, having also earned bonus points in both races.
Wiepke Schoeman (Boxer) is top of the log in the junior category, with 10 points, having earned bonus points in both Cape Town and in Durban. Anele Ndawonde is in second position, with five points.
