Author: Tanika Laskey

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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

The Spirit of Rowing Thrives at the 2025 SA Schools Rowing Championships

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on The Spirit of Rowing Thrives at the 2025 SA Schools Rowing Championships

This past weekend, the SA Schools Rowing Championships, proudly partnered with Rand Merchant Bank (RMB), brought together young athletes, dedicated coaches, and passionate supporters from across South Africa for an unforgettable showcase of school rowing. Held from Friday to Sunday at Roodeplaat Dam, the event saw top schools from every province competing at the highest level.

With thrilling races in every category, the championship was a testament to the skill, resilience, and spirit of South African rowing. From the first heat to the final sprint, athletes gave it their all, proving once again the strength of school rowing in the country. Whether they reached the podium or not, every rower contributed to an incredible weekend of competition and camaraderie.

Among the standout performances, St Andrew’s Girls School dominated in the women’s first and second quadruple sculls, securing gold in both events. In the men’s second eight division, St Stithians Boys College took top honours, while the highly anticipated final race of the weekend—the men’s first eight—ended with a well-earned victory for St Benedict’s College.

Rowing South Africa extends its heartfelt appreciation to everyone who made the event possible, from the rowers and coaches to the families and supporters who brought energy and encouragement to the banks of the dam. A special thank you goes to RMB for its ongoing commitment to youth development and the sport of rowing, helping to shape the next generation of South African athletes.

“RMB has been a proud partner to Rowing South Africa for almost 10 years—supporting the sport from grassroots and school levels all the way to universities and the pinnacle of the RMB National Squad. This year’s SA Schools Championships was another incredible showcase of the talent, dedication, and community that make this sport so powerful. It’s exciting to think that among this weekend’s competitors were future Olympians,” said Michael Edwards, Sponsorships Marketing Lead at RMB.

Reflecting on the event, Rowing South Africa President Ben Burnand added, “What a weekend! We witnessed incredible racing and a fantastic sense of community. From Cape Point to Gaborone, families and friends came together to support an event run to world-class standards by our dedicated officials. It was an honour to have Gauteng Executive Member Ms. Sheila Peters and Michael Edwards from RMB with us—not only to hand out trophies but to truly experience the event alongside us. A standout moment for me was seeing the Germiston and St. Alban’s first doubles crews arm in arm, flexing their biceps for a photo—as you do at that age—perfectly capturing how sport brings people together.”

The RMB SA Schools Rowing Championships not only celebrated the country’s top young rowing talent but also reinforced the values of sportsmanship, teamwork, and passion for the sport. With another successful championship in the books, the rowing community looks ahead with excitement to the continued growth of South African school rowing.

For more information, visit https://rowsa.co.za/.

HYROX Johannesburg marks a ground-breaking achievement

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on HYROX Johannesburg marks a ground-breaking achievement

HYROX, the globally renowned fitness race, made a powerful impact in Johannesburg, delivering a high-energy, record-breaking event that drew athletes and spectators from across South Africa and beyond. Held at the Johannesburg Expo Centre on 1 March 2025, this was the second HYROX event in South Africa, following the highly successful debut in Cape Town last September. The event marks an exciting expansion for the sport in the region, further energizing South Africa’s growing fitness community.

HYROX Johannesburg saw an incredible 4,300 athletes take on the challenge—almost three times the number of participants from Cape Town’s event last year. Competitors ranged from elite athletes to fitness enthusiasts and first-timers, making it a sold-out event for both participants and spectators. The competition featured HYROX’s signature mix of functional fitness challenges, including running, rowing, and endurance-based strength exercises, pushing athletes to their limits.

Adding to the excitement, Johannesburg’s altitude made this the second-highest HYROX event globally, introducing an extra level of challenge for competitors. The energy in the venue was electric, amplified by the support of over 7,000 spectators who came to cheer on the athletes. The overwhelming turnout highlighted just how quickly HYROX is growing in South Africa and the vital role fans play in creating an unforgettable race-day atmosphere.

Building the Future of Fitness

Ahead of the main event, HYROX South Africa hosted its first-ever Brand Innovation Summit on 27 February 2025. The summit brought together media, athletes, influencers, and industry leaders to explore the future of fitness and sports marketing. It provided a valuable platform for collaboration and networking, reinforcing HYROX’s position as a leader in the fitness racing industry.

The excitement extended to social media, with engagement levels soaring. The official @HYROXSA Instagram account saw profile visits surge by over 230% in the month leading up to the event. Roughly 4,000 of the participants were South African residents, with the rest traveling from across the continent, including Botswana, Namibia, Ghana, and Kenya. The event saw a nearly even gender split, with women making up 54% of competitors and achieving a higher completion rate than men. HYROX Doubles and Relays proved especially popular, accounting for 75% of all entries, showing just how much athletes enjoy taking on the challenge with friends and family.

