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Puma launches its most explosive and innovative race-day shoe

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Puma launches its most explosive and innovative race-day shoe

Make your fast, faster than ever with Puma Fast-R 2 Nitro™ Elite Fueled by Nitro™, Fast-R 2 is Puma’s most innovative race-day shoe ever! Limited edition Fast-R 2 Ekiden Rush celebrating 100 years of Japan’s most iconic road running race drops on 8 December 2023! Fast-R 2 Psychedelic Rush to launch globally 22 February 2024!

The high-speed takeover has arrived with the all new Fast-R 2 Nitro™ Elite – Puma’s most explosive and innovative race-day running shoe yet.

Built to help you break your PB, Fast-R 2 utilises the enhanced benefits of Nitro™ Elite technology, giving you a maximum competitive stack height (40mm) with unbeatable speed and cushioning, propelling your race-day to new territory; from short runs to marathons and every distance between.

A sequel to the ground-breaking Fast-R Nitro™ Elite, the Fast-R 2 allows 22% more energy storage and up to 46% more raw energy return versus its predecessor, resulting in a lighter, more economical ride, that translates to an average saving of 2 minutes 28 seconds for a 3:30:00 marathoner and 1 minute 23 seconds for a 2:30:00 marathoner.

The two-part midsole and exposed signature PWRPLATE remain key features, with the carbon plate elongating through the Nitrofoam™ Elite and out past the toe. This unique concept allows for increased surface contact; a lever that guides pressure forward and propels the foot as it leaves the ground.

A next generation, psychedelic Ultrawave upper – 20% lighter than the material used in the original Fast-R – is lined with a bespoke PWRTAPE, whilst the Pumagrip outsole ensures maximum multi-surface traction, allowing you to step out to conquer the racecourse in full confidence of achieving serious speed. Making your fast, faster than ever.

Romain Girard, Head of Innovation at Puma said: “We received significant feedback from consumers and athletes on the original Fast-R, helping us streamline our focus for Fast-R 2. The result: the most innovative elite race-day running shoe Puma has ever made. We are already witnessing this shoe break records, with a number of our elite runners smashing their PRs, with many more to come!”

The Fast-R 2 Nitro™ Elite Psychedelic Rush will be available from 22 February 2024 from Puma.com, Puma Retail stores, and Totalsports.

Fast-R 2 Nitro™ Elite Ekiden Rush

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the most prestigious event in Japan’s running calendar – Puma will drop a limited edition Fast-R 2 Nitro™ Elite Ekiden Rush.

Paying homage to the historic long-distance race, the Ekiden Rush colourway has unique design features including a 100th anniversary logo on the lateral, and the iconic purple sash – used during the race as a relay baton – on the medial.

1 000 pairs of Fast-R 2 Nitro™ Elite Ekiden Rush will drop on 8 December 2023 at Puma.com, in Puma stores and select global retailers.

Visit Puma.com or follow @PUMARunning to find out more.

Fast-R 2 Nitro™ Elite Specifications

  • Price: R6999
  • Weight: 240g
  • Stack Height: 40mm
  • Drop: 8mm
  • Lifespan: 400km

Powerade – Embracing ‘Coming Back Strong Starts With A Pause’

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Embracing ‘Coming Back Strong Starts With A Pause’

Powerade® Renovates Multipurpose Court in Orlando West Park

 

Through its global communications platform “Pause is Power” which was launched globally in 2022, Powerade® champions the often-overlooked potential of a pause, prioritising wellbeing over winning. The sports drink brand actively takes on the ‘win at all costs’ mentality by emphasizing the value and regenerative benefits of a pause — a moment for laughter, introspection, community interaction, and recovery. Taking this commitment beyond words, Powerade® took a moment to pause and invested in the revitalisation of the popular Orlando West Park with a makeover of the basketball court into modernised multipurpose court.

Unwavering in its belief, Powerade® believes that “’Coming Back Strong Starts with a Pause”. This powerful tagline masterfully encapsulates the brand’s commitment not only to providing athletes and ordinary citizens with hydration and replenishment, but also to igniting their inner tenacity to overcome obstacles and re-emerge even more motivated and stronger.

Ramokone Ledwaba, Marketing Director at Coca-Cola Africa, expressed her excitement on the transformation of the multipurpose court, saying, “This makeover reflects our core values and perfectly mirrors our ‘Coming Back Strong Starts with a Pause’ tagline. At Powerade®, we believe the revitalization of the court sculpts a metaphor for the innate strength within us all. Our conviction rests on the premise that everyone’s personal best emanates from a pause of physical or mental activity, and we wanted to ensure we created a space for this. We invite the community to embrace this new enhanced court for tranquility, meditation and rejuvenation,” Ledwaba stated.

