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Deadly Dozen Joburg

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Deadly Dozen Joburg

Hey Athletes… fancy putting that endurance to the test in a whole new way?

Introducing: Deadly Dozen.
South Africa’s exciting new fitness racing event is heading to Johannesburg on Saturday, 3 May 2025, at the Ruimsig Athletic Stadium — and trust us, you’ve never raced like this before.

Here’s the breakdown:
4.8KM of running journeys.
12 killer workout labours in between.
One seriously electric atmosphere that’ll leave your legs burning and your endorphins soaring.

Each labour is designed to test a different aspect of your fitness — from leg burning lounges, burpee broad jumps, and killer bear crawls, to overhead carries, devil presses, and more. You’ll be sprinting, sweating, and shouting “what the hell was that?” with the best of them — and loving every second.

Why should YOU take this on?

  • You’ve already nailed distance — now add power and grit.
  • It’s the perfect way to cross-train and build full-body strength.
  • It’s fast-paced, competitive, and fun as hell.
  • There’s no pressure, just good vibes, a buzzing crowd, and a chance to try something totally different.

Whether you’re a seasoned road warrior, a trail junkie, or just someone who loves a good old-fashioned “sufferfest” with friends — Deadly Dozen is calling.

You’ll walk away with:

  • A free FitCard with race-day pics
  • Access to a full photo drive post-event
  • Insane bragging rights
  • A Finishers patch
  • And that post-race glow that only comes from truly pushing your limits

More than 80% of tickets are already gone, and waves are filling fast — so don’t snooze on this one!

JOIN THE FITNESS RACING REVOLUTION:
ENTER NOW
on webtickets:
https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1564754406

More info: www.deadlydozen.co.za

Deadly Dozen isn’t just a race. It’s a full-send, full-body, full-beast experience.
Come for the run. Stay for the burn. Leave with the stories.

 We’ll see you at the start line in Jozi.

Top SA Track & Field Schools Gear Up for Nationals

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Top SA Track & Field Schools Gear Up for Nationals

The inaugural Track+Field series is expected to close in spectacular fashion this week when the National Final is held at the University of Johannesburg Athletics Stadium on Thursday and Friday.

The memorable opening campaign saw over 4 100 athletes from 240 schools across the country competing at nine provincial events over the last two months.
These meetings provided a rare opportunity for some of South Africa’s smaller athletics schools to compete against the nation’s top institutions, while also giving young athletes a chance to showcase their talent.
With the top boys and schools at each provincial leg qualifying for the two-day T+F National Final, the best track and field schools in the country will now be crowned at the National Final.
Over 500 athletes from 17 different schools will turn out at UJ Stadium.

“We are thrilled to be able to crown the first T+F national champions, and we are expecting a close competition between South Africa’s top track and field schools,” said T+F series co-founder and former Olympic sprinter Mathew Quinn.
“This series has unearthed some incredible talent around the country, and we are looking forward to giving the best performing schools an opportunity to compete against each other in the search for the overall T+F champions.”

The National Final of the T+F series – a joint venture between SuperSport, SA Schools Athletics and Athletics South Africa – will be broadcasted live on SuperSport Variety 4 (channel 209) and the SuperSport Schools app.

The competition will be held between 3.30pm-6.30pm on Thursday, 10 April and between 1.30pm and 6pm on Friday, 11 April.

The programme will feature 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m and relay races, as well as long jump, shot put and javelin throw contests.

Participating schools, T+F National Final

Hoërskool Diamantveld
Capricorn High School
Vryburg High School
TuksSport High School
Rand Park High School
Hoërskool Voortrekker
Queen’s College
Cambridge High School
Rob Ferreira High School
Penryn College
Maritzburg College
Hoërskool Suid Natal
Hilton College
St Anne’s Diocesan College
Bergvliet High School
Hoërskool Stellenbosch
Barkly East High School

Record-breaking teens shine at Joburg Grand Prix

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Record-breaking teens shine at Joburg Grand Prix

Sprint sensation Bayanda Walaza was the star of the show at the second ASA Grand Prix meet of the season at the University of Johannesburg on Wednesday night with rising hurdles star Tumi Ramokgopa also in record-breaking form.

