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Hyperice Named as The Official Recovery Technology Partner of Nedbank Gravel Burn

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on 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

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on 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

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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?

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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

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on 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

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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.

Punisher Slap Fight: SA’s Viral Combat Sport Shakes the Scene

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In the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of combat sports, a new and controversial discipline has emerged at the forefront: Punisher Slap Fight. With viral clips dominating social media platforms and captivating global audiences, this intense spectacle is sparking widespread discussion—not only for its visceral appeal but also for the ethical and safety concerns it raises.
 
Distinct from traditional combat sports that emphasize agility, strategy, and defensive skill, Punisher Slap Fight is a contest rooted in raw endurance and physical resilience. The format is starkly simple: two competitors take turns delivering open-handed slaps while standing motionless—no dodging, no blocking, and no retreat. Victory is achieved when one participant is no longer able to continue.
 
Once considered a fringe novelty, Punisher Slap Fight has rapidly transitioned into the mainstream, buoyed by skyrocketing viewership figures and increasing celebrity endorsement. Yet, as its popularity grows, so too does the debate about its place in the world of professional sport and entertainment.
 
What is Punisher Slap Fight?
 
Punisher Slap Fight (PSF) is a competitive slap fighting organization based in Brakpan, Gauteng, South Africa. Founded by Robert Krisch—known in the sport as “The Punisher”—the league has rapidly grown in popularity, earning recognition for its high-intensity matchups and strong community engagement.
 
PSF hosts professionally organized events featuring athletes from various weight divisions, including lightweight, light heavyweight, and heavyweight categories. With a focus on both entertainment and sportsmanship, the league showcases title bouts, semifinals, and other marquee matchups that highlight the skill, endurance, and discipline of its competitors.
 
Recent Event: PSF #12:
The latest edition of Punisher Slap Fight, PSF #12, took place on May 31, 2025, at Grasslands Driving Range, located at 65 Glengory Road, Vlakfontein, Benoni. The event featured an action-packed lineup of 13 bouts, showcasing the sport’s rising stars and seasoned competitors across multiple weight divisions.
 
A standout moment of the evening was the lightweight title clash, where former champion Mike “The Viking” van Tonder lost his title to Chris “Dynamite” Steenkamp in a hard-fought battle that signaled a new era in the division.
 
In the heavyweight semifinal, Terrence “Supra” Labuschagne faced off against Shaun Scheepers in a gripping showdown. Labuschagne emerged victorious and has secured his place in the heavyweight final, scheduled for August 2025, where he will face Robert “The Punisher” Krisch for the heavyweight title. Meanwhile, Shaun Scheepers will go up against Francois “Whiplash” Nel in a clash for second place in the heavyweight division.
 
Tickets for PSF #12 were available at the venue, with a strong crowd in attendance—further evidence of Punisher Slap Fight’s growing momentum in the combat sports scene.

PUMA Launches Exclusive Collection For Hyrox World Championships

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With the HYROX World Championships Chicago 2025 just days away, global sports company PUMA has unveiled its hotly-anticipated second collection of PUMA x HYROX co-branded apparel and footwear.

Built with HYROX athletes in mind, the collection features new footwear silhouettes and apparel designs, helping you train harder, race smarter, push past limits and go wild; whether you’re gearing up for your first HYROX event or chasing a new personal best.

Making its race debut at the HYROX World Championships Chicago, the collection will be worn by Elite 15 athletes including Men’s Pro World Record holder Hunter McIntyre, Women’s Open World Record holder Lucy Procter, and UK athlete Jake Dearden.

“The HYROX World Championships is the pinnacle of the HYROX calendar, and this year has added meaning, being in my home country. Turning up on race day feeling and looking my best is paramount to my performance, and I can’t wait to do that in the new PUMA x HYROX collection,” said Hunter McIntyre.