Standout Performances

Some of South Africa’s top fitness talents delivered standout performances. Kyle Schoonbee (RSA) took the Men’s Pro division title with a winning time of 1 hour, 4 minutes, and 9 seconds, while Danél Louw (RSA) dominated the Women’s Pro division, finishing in 1 hour, 8 minutes, and 34 seconds. In the Mixed Doubles division, HYROX South Africa ambassador Vicky MacIntosh and her racing partner Wesley Henning took first place with a time of 1 hour and 50 seconds.

A Milestone for South African Fitness

HYROX Johannesburg not only showcased the city’s potential as a premier fitness event host but also reinforced its role in growing the local sports industry. While the event didn’t draw large numbers of international athletes, it proved that Johannesburg has what it takes to support and expand the HYROX community.

Sponsors played a key role in enhancing the event experience, with interactive booths and product showcases from brands such as Red Bull, PUMA, Concept2, CENTR, Myprotein, Dis-Chem, Southern Sun, F45, Hyperice, The Skinny Food Co., BC Chiropractic, and MINI.

Simon Goldsbrough, HYROX Race Director, expressed his appreciation for the event’s success:

“We are incredibly grateful to our partners, athletes, and spectators who made HYROX Johannesburg an unforgettable experience. Their energy and commitment continue to drive the growth of fitness racing in South Africa. Johannesburg has proven itself as a dynamic host city, and we’re excited to build on this momentum, bringing even more high-energy events to the region in the future.”

Following the overwhelming success of HYROX Johannesburg, plans are already in motion for more South African events in 2025.

For more information, visit the HYROX website or contact:
Corlia Meyer
E: [email protected]

 Credit to HYROX South Africa

Win 1 of 5 Hyundai Exter SUVs in the 2025 SPAR Grand Prix!

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Win 1 of 5 Hyundai Exter SUVs in the 2025 SPAR Grand Prix!

Christmas, New Year and Valentine’s Day have come and gone, and the thoughts of many are turning to the road – not driving, but road running.

The 2025 SPAR Grand Prix series get underway on Sunday, March 30, when thousands of women will take to the streets of Cape Town for the SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge and 5km Fun Run.

The Cape Town race is the first of the five races making up the SPAR Grand Prix series, in which Africa’s elite and experienced runners compete for valuable points.   The winner of the SPAR Grand Prix will take home R200 000. The runner-up will receive R100 000, and the third placed athlete will win R75 000.  This, of course, is additional to the substantial prize money for each individual race. 

The South African woman with the most SPAR Grand Prix points will receive an additional R100 000,  the second placed South African R70 000 and the third placed South African R50 000.  Junior runners will once again be eligible for an overall prize, with the results of three races counting.  The top junior will win overall prize money of R10 000.

As part of an exciting development for this year’s SPAR GRAND Prix series, the SPAR Group is pleased to announce Hyundai Automotive South Africa as the new national vehicle sponsor of the series.  

“Women empowerment is an integral part of Hyundai Automotive South Africa’s business philosophy and has been central to our growth and success.  From across our country-wide dealerships right up to the organisation’s leadership, our female employees continue to lead and guide, in turn, contributing towards the broader social progress – through the Hyundai brand experience,” states Gideon Jansen van Rensburg, CEO of Hyundai Automotive South Africa.

As part of enhancing its customer-centric experience, Hyundai strategically partners with like-minded organisations that share its business principles, which are anchored amongst others, on gender equality and empowerment. 

“It is therefore our firm view that running and driving a Hyundai vehicle, are intertwined.  The SPAR Grand Prix series is therefore a natural match as it affords us an opportunity to attract potential customers through sport.  The series remains one of the important events in the South African sporting calendar and we look forward to a long-term and mutually beneficial association,” added Jansen van Rensburg.

As well as the substantial prize money on offer, Hyundai is giving away five Hyundai Exter vehicles, each valued at R269 900 at five of the eight SPAR Women’s Challenge’s taking place this year.  The winner of the Hyundai vehicle must be over 18 and hold a valid driver’s license.

In 2024, Glenrose Xaba became the first South African to win the award since it was opened to international runners in 2019. Xaba, who won the title in 2018, when it was limited to domestic runners, is hoping to become the fourth person, after Rene Kalmer, Irvette van Zyl and Ethiopian Tadu Nare, to win the prestigious title three times.

“Winning the SPAR Grand Prix has been a dream and a goal that I’ve had for many years,” said Xaba.