After becoming the first SA junior ever to dip under 10 seconds in the 100m last weekend, Bayanda put himself to the test over 200m in Joburg and duly delivered in chilly conditions. The 19-year-old powered to victory ahead of a field that included Luxolo Adams to win in a new SA junior record of 20.08 seconds. That saw him taking two hundredths of a second off the previous mark set by Clarence Munyai back in 2017.

“It wasn’t great weather, but I believe once you’re fast you don’t need to complain about anything… You cannot control how the weather is so it’s better to make it work for you,” he said afterwards.

As for breaking Clarence’s national junior record, Bayanda reckoned: “He said if I break his record, there will be something that I’ll get from him… He’s the one who said: ‘Bra, my record has been standing there for so long. What’s taking you so long to break it?’”

Earlier in the evening, Tumi was ecstatic after a second-place finish behind Olympic semifinalist Marioné Fourie in the 100m hurdles. Fourie won the race in 12.69 with Tumi second in a new SA junior record of 13.22 seconds.

“I am overwhelmed, I am in disbelief. Honestly, I did know that when I’m running against Marioné, she’s going to push me to that SA record but I didn’t think of a 13.2. It’s big, it means a lot and I didn’t expect to break it in my first year as a junior,” said the elated 17-year-old afterwards.

Marioné, whose time was the quickest she’s run on home soil, dedicated the win to her coach Jaun Strydom who passed away last week. Marioné decided to forgo the World Athletics Indoor Championships in China to attend his funeral on Friday.

“I think he would be very proud of this race,” she said fighting back the tears.

Another teenager showing fine form on the night was SA’s 400m world junior champion Udeme Okon. The 19-year-old outpaced two-time Olympian Lythe Pillay to win the 400m in a new personal best of 45.27 seconds. Lythe was second in 45.74.

“It was a great experience. He [Lythe] is one of the guys we look up to and want to compete against him,” said Okon afterwards. “He’s been to the Olympics and we know he’s more experienced. It’s just the thing of going out there and challenging him like we did today and showing them that the juniors are here and we’re here to dominate as well.”

Meanwhile, in the women’s 400m, Zeney Geldenhuys was pushed all the way by two of the teammates she set a new national 4x400m relay record with last week in Pretoria – Shirley Nekhubui and Marlie Viljoen. Zeney took the win in 51.26 seconds with Shirley second in 51.42 and Marlie third in 51.85.

St Benedict’s Boys Secure SA’s Top Rowing Title For 31st Straight Year 

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on St Benedict’s Boys Secure SA’s Top Rowing Title For 31st Straight Year 

St Benedict’s College has once again solidified its unrivalled legacy in South African school rowing, claiming the national championship title for an extraordinary 31st consecutive year. At the prestigious annual schools’ regatta earlier this month, the Johannesburg-based boy’s school demonstrated remarkable dominance, securing first place in the majority of events despite formidable competition. The Bennies rowers outperformed elite teams from across South Africa’s top rowing schools, further cementing their pedigree in the sport’s national landscape.

The prestigious three-day national regatta unfolded at Roodeplaat Dam, where crews representing 33 boys’ and girls’ schools and clubs from around South Africa and Zimbabwe converged in fierce competition. The atmosphere crackled with intensity as spectators witnessed athletes pushing their physical and mental limits in pursuit of victory. Among the 784 competing boys, each team arrived with one goal: to claim the championship and dethrone the reigning champions.

Yet St Benedict’s extraordinary commitment prevailed once again. Their countless hours of rigorous training – both on water and land – proved decisive in securing their victory. The shared determination to defend their coveted title created an unbreakable bond among the Bennies rowers. For the graduating seniors, the regatta marked a poignant conclusion to their school rowing careers, adding emotional depth to an already triumphant performance.

Commenting on the win, St Benedict’s old boy and head of the school’s rowing club, Darryn Roff says, “Thirty-one years of success isn’t easy – it requires extraordinary dedication from our boys. Despite winning becoming the norm, these young men continuously carry the weight of a legacy on their shoulders.

