Category: Columns

As South Africa gears up for the 90th Comrades Marathon on Sunday, 31 May 2015, the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) has issued a very strong warning to so-called ‘ambush marketers’. The CMA has noticed the disturbing trend of ambush marketing tactics being used at the Comrades Marathon over the past few years. This marketing strategy has once again come to the fore as businesses gear up for the ‘Up-Run’.

This opportunistic marketing ploy is used by businesses and individuals to market and promote their branded products and services in the run-up to an event, during the event and even thereafter. These businesses and individuals have no legal link to the event, in this case the Comrades Marathon; but illegally exploit the event as a marketing platform for their products and services.

The Advertising Standards Authority of South Africa (ASA) provides a very comprehensive definition of ambush marketing: ‘It is the attempt by an organization, product or brand to create the impression of being an official sponsor of an event or activity by affiliating itself with that event or activity without having paid the sponsorship rights fee or being party to a sponsorship contract.’

Integral to the ambush marketing tactics is the unauthorized use of Comrades Marathon registered trademarks such as the brand itself as well as terms “Comrades Marathon”, “Amabeadibeadi”, “The Ultimate Human Race” and the “Figure of Hermes”, the official registered logo of the Comrades Marathon. These trademarks have been registered with the Registrar of Trademarks in Pretoria and have also been registered in terms of the Heraldry Act No. 18/1962.

CMA General Manager, Chris Fisher says, ‘The CMA is totally against ambush marketing. Our sponsors and partners make huge investments in our race and brand not only in terms of money, but in terms of manpower and products and we will “not allow” non-sponsoring companies to use the race or brand as a platform to market their products or services. If you are not a registered sponsor of the event it is illegal to try to create the impression that you are or that you are somehow associated with the Comrades Marathon. A full list of official sponsors and partners is available on the Comrades website. We will be obliged to use the full force of the law to act against transgressors.’

All businesses and individuals seeking to use these registered trademarks for advertising and marketing purposes need to obtain written permission for this from the CMA.

On Comrades Race Day, the route will be monitored by the SAPS and a team of specially trained ‘route monitors/ brand sheriffs’ to identify unauthorized marketing activities. Such officials will confiscate illegal products and the guilty parties will be removed from the route. The CMA as well as its sponsors and partners reserve their right to institute legal proceedings where it is deemed to be necessary.

Nedbank, a major sponsor of the Comrades Marathon since 2002, will be bringing fun and flair to the 90th Comrades Marathon on Sunday, 31 May 2015. The prominent financial institution will host the official spectator spot along the route in a grand, enormously entertaining, eco-friendly Green Mile with an electrifying parade of colourful characters, carnival-style floats and more.

Spectators can prepare for a Camperdown make-over as the iconic, award-winning #NedbankGreenMile transforms the grey and dusty streets into a road running celebration on Comrades race day.

Aptly themed ‘Comrades Carnival’ in celebration of the 90th Comrades Marathon, the 2015 #NedbankGreenMile is the place to be at along the up-run’s 87km route.

Nedbank Group Sponsorship Manager, Patrick Baransky says, ‘From humble beginnings as a water spot 34 years ago, the #NedbankGreenMile has evolved into an unforgettable, award-winning, inspirational, family-friendly zone where everyone can be part of the Comrades experience.’

Kids and the young at heart will delight in an action-packed Kids Fun Zone where entertainment includes face painting, balloon artists and jumping castles, plus much more. Runner’s supporters will also be able to keep up with the race action from the large grandstand which will be home to a large screen TV airing live footage and race commentary throughout the day.

A troupe of acrobats, jugglers, stilt walkers, giant puppets, Cancan and Salsa dancers will be parading through the mile-long spectator zone throughout the day, dazzling all in their wake, while local marimba, steel drum and marching bands set the carnival beat. There will also be DJs, flamboyant floats, a ‘kissing’ booth, shoot the hoop recycle bins and a secure kids zone with a jumping castle, face painting, arts and crafts and puppets; plus many more surprises.

Baransky adds, ‘In Nedbank’s commitment to supporting the local community, all proceeds from food and beverage sales along the #NedbankGreenMile will go to local schools, charities and churches. There will also be an interactive recycling programme in place throughout the spectator zone.’

So ignite your imagination, dress the part and come be part of the Comrades Carnival at this year’s #NedbankGreenMile, which will be open from 08h00 – 14h30 on race day, with free entry. An easy access car park next to the N3 race route with parking directional signage will be provided.

#NedbankGreenMile event details:

Date: 31 May 2015
Time: 8h00 to 14h30
Entry cost: Free
GPS co-ordinates: S 29º 43’ 38.28”, E 30º 32’ 25.44

To run shod or to run bare, that is the question to ask your feet, and new research is pointing to the fact that barefoot running might not be the solution that some people claim it to be.

