In mid-April 2022, ultra-trail runners Ryan Sandes and Ryno Griesel set out on one of their most ambitious expeditions yet, a full circumnavigation of the mountain kingdom of Lesotho. We caught up with them after their successful finish, having run 1100 kilometres with over 33,000 metres of ascent in 16 Days, 6 Hours and 56 Minutes. – Moeketsi Mokoteli & The Red Bull Editors with Sean Falconer
Now that I am finally back to enjoying one of my favourite hobbies, travelling the country to try run every marathon or ultra in South Africa, I recently found myself in Potchefstroom for the LetsGo Potch Marathon, and besides enjoying a good run with various running friends, I also delved deep down into the darker side of my sense of humour. – By Stuart Mann
I have recently been called the ‘Mountain Shark,’ partly because I am a marine (shark) biologist who trail runs, but also thanks to my strategy of starting towards the back of races and sneaking up to overtake other runners the further we run. That strategy paid off in the recent RMB Ultra-Trail Cape Town 100km, where I also learnt a few things about myself along the way! – By Leigh De Necker
I recently had the opportunity to race the Sportsmans Warehouse Winelands Half Marathon, and once again, I found myself blown away by the scenic route through the wine estates around Stellenbosch. – By Grant Johnson with Sean Falconer
Those who were fortunate to be part of the inaugural Robben Island Museum Memorial Run 10km not only helped to both commemorate and make history, but also came back with a unique running experience that many are still talking about, weeks after the race. No wonder many are already asking about 2024 entries! – By Sean Falconer
When I blew out the 20 candles for my birthday at the start of 2023, I didn’t know what lay ahead of me in the year I had signed up for on the road, but I knew I would be finding out a lot about myself, including how my legs would handle going further than they’d ever run before. I also knew I may have to convince a few doubters along the way that I can do it. – By Ela Meiring
The 28th edition of the ever-popular African Bank Soweto Marathon took to the streets of SA’s most famous township on Sunday 5 November, with over 21,000 runners once again warmly welcomed and supported by the community of Soweto, and there was a welcome local flavour on the top step of the podium. – By Sean Falconer with Soweto Marathon Trust
After a long lay-off from one of my favourite hobbies, travelling the country (and world) to run marathons, I finally made my long-awaited return to action at the Shikhumba Marathon in Limpopo Province, and found a solitary out-and-back route that gave me plenty of time to think about mosquitoes, flies, donkeys, music, beer and more. My kind of marathon! – By Stuart Mann
Go, Shortie!
Thanks to a changing approach to road running around the world, there is a growth taking place at the moment in shorter races, notably street miles and official 5km races. We decided to look at a few of these races, some now well established, some brand new, and how they are bringing an exciting new challenge, and a change in perceptions, to the South African race calendar. – By Sean Falconer
After missing half the year due to injury and struggling with motivation, Irvette van Zyl hit the ground running in the latter half of 2023, seemingly going from strength to strength as she found her racing form again, culminating in a number of high profile 10km wins and then her fourth win at the African Bank Soweto Marathon. Unsurprisingly, she now has her sights set on doing even better in 2024, including some unfinished business with a few big races. – By Manfred Seidler