“During the regatta weekend, our U14s broke the course record in the octuple despite conditions that weren’t favourable for record-breaking. They also managed to secure first and second places in the quad, along with an exceptional clean sweep of first, second, and third in the U14 scull – a tremendous showing from our young rowers,” added Roff.

Roff went on to say that the first eight and U16 eight won by emphatic margins. Additionally, for the first time since 1996, St Benedict’s claimed victory in the first sculling event, with Michael Teixeira (Grade 11) achieving what was last accomplished by Athol Hundermark, who has since gone on to coach winning Henley Royal Regatta crews and now works at Shrewsbury School in the UK.”

The school placed first in the U14, U16 and Open age groups. The tightly contested and highly prized 1st Eight race, often described as the main event of the weekend, also went to St Benedict’s. When all the scores were tallied, St Benedict’s was recognised as South Africa’s top boys’ rowing school winning with 466 points.

Strong Competition
Speaking about the win, College Head Dave Jeffrey emphasises, “St Benedict’s long- standing reputation as one of South Africa’s rowing powerhouses has been reaffirmed by this victory. Our 31-year streak isn’t luck – it’s built on unwavering dedication, with our boys training rigorously at dawn and dusk, both on and off the water. Their sacrifices and perseverance have yielded extraordinary results that make us immensely proud. Behind this success stands the commitment of coaches and parents, alongside our continuous investment in rowing as our flagship sport. Parents know that when their child signs up for the sport, the whole family becomes a rowing family. From early morning drop-offs to the extensive travel to reach training venues and regattas and more. It’s a massive commitment.”

Adding to this Jeffrey says that this winning culture naturally attracts participation, with a remarkable percentage of boys choosing rowing as their summer pursuit. “We’re particularly excited about the transformation we’re witnessing in the sport, with diverse representation across all boat classes, age groups, and coaching staff – a development we’ve intentionally cultivated and celebrate.”

Culture of Rowing
Roff adds, “Success in rowing demands both hard work and persistence. Our training is scientifically grounded and enriched by years of experience, while our mentoring approach instils deep self-belief in our athletes. This combination – the Bennies way – has proven remarkably effective. Our rowing culture, continuously supported by school management and shaped significantly by old boys who’ve returned as coaches, has fostered diligence, teamwork, unwavering dedication, and a commitment to building lasting legacy. Over the years, St Benedict’s has produced numerous top South African rowers and international university athletes – a tradition we’re determined to perpetuate.” 

In closing, Jeffrey reflects, “Watching our boys row is truly a sight to behold. They transform into a single, seamlessly functioning unit – poetry in motion, a symphony of synchronised blades that propelled them to the podium. Congratulations to these remarkable young men; your achievement stands as a milestone for St Benedict’s and will be celebrated for years to come.”

The 2025 Champions across the categories:

Around 80 officials were part of the day’s proceedings with 3 600 spectators supporting the 1 177 athletes (393 girls and 784 boys) who participated in the 2025 South African Rowing Championships.

 

Best Co-ed School (4)     
3rd         St Dunstan’s

2nd        Germiston High School    

1st         Somerset College

 

Best Girls School (8)                   
3rd         St Stithians Girls College

2nd        St Mary’s School Waverley

1st         St Andrew’s School for Girls 

 

Best Boys School  (13)                
3rd         St Alban’s College

2nd        St John’s College

1st         St Benedict’s College

For more on St Benedict’s rowing – go to www.stbenedicts.co.za or Facebook: @stbenedictscollegebedfordview.

Athletics South Africa Grand Prix Brings the Heat to Pilditch!

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Athletics South Africa Grand Prix Brings the Heat to Pilditch!

Prudence Sekgodiso and Marioné Fourie both produced promising performances to boost their confidence levels ahead of jetting off to the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China next week.

Competing at the first ASA Grand Prix meet of the season at the Pilditch Stadium in Pretoria, Fourie blazed to the fastest season-opener of her career, winning the 100m hurdles in a speedy time of 12.77 seconds.

“12.7 to begin with for the 100m hurdles and a world lead, I’m very excited,” said an elated Marioné afterwards.