Throughout human history, people have run barefoot, but it was in recent years that barefoot or minimalist running really became popular, as coaches and therapists saw that running without traditionally built-up cushioned shoes seemed to have a positive effect on injury-proofing and making their runners more efficient. That sparked a massive change in shoe construction as minimalist shoes flooded the market, but scientific research has yet to reach consensus regarding the risks or benefits of barefoot running.

Advocates of the bare feet argue that traditional shoes promote an unnatural, hard heel-strike, whereas running barefoot promotes a healthier, more efficient midfoot or forefoot strike pattern, thus reducing the risk of repetitive stress injuries, and that is why Nicholas Tam, a doctoral student at the Exercise Science & Sport Medicine faculty of the University of Cape Town, undertook a study of barefoot running last year for his PhD.

Volunteers Needed
“We recruited 30 traditionally shod runners, running in normal cushioned running shoes, who consented to progressively increase their barefoot running over an eight-week period, starting with walk-running, and aiming to be able to run 40 minutes barefoot by the end of the study,” says Nic. “We started them on the indoor track at the Sport Science Institute, then moved to a hard-packed grass track, and from there on to tar. We tested their biomechanics, kinematics and kinetics, including joint angles, footstrike patterns, stride lengths, loading rates and more, and we also did electro-myography and muscle strength testing, first in normal running shoes, and then in barefoot conditions, looking at their before and after running economy.”

Nic says that all of the test subjects could run 40 minutes barefoot on tar by the end of the study, but his research kicked up some interesting findings. “All the pro-barefoot research was touting initial loading rate, the force as the foot touches the ground, which is increased by the heel-strike pattern promoted by traditional running shoes, so we wanted to see if the athletes could reduce their loading rate without us instructing them, but we found that when athletes who run in shoes takes off their shoes, they tend to still heel-strike, not just automatically become midfoot strikers.”

Interesting Findings
“Approximately half of the group remained largely heel-strikers, despite a slight change in footstrike pattern, and thus their loading rate remained high. Another quarter showed a favourable response, landing on the forefoot or midfoot, and thus reduced their loading rate, but the remaining quarter actually landed on their heels even harder, with higher loading rates! What we found is that the 25% who responded positively used a different muscle recruitment strategy, with more work done by the quads and glute stabilisers, and less by the hamstrings. We also found that when running barefoot, the athletes tended to flex their ankles more, so the ankle became more of a shock-absorber than the knee, which had done most of the shock-absorbing when they ran in shoes.”

The most telling finding of the study, however, was that those runners who went back to running in shoes showed no marked change in running efficiency, while those who continued running barefoot could see an improvement in efficiency only so long as they continued barefoot. This begs the question whether running barefoot some of the time, or in minimalist shoes, to supplement your training in normal shoes will actually be of any benefit. According to this study, it won’t.

The official 2015 Comrades Marathon Substitution Process opens tomorrow (1 April 2015). This means that runners who were unable to enter the 2015 Comrades Marathon during the official entry period (1 September – 30 November 2014) now have an opportunity to still be part of the world’s most famous ultra-marathon on Sunday, 31 May 2015 through the Substitution process.

The process runs for the first three weeks of April (1 – 21 April 2015) and allows for a runner who has not entered to substitute an entrant who has withdrawn, or intends to withdraw from the 2015 edition of The Ultimate Human Race.

Substitutions can only take effect on a like for like basis, meaning SA runners can only substitute for SA entrants, Rest of Africa (ROA) for other ROA runners and International runners for International entrants.

The completed application forms as specified in the Substitution Rule must reach the CMA office by 21 April 2015. There will be no extension of this deadline and no postal applications will be accepted.

Athletes still intending to submit Substitution application forms are advised to visit the official Comrades Marathon website at www.comrades.com for the downloadable forms and the comprehensive list of rules and regulations which govern the Substitution process. Prospective substitutes are encouraged to do their application online.

Race Director Rowyn James says, ‘The Substitution Rule has been part of the Comrades Marathon entry rules for the past three years and very well received by our runners. With the special 90th running of the Comrades Marathon this year, we look forward to seeing many more athletes taking to the start line on Sunday, 31 May 2015.’

Comrades Marathon runners who were unable to enter the 2015 Comrades Marathon during the official entry period (1 September – 30 November 2014) now have an opportunity to still be part of the world’s biggest and oldest ultra-marathon through the official 2015 Substitution process during the first three weeks of April.

The Comrades Marathon Association’s (CMA) Substitution Rule allows for a runner who has not entered to substitute an entrant who has withdrawn, or intends to withdraw from the 2015 edition of The Ultimate Human Race.