Featuring PUMA’s innovative CLOUDSPUN and LUXFIT technologies, the apparel range is designed to keep HYROX athletes of all levels comfortable and dry throughout their training block and race day. The CLOUDSPUN premium-brushed material provides racers with the softest training gear on the market, as the THERMOADAPT moisture-wicking technology cools you down when you are hot and deactivates once cooling is complete, optimising comfort and performance.

For the first time ever, selected items in women’s range will use SHAPELUXE fabric, made with LUXFIT and LYCRA® ADAPTIV technology to create a customised second skin fit that moves with you.

Key items in the women’s collection include the essential tight, the 3” tight short and a high-neck bra. The new men’s range features a tee, 2-in-1 train short and a hoodie.

There are also exciting updates for PUMA’s iconic footwear, with Deviate NITRO™ 3 and Deviate NITRO™ Elite 3 receiving a vibrant colour refresh guaranteed to standout on race day.

Deviate NITRO™ Elite 3 – the shoe of choice for PUMA’s elite HYROX athletes – is optimised to be lightweight and built for speed. The ultimate race day runner features PUMA’s innovative NITROFOAM™ ELITE for best-in-class responsiveness and energy return, while strategically placed PUMAGRIP ensures unrivalled traction through exercises, with a specially engineered PWRPLATE makes racing feel effortless.

Infused with PUMA’s unique NITROFOAM™ and a less aggressive PWRPLATE than its Elite counterpart, Deviate NITRO™ 3 is your reliable and responsive racer that features more of PUMA’s industry-leading PUMAGRIP, ensuring you stay on your feet from start to finish.

Erin Longin, Vice President Run/Train at PUMA, said: “The ultimate fitness race requires the ultimate apparel and footwear, and our latest PUMA x HYROX collection delivers. Every piece has been meticulously designed and curated for HYROX athletes, ensuring they excel in every rep, at every station, right to the finish line.”

“PUMA has been a key partner in HYROX’s growth,” said Moritz Fürste, co-founder of HYROX. “Our shared ambition is to shape the future of fitness racing – making it more accessible, exciting, and performance-driven for athletes at every level. Together, we’re pushing the boundaries in training gear innovation, ensuring that both elite competitors and everyday participants benefit from the same high standards in apparel and footwear.”

The Deviate NITRO™ 3 and Deviate NITRO™ Elite 3 from the new collection will drop exclusively at the HYROX World Championships Chicago from 11 June. The full collection will launch globally on 19 June, available to purchase at HYROX events, on HYROX World, on PUMA.com, in PUMA flagship stores and in selected retailers.

For more information visit www.puma.com and follow @PUMATraining, or visit www.hyrox.com and follow @hyroxworld

Bedfordview Athletics Cancels Boroughs of Bedfordview Race

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Bedfordview, Gauteng – Bedfordview Athletics regrets to announce the cancellation of the Boroughs of Bedfordview race, scheduled for 21 September 2025.

This community event was launched in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to reunite and re-energize runners through a traditional road race format. It was a celebration of resilience and community spirit during a time when the running world had been turned upside down.

With the road running calendar now fully restored and participation levels returning to pre-Covid norms, Bedfordview Athletics has made the strategic decision to streamline its efforts and resources. The club will now focus its energy on delivering an exceptional experience through its flagship event—the Biogen 21km Run, held annually in January.

“We’re incredibly proud of what the Boroughs of Bedfordview race represented and the role it played in helping bring our running community back together,” said Grant Panter, club chairman of Bedfordview Athletics. “Our priority is to ensure we continue to grow and improve the Biogen 21km, which remains a highlight on the national running calendar.”

Bedfordview Athletics extends its sincere thanks to all the athletes, volunteers, sponsors, and community members who supported the Boroughs of Bedfordview over the past few years. The club looks forward to welcoming runners from across the country to the Biogen 21km in January 2026.

For further information on the Biogen 21km, please visit
https://www.biogen21.co.za