“This gives me a lot of confidence because we didn’t know where I was standing in training so having this fastest season’s opener shows that we are ready for next week.”

Prudence looked to have plenty in the tank as she cruised to victory in the 800m. The Olympic finalist slotted in behind training partner Oratile Nowe of Botswana for much of the race before taking the lead on the back straight in the final lap, eventually reaching the finish in a time of 1:59.01. Oratile was second in a new national record for Botswana of 1:59.46.

“The girls were slowing down so I had no choice but to pass them… I’m glad that I maintained that sub-two minutes. It shows that there’s something big coming looking towards the World Championships coming up next week,” said Prudence afterwards.

“I’m actually shocked because for the past two weeks I’ve been training for the 1500. I’ve been doing long stuff at training yet I ran sub-two minutes. I don’t know how I did it but thanks to God, I just have the natural speed in me.”

Later in the evening, it was a teenage sprint sensation who stole the show when he defeated Kenya’s African record holder Ferdinand Omanyala in the men’s 100m.

Karabo Letebele stormed home in a time of 10.19 seconds – the fastest 100m time by a junior athlete in the world this year – to take the win. Emile Erasmus was second by a few thousandths of a second with Ferdinand relegated to third place in 10.22.

“I didn’t expect to beat him [Ferdinand]. I thought he was going to run a 9.-something so I just told myself to execute my own race, go through my phases and I’ll be fine,” said the 18-year-old from Vanderbijlpark who is planning to take up a scholarship to study business management in the USA later this year.

“This has given me more confidence knowing that I have what it takes, especially in my age group. I’m going against the likes of [Olympic silver medallist] Bayanda [Walaza] so I’m just happy to see that my hard work pays off and I have what it takes to be number one.”

Meanwhile, there were two South African records set on Wednesday. Leandri Holtzhausen was first up in the women’s hammer throw, bettering her own mark set four weeks ago with a distance of 67.95m.

“I definitely think I can get close to 70m,” she said afterwards. “I really feel good, my training has been going really well, so it’s just a matter of time.”

St Benedict’s Darryn Roff Elected President Of South African Schools Rowing Union

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on St Benedict’s Darryn Roff Elected President Of South African Schools Rowing Union

St Benedict’s College is proud to announce that Darryn Roff, the school’s Head of Rowing, has been elected President of the South African Schools Rowing Union. This appointment marks another significant milestone in Roff’s distinguished career in rowing, which spans nearly three decades. Roff takes over from Mr Andre Oosthuysen who has been at the helm for an incredible 14 years.

Roff’s journey in rowing began in 1997 as a U14 rower at St Benedict’s College. His passion for the sport culminated in winning the First Eight at the South African Schools Rowing Union Championships in 2003. Following his time as a student-athlete, Roff has dedicated his career to developing rowing talent at various levels.

Commenting on his appointment, Roff says, “I’m honoured to take on this role and hope to contribute to developing school rowing throughout South Africa. By uniting the provinces, we’ll strengthen the sport and create more opportunities for young rowers. My goal is to break down barriers to participation and develop sustainable programmes for both rowing schools and junior clubs. If we remove obstacles for our youth, both within and outside of the school setting – SASRU can become a pivotal driver of transformation and development in South African rowing.”

His impressive leadership credentials include serving as Chairperson of the Gauteng Schools Rowing Federation for eight consecutive years (2018-2025) after two years as Vice Chairperson. Roff’s national coaching experience is equally notable, having been appointed as a National Rowing Coach for World Championships in  2011, 2022, 2023 and 2024.

Most recently, Roff has served as both U19 Team Manager and National Coach for World Championships in 2022, 2023 and 2024, demonstrating his continued commitment to excellence in rowing at the highest levels.

Under Roff’s leadership, St Benedict’s College has maintained its position as South Africa’s top boys’ rowing school for an unprecedented 31 consecutive years, a testament to his coaching philosophy that emphasises hard work, scientific training methods, and unwavering dedication.