Substitutions can only take effect on a like for like basis, meaning SA runners can only substitute for SA entrants, Rest of Africa (ROA) for other ROA runners and International runners for International entrants. The Substitution process officially opens on 1 April and closes on 21 April 2015.

The completed application forms as specified in the Substitution Rule must reach the CMA office by 21 April 2015. There will be no extension of this deadline and no postal applications will be accepted.

Athletes still intending to submit Substitution application forms are advised to visit the official Comrades Marathon website at www.comrades.com for the downloadable forms and the comprehensive list of rules and regulations which govern the Substitution process. Prospective substitutes are encouraged to do their application online.

Race Director Rowyn James says, ‘The Substitution Rule has been very well received by our runners over the past three years thereby ensuring that as many athletes as possible have the opportunity to participate in the Comrades Marathon.’

The Comrades Marathon Association has appointed a new General Manager.

Chris Fisher officially takes over as the CMA's General Manager as of the 1st of April 2015. With a background in sponsorship, marketing and communications, Fisher has a long history in the sporting world, particularly in road-cycling.

He is known for the major role he played in the global rebranding of Barloworld. This he achieved with the Team Barloworld branding initiative which culminated in unbelievable success at the world's most watched annual sporting event, the Tour de France.

On his appointment, Fisher says, “I am delighted to be joining the Comrades Marathon Team. This is an iconic brand and I intend to not only retain the ethos and traditions that are synonymous with the event but to steer the brand on a global trajectory to give effect to more eyes on the sport.”

Fisher adds, “To do this, I intend to focus not only on the race but also on the spirit that accompanies the race. I am grateful for the confidence shown in me by the Comrades Marathon Board.”

CMA Chairman Macdonald Chitja says, “We would like to welcome Chris Fisher as the new General Manager at the Comrades Marathon Association. Chris brings with him a wealth of experience. His role will be to reposition the brand in the hearts and minds of our target markets and to improve all stakeholder engagement. The Board looks forward to working with him.”

She has become as famous for her racy gear as her results, and she is now even known as Chantel ‘Hotpants’ Nienaber, but she’s no exhibitionist, she’s a genuinely talented athlete who is making the most of her talents and marketability to overcome very challenging circumstances. 

The South African team for the upcoming 87km IAU World Ultra Trail Championships in Annecy, France on 30 May was recently announced, and going to her second World Champs will be Chantel Nienaber, the Stellenbosch-based trail running and obstacle racing elite. She actually skipped the recent SA Champs trail race in Mpumalanga and qualified for the team based on her second place in the Cape Town Ultra 100km event late last year, one of the other qualifying races, and there is an interesting and inspirational story behind that choice.

You see, Chantel is the breadwinner for her family, due to her husband Markus suffering from a brain condition that has robbed him of some motor skills, including balance, walking, speech and writing. He can still drive, he coaches Chantel and travels with her to most of her races, but her earnings as a personal trainer and elite-level athlete keep the household going and pay for son Lukas’ schooling, which means that Chantel has to perform a real balancing act when it comes to racing.

Tough Choice

That’s why Chantel chose to rather do the Jeep Warrior obstacle race in Johannesburg the same weekend as the SA Trail Champs, and take a chance that her Cape Town Ultra result would be enough to get her into the team. The gamble paid off, too, as she finished third at Warrior and still made the team. “I decided not to run the Champs on Saturday and then do Warrior on the Sunday, because it comes down to Rands and Cents for me. There was R10,000 on the line for the Warrior win, plus points towards qualifying for the national series final and the R100,000 prize purse on offer there, so I made the hard decision,” says Chantel.

Having only taken up obstacle racing in 2013, Chantel has done very well for herself, finishing on the podium in most events, including winning both the Impi and Warrior events in Stellenbosch last October. “I have really worked hard on my upper body strength and my grip, but I normally only do races within driving distance of home, so flying to Joburg for Warrior was quite a departure for me, but just finishing third would pay for my flights, so it was worth it. Also, every time I don’t enter an obstacle race, my opponents get the upper hand on me, because you simply cannot train fully for these events at home. I’ve even gone to a skateboard park to train running up ramps, but you actually need to get out on the course and get to grips with the mud and obstacles. You cannot just pitch up at an obstacle race and expect to win it if you haven’t trained for those conditions and obstacles.”

Elite Athlete

Chantel came to the fore in trail running when she won the Outeniqua Traverse a few times, broke the course record in the Wild Coast Wild Run, and finished second in 2013 with team partner Kerry Sillifant and first in 2014 with Katya Soggot at the ProNutro AfricanX three-day stage event. She will be defending that title with Katya in April, as part of her build-up to Annecy. “I have to be selective about races I enter, but I am fortunate to get some free entries thanks to sponsors, like ProNutro for the AfricanX. However, I think this also helps me race better, because I am perhaps more driven to chase good results. For example, in January I was doing a race with a R1000 first prize, and I was thinking that my son needed things for school, so I was literally running for stationery money!”