“And to have won it twice is a career highlight for sure. To be referred to as a defending champion is surreal. “For South African women, this opens the path again for us to fight to keep winning this series because we are more than capable of doing so. “I thank SPAR for taking care of women athletes through this series not only financially but also because being able to compete in a women’s only race is terrific for us women,” she said.

“This year, I aim to remain injury free and have a healthy season. I look forward to running the SPAR Grand Prix series again and fighting for that top spot.”

The athletes’ top four performances count towards the SPAR Grand Prix, which means it is possible for runners to miss one   of the races because of injury or international commitments and still be eligible to win top honours.

SPAR National PR, Communications and Sponsorship Manager, Mpudi Maubane, said the group was thrilled to be launching the 2025 SPAR Grand Prix series and looking forward to a year filled with fun activities and growth of our athletes. The SPAR Women’s Challenges are more than just road races, they are a powerful symbol of female empowerment, health promotion and the fight against inequalities. By participating, women are not just investing in their wellbeing but also contributing to a brighter future for all women in South Africa.

“Furthermore, each race is linked to SPAR’s ongoing commitment to ending Gender Based Violence as well as SPAR’s campaign to End Period Poverty by 2030, raising awareness and providing crucial support to organisations working to combat these prevalent issues. This multifaceted approach ensures that the SPAR Women’s Challenges not only promote physical wellbeing but also contribute to a safer and more equitable society for women in South Africa” said Maubane. Therefore, we encourage you to lace up your shoes, join the movement and be part of the SPAR Women’s challenges.

For those unable to attend the races, SPAR is ensuring that everyone can be part of the excitement.  Each of the five SPAR races will be livestreamed on the SPAR Grand Prix Facebook page and the Modern Athlete Facebook page, allowing viewers to cheer on the participants and experience the energy of the event from anywhere in the world.

Maubane further thanked Athletics South Africa and Modern Athlete for their continuous support over the years, “we are equally grateful to Hyundai for joining forces this year as the new and official vehicle sponsor of this amazing challenge. With Coke and Powerade coming back for the second year running, we can only hope to grow bigger and better from here onwards’’.

Good news for Discovery Health members is that should they enter and complete the fun run or race; they will earn Vitality points.

Entries for the five SPAR Women’s Challenges are open at www.spar.run .

The other races are in Durban on June 22, Tshwane on August 2, Gqeberha on September 27, and Johannesburg on October 5.

Mr O – Ramadan Night Runs

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Mr O – Ramadan Night Runs

Night runs start at 9.45pm
Afternoon runs start after ASR prayers

Sunday afternoon 2 March: 8km . From Sports Science Centre, Newlands

Monday 3 March: 8km + 12km . From Access Park Food Truck Village [ special menu to follow for post run treats ]

Wednesday 5 March: 8km + 12km . From Vida Imam Haron [ post run specials menu to follow for runners ]

Friday 7 March: 8km + 16km + 24km . From Primi Constantia Village [ menu to follow ]

Saturday 8 March: 10km + 15km + 20km . From On Point Market Sea Point [ food truck village ]

Sunday afternoon 9 March: 8km . From Sports Science Centre, Newlands

Monday 10 March: 8km + 12km . Grande Cafe [ special menu to follow for post run treats ]

Wednesday 12 March: 8km and 12km . From Vida Imam Haron [ post run specials menu to follow for runners ]

Friday 14 March: 8km + 16km + 24km . From Sports Science Centre, Newlands [ Coffee and food vendor on site ]

Saturday 15 March: 10km + 15km + 20km . From On Point Market Sea Point [ food truck village ]

Sunday afternoon 16 March: 8km . From Sports Science Centre, Newlands ]

Wednesday 19 March: 8km + 12km . From Vida Imam Haron [ post run specials menu to follow for runners ]

Friday 21 March: 8km + 16km + 24km . From Primi Constantia Village [ menu to follow ]

Saturday 22 March: 10km + 15km + 20km . From On Point Market Sea Point [ food truck village ]

Sunday afternoon 23 March: 8km . From Sports Science Centre, Newlands

Monday 24 March: 8km + 12km . Grande Cafe [ special menu to follow for post run treats ]

Wednesday 26 March: 8km + 12km . From Vida Imam Haron [ post run specials menu to follow for runners ]

Friday 28 March: 8km + 16km + 24km . From Sports Science Centre, Newlands [ Coffee and food vendor on site ]

Saturday 29 March: 10km + 15km + 20km . From On Point Market Sea Point [ food truck village ]

Sunday afternoon 30 March: 8km . From Sports Science Centre, Newlands

Head over to his Instagram, @ashraforrie, for updates on Training Run days