Dave Jeffrey, College Head at St Benedict’s, commented on Roff’s appointment: “Darryn’s election to this prestigious position reflects his exceptional contribution to rowing in South Africa. His expertise has been instrumental in our school’s rowing success, and we’re confident he’ll bring the same dedication and vision to his new role.”

About St Benedict’s College:

St Benedict’s College is a leading boys’ school in Johannesburg, recognised for academic excellence and sporting achievement. The school has maintained its position as South Africa’s top boys’ rowing school for 31 consecutive years, demonstrating an unparalleled legacy in the sport.

Speed, Style & a Splash of Rain: PUMA Deviate NITRO™ Elite 3 Review

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Speed, Style & a Splash of Rain: PUMA Deviate NITRO™ Elite 3 Review

I was fortunate enough to take the PUMA Deviate NITRO™ Elite 3 on their maiden voyage this weekend at Joburg’s Toughest 21km. The weather conditions saw some light wind and drizzle, which got progressively heavier as the race wore on—perfect for running, maybe not so much for wearing my woolen COW onezee!

First Impressions:
Right off the bat, I absolutely love the colourway—bold and vibrant, exactly my style. These shoes are designed to make you go faster, and they don’t just look fast—they feel it too.

Performance and Feel:
The PUMA Deviate NITRO™ Elite 3 is built for speed, with a carbon fibre PWRPLATE that ensures stability while providing crazy responsive propulsion on foot strike. Every step felt explosive, giving me that extra push, especially on the uphills. This, combined with the NITROFOAM™ ELITE cushioning, delivered a superbly responsive yet lightweight ride. Despite the generous cushioning, the shoes never felt heavy or bogged down.

Grip and Stability:
The roads were wet and slippery due to the drizzle, which progressively turned into heavier rain. This was the ultimate test for the PUMAGRIP rubber outsole, and it came out with flying colours. The grip was solid, and I never once felt like I was losing traction, even on slick corners and steep descents.

Comfort and Fit:
The ULTRAWEAVE upper was incredibly lightweight and breathable. It wrapped
comfortably around my foot, offering just the right amount of stretch without feeling
restrictive. The structured, 4-way stretch fabric reduced friction, preventing any
discomfort or blisters, even over the long distance.

Technical Specs:
– Regular fit
– ULTRAWEAVE upper for lightweight, friction-free performance
– Stack height: 40mm (heel) / 32mm (forefoot)
– Weight: 205g (UK 8) – Light enough to make you forget you’re wearing them
– Heel-to-toe drop: 8mm

Recommended Retail Price: R5 499

Final Verdict:
The PUMA Deviate NITRO™ Elite 3 exceeded my expectations. From the insane
propulsion provided by the carbon fibre PWRPLATE to the incredible grip of the
PUMAGRIP outsole, these shoes are engineered for speed and performance. They’re
perfect for race day or those fast-paced long runs. Plus, the eye-catching design gets
extra style points.
If you’re looking to take your running to the next level and shave seconds off your PB,
the PUMA Deviate NITRO™ Elite 3 is worth every cent.
Would I run Joburg’s Toughest 21km in these again? Absolutely—just maybe without
the woolen COW onezee next time, alright we know that’s not going to happen.

Review by Richard Laskey

Comrades 2025 to Introduce Two Starts

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Comrades 2025 to Introduce Two Starts

The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) is excited to announce a change for the 2025 Comrades Marathon with the introduction of two race starts. This innovative approach aims to enhance the race experience for all participants in the world’s biggest, oldest and most famous ultramarathon; and ensure a smoother, safer, more efficient event.

For the first time in the history of The Ultimate Human Race, there will be a separate start for each of the two groups of athletes in this year’s race. However, they will both take place at the traditional Pietermaritzburg City Hall which is the start venue of the 49th Comrades Marathon Down Run.

To accommodate the two starts, the race will feature staggered start times, in keeping with the increasing field of participants, year on year. The first wave of runners will begin at 05h45, followed by the second wave 15 minutes later at 06h00. This staggered approach will help manage the flow of runners and reduce congestion on the course.

To ensure the ongoing great experience and world-class safety measures that have become synonymous with the Comrades Marathon, many experts have been consulted and lots of behind the scenes work has been undertaken which have led to this year’s two start decision.