As for the hotpants, Chantel says that has simply become her trademark, her way to stand out from the crowds. “I don’t run around in hotpants all day, that’s just my sporting persona. I have been asked if I am an exhibitionist, and I try to explain where I’m coming from, but not everybody gets it. On the other hand, I have been told by many people that I inspire them, both with my results and with the shape I’m in at 41 years of age, and inspiring others is far more important to me than a few people not approving of my outfit!”

The Cape Town leg of the annual Comrades Marathon roadshow takes place this week. These informative sessions are geared at preparing runners for the 90^th Comrades Marathon on Sunday, 31 May 2015.

A total of 22,628 runners have entered the 90^th edition of The Ultimate Human Race; with 1578 entrants from Cape Town and 2396 entrants from the entire Western Cape Province.

The roadshow programme has grown in popularity over the years and has been hosted at various running clubs nationwide. CMA Marketing Coordinator, Thami Vilakazi says, “Through the Comrades Marathon roadshow, the CMA motivates runners to be a part of The Ultimate Human Race.”

Vilakazi adds, “The CMA understands that the Comrades Marathon is a tough race and many runners require more information on training methods and other know-how to prepare themselves for Race Day. The roadshow is therefore a great help to many.”

The Comrades Marathon Coach as well as other experts in the field of running and motivation will be sharing truly valuable information with the runners at these sessions.

The CMA’s technical footwear and apparel partner, New Balance will also have a lucky draw with amazing hampers up for grabs. Entry is free. You can attend one at either of these venues:

Wednesday, 4 March @ 7pm
Host: K-way VOB
Address: Constantia Bowls Club, Main Road, Constantia, Cape Town

Thursday, 5 March @ 7pm
Host: Strand Athletic Club
Address: Helderberg Rugby Club, Charles Morkel Stadium, Church Street,  Somerset West

For more information, please email: [email protected]

Durban is where it’s at! Female participants in this year’s Comrades Marathon are being specially catered for. The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) will host the Old Mutual-Comrades Women Seminar in Durban this weekend.

Comrades Coach, Lindsey Parry and other professionals, including a sports psychologist, medical doctor and a nutritionist will inform and entertain the ladies at an exciting morning session with ultra-running hints and tips.

The sessions are aimed at providing technical as well as professional support to the female participants in this year’s Ultimate Human Race and those aiming to run the ultra-marathon in the near future. It’s fun, interactive and packed with expert advice, tailor-made for the female ultra-runner.
CMA Marketing Coordinator, Thami Vilakazi says, “Our aim is for all ladies taking part in this year’s Comrades Marathon to be adequately prepared for it. At these women-specific seminars, they are empowered with the technical and professional support that they require to train well and run a good race.”

A delicious breakfast is part of the deal as well as amazing lucky draw prizes from the CMA’s technical footwear and apparel partner, New Balance. One lucky runner will also stand the chance of winning a New Balance Top to Toe hamper worth R5000 when the main draw is done in June.
Cost: R75 per person (breakfast included).

Bookings are on a first come first served basis and are going fast! Seats are limited to 100 people per venue and bookings are essential!

Bookings can be done online at: https://secure.onreg.com/onreg2/front/step1.php?id=2593

21 February, 10am
Where: Southern Sun Elangeni Hotel, Durban (Suites 3 – 5)

7 March, 10am
Where: Southern Sun Emnotweni Hotel, Nelspruit

N.B: The final Women’s Seminar will be hosted in Nelspruit on Saturday, 7 March 2015. To book, please follow the link above.
 

The Eastern Province and Western Cape will host the Comrades Marathon Association’s (CMA) annual roadshow this week. Runners will be able to attend the innovative road-running workshops in Port Elizabeth on Wednesday (18.02.2015) and Mossel Bay on Thursday (19.02.2015).

The roadshow has been hosted at various running clubs across the country since January, to help runners prepare for the 90th Comrades Marathon on Sunday, 31 May 2015.

With Comrades participants in mind, the workshops have been specifically designed to educate ultra-distance runners on the do’s and don’ts of ultra-running; including training, nutrition and injury prevention.

The Comrades Marathon Coach as well as other experts will be sharing their Comrades know-how at these workshops. Entry is free. You can attend one at any of the following venues this week.

2015 COMRADES MARATHON ROADSHOW PROGRAMME

Wednesday, 18 February @ 7pm

Charlo Athletic Club, Italian Sporting Club, 17 Harold Road, Charlo, Port Elizabeth

Thursday, 19 February @ 7pm

Hartenbos Drawwers, Hartenbos Library Hall, Witwatersrand Street, Hartenbos, Mossel Bay

For more information, please email: [email protected]