“I am thrilled to witness brands like Powerade embodying the spirit of giving back, recognizing the importance of community development through sports, exemplifying the core principles of service delivery and the “Batho Pele” principle. We encourage more brands to follow suit and partner with the city,” stated MMC of Community Development in the City of Johannesburg, Cllr. Magwentshu.

Located in Soweto, a historical significance and dynamic cultures, the Orlando West Park was unveiled in 2010 and functions as a community meeting place. However, the park is more than just a collection of sporting and recreational equipment. It contains swings, a netball and basketball court, a professional-size football pitch, and a 1km running track. Powerade’s goal is to ensure that everyone they encounter not only feels empowered and supported, but also emerges stronger and more resilient than before.

Powerade’s commitment is reflected in its continued support for local athletic events and provision of vital hydration stations during marathons. The brand advocates for the power of the pause, highlighting the importance of rest and reflection in the fight for greatness, alongside relentless effort. Powerade® sends a powerful message to all individuals, underscoring the radiant potential inherent in each pause taken – a moment of rejuvenation that breeds immense strength for the journey ahead and remembering that “Coming Back Strong Starts with a Pause”.

For more information, follow Powerade®, on the following social media platforms:

The Running Comic

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As one of the funniest guys of running in South Africa, Rory Petzer is almost always laughing (in between eating)… except in the 2022 Comrades. He reckons he had nothing to smile about that day! Happily, the 2023 race went much, much better, and now he’s ready to take on the running world. As long as it doesn’t keep him away from his dogs too long, and he can be left in peace to think of his next jokes. Let’s just say there’s a lot going on in this comedian’s head! – By Sean Falconer 

Dreams Do Come True

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It’s been a fantastic year for Thabang Mosiako, with scintillating performances over the 10km and half marathon distances that have thrust him into the top three or four on the all-time South African performance lists. He recently led Team South Africa to a bronze medal at the World Road Running Champs, and there appears to be more to come from this prodigiously talented athlete, but it wasn’t so very long ago that he was in despair and thinking of hanging up his running shoes for good. – BY Manfred  Seidler

Balwin Properties launches Marathon Series, Four Races, Four Cities.

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Road running receives R2 Million annual injection for the next 10 years with the launch of the Balwin Sport Marathon Series; and to top it you could win a fully furnished apartment worth R800k! 

Balwin Sport will be investing R2 million annually over the next 10 years as the title sponsor of four iconic races in South Africa, Jeppe, Cape Peninsula, Phobians Pretoria, and Dolphin Coast  marathons. All these marathons are Comrades qualifiers, with the first three races being Two Oceans Qualifiers. 

Balwin Properties, a developer that cares about environmentally responsible building practices and the delivery of high-quality apartments to its valued clients, has launched Balwin Sport, a division of the Group aimed at promoting a healthier lifestyle amongst its clients, staff, and all South Africans.

Steve Brookes, CEO and founder of Balwin commented, “Since the pandemic we’ve explored ways of promoting a healthier lifestyle amongst all South Africans. Through the careful re-allocation of existing marketing budgets, we were able to launch Balwin Sport, which will inject more than R2 million into South African road running annually, by becoming the title sponsor of some of the country’s oldest and most iconic marathons over the next 10 years.”

Road running legend Barry Holland – holder of a record 49 consecutive Comrades medals to date – and race director for Dolphin Coast Striders, has been appointed as the overall race co-ordinator for the series. “Road running is one of the most accessible sports and allows anyone, from weekend warriors to elite athletes to compete. I am very excited about the opportunities that Balwin Sport’s title sponsorship will unlock, not only in growing road running across the country but also in uncovering the potential top talent of the future through the respective clubs’ development work,” says Barry.

The first Balwin Sport-sponsored marathon kicks off on 11 February 2024 with the two-lapper Jeppe Marathon, followed by the Cape Peninsula Marathon on 18 February 2024, the Phobians Pretoria Marathon on 25 February 2024, and finally, the Dolphins Coast marathon on 17 March 2024.

All the title marathons are Comrades and Two Oceans Marathon qualifiers except for the Dolphin Coast marathon, where participants can only qualify for Comrades. The marathons are some of the country’s oldest, with the Cape Peninsula Marathon being run for the 56th time in 2024, having been founded by Celtic Harriers in 1964.

To further motivate participation, runners over any of the title event distances (5km, 10km, 21.1km, or 42.2km) could qualify to win a fully furnished Balwin apartment when they visit one of the developer’s show units after the races, with participants being given more than 7 months to boost their chances after the events.

Ryan Kalk, MD of Balwin Sport and Balwin National Sales Manager explained, “Our key objective is for people to participate and get healthy. Participants who enter and complete any distance on the day of the race and follow this up with a visit to any of our show apartments at our developments countrywide will stand a chance to win a fully furnished apartment to the value of R800,000.”

Bruce King of Jeppe Athletics Club says, “The Balwin Sport Jeppe Marathon is the first event in the series, but as a race it comes with a long 40-year history. We are looking forward to this tremendous new period in the race’s history. Balwin and Jeppe have a common ethos and we look forward to this becoming the marathon series of choice for runners.”

Glenn Muller of Celtic Harriers Running Club says, “The Cape Peninsula Marathon, hosted by Celtic Harriers is the oldest marathon in Cape Town and takes runners along an awesome route with the Atlantic Ocean a constant reminder of what a privilege it is to run this race. We are excited beyond words to have Balwin Properties as the title sponsor on board and their mantra of ‘Lifestyle Experience’ will elevate the Balwin Sport Peninsula Marathon to a must-do event where thousands of human stories of accomplishment can be interwoven into this iconic brand.”

Grahaeme Gertschof of Phobians Athletics Club says, “The Pretoria Marathon has been around for over 30 years, as one of the most prominent running events in the city. Hosted by Phobians Athletics Club, we want to grow the race to become a “big city” marathon – a nationally recognised, not-to-be-missed event on the running calendar.”

Under Armour Levels Up Menlyn Mall

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A New House. Under Armour Levels Up Menlyn Mall.

Bigger and Better than ever before, experience the latest in Innovative Apparel Technology with Under Armour’s Grand New Store Opening
 
Under Armour, the renowned athletic brand synonymous with innovation and high-tech performance footwear and apparel, proudly announces the exciting debut of its refreshed and reimagined store located at Menlyn Mall, Pretoria. The official unveiling took place on September 16th, ushering in a new era of athleticism, innovation, and community engagement.
 Under Armour is committed to empowering those who strive for more. The event commenced with a 5km run featuring a diverse group of Under Armour athletes, as well as a select group of high-profile guests who also had the opportunity to experience the latest in apparel offerings featured in Under Armour’s latest collections such as the Journey To Compete men and women’s collection – with particular focus on the high-impact bra for women and base layer for men. After the invigorating run, attendees had access to exclusive training pods, providing an immersive experience of Under Armour’s dedication to enhancing athletic performance.


Officiated by Head of Retail, Brent Venter, the grand store opening unveiled a ‘New House’ that showcased Under Armour’s new cutting-edge city concept. This new concept boasts a palette designed to reflect the Under Armour brand elements and embodies three specific design principles: Authentic, Strong and Active.

 “Not only are we focused on growing our distribution footprint but we are also challenging ourselves to show up significantly better in our existing doors. I’m really proud of the team who have brought this concept to life. I’m sure that you’ll agree that this new space optimises our efforts to inspire and delight our athletes with a powerful assortment of premium technical products to service their performance needs. We’re enjoying some excellent brand momentum at the moment. I’m excited to see our strategy playing out. More to come in the coming months,” states Darren Cooke, Managing Director of Brands, Ares Holdings (Pty) Ltd. 

The ‘New House’ plans are a testament to Under Armour’s rapid expansion across Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), since establishing a presence in the market just over a decade ago. Under Armour’s EMEA revenue at the end of its latest financial year is 60 per cent larger than pre-pandemic levels. This makes EMEA the fastest-growing Under Armour region globally, with a strong focus on South African team sport athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike.

In keeping with its focus and goal of helping athletes to level up, the final store concept features performance products across popular co-gender train and run collections such as RUSH, Iso-Chill, HOVR, FLOW, and many more. For Under Armour, every new store is an opportunity to push athletes further, showing them what it takes to be the best, as well as providing them with the best apparel to do just that.

Acknowledging his roots growing up in the rural town of Tweefontein, an hour’s drive from the capital Pretoria; Under Armour Athlete and Paralympian, Ntando Mahlangu took centre stage, alongside Blue Bulls Rugby Player, Mpilo Gumede, as Under Armour frontrunners at the grand opening – proud representatives unveiling the store’s rejuvenated design.

Under Armour believes in the transformative power of sport to unite, inspire, and change the world. For two decades, “Protect This House” has served as a rallying cry, instilling pride and determination in athletes worldwide. It represents the unwavering commitment to push limits, achieve greatness, and embrace the “we” mindset, fostering teamwork and mutual trust. Through the unveiling of the ‘New House’ Menlyn store, the brand hopes to