Various race start options have also been explored at great length by the CMA’s Race Advisory Committee with the change expected to enhance safety and allow runners to maintain their pace more comfortably. The two starts are designed to improve the overall runner experience by providing more space and reducing bottlenecks at the beginning of the race.

CMA General Manager, Alain Dalais says, “This change reflects our commitment to continuously improving the safety measures and the overall race experience for our participants. We believe the two starts will provide a safer, more enjoyable and efficient race day for everyone involved.”

The CMA encourages all participants to familiarize themselves with the new starting procedures and to plan accordingly. Previous seeding will not be relevant and more specific communications around the process will be issued as soon as possible. Owing to ongoing roadworks, there is a delay in the finalisation of the Comrades route but this will be confirmed timeously in order for athletes to plan properly.

Detailed information will be provided on the official Comrades Marathon website and through various communication channels, including updates on seeding, qualifying and cut-offs.

The 98th Comrades Marathon takes place on Sunday, 8 June 2025. This is the 49th Down Run, starting at the Pietermaritzburg City Hall and finishing 12 hours later at Durban’s People’s Park.

Get Ready to Conquer Deadly Dozen – South Africa’s Ultimate Fitness Challenge!

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Get Ready to Conquer Deadly Dozen – South Africa’s Ultimate Fitness Challenge!

Are you ready to unleash your inner warrior? Step into the electrifying world of Deadly Dozen, where fitness meets fierce competition in an unforgettable showdown! This isn’t just a race; it’s a thrilling adventure that will push your limits, ignite your passion for fitness, and leave you breathless with excitement!

What is Deadly Dozen?
Imagine sprinting around an athletic track, feeling your heart race as you tackle 12 exhilarating challenges designed to test your strength, endurance, and agility. Deadly Dozen invites you to engage in a dynamic fitness festival that combines the raw power of an athlete with the strategic finesse of a soldier. This is your chance to break free from your routine and embrace an experience that’s as fun as it is challenging!

The Challenge Breakdown:
Overcome 12 thrilling rounds, each consisting of a 400m run followed by a unique strength station. Here’s a sneak peek at what awaits you:

  1. 400m Run + 240m Farmers Carry
  2. 400m Run + 60 x Deadlift
  3. 400m Run + 60 x Lunge
  4. 400m Run + 60 x Snatch
  5. 400m Run + 60m Burpee Broad Jump
  6. 400m Run + 60 x Goblet Squat
  7. 400m Run + 240m Front Carry
  8. 400m Run + 60 x Push Press
  9. 400m Run + 120m Bear Crawl
  10. 400m Run + 60 x Clean & Press
  11. 400m Run + 180m Overhead Carry
  12. 400m Run + 20 x Devils Press

Each journey and labour is designed to challenge not just your body, but also your spirit. With every step, you’ll feel the adrenaline pumping and the camaraderie growing as you team up with fellow fitness enthusiasts. Together, you will conquer the course, creating bonds that are as strong as the muscles you’ll build!

Why Join Deadly Dozen?
This is more than a physical challenge; it’s an opportunity to elevate your fitness game in a vibrant community. Whether you’re an athlete looking to amp up your training or a fitness lover seeking a fun way to push your boundaries, Deadly Dozen is your ticket to an unforgettable experience.

Prepare for a thrilling training journey leading up to the race, including high-intensity interval training, functional strength work, and agility drills. You’ll be in prime condition, ready to tackle every obstacle with confidence!

Join Us!
Are you ready to rise to the occasion? Deadly Dozen is waiting for you! Embrace the challenge, tap into your potential, and celebrate your achievements in a welcoming atmosphere where every participant is cheered on. This is your moment to shine, so don’t miss out!

 

Sign up now and get ready to transform your fitness journey into an epic adventure that you’ll never forget! The thrill of competition, the joy of community, and the satisfaction of conquering your limits await. Are you in? Let’s do this!

Cape Town Green Point Athletic track: https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1561854122

Johannesburg Ruimsig Roodepoort Athletic Track : https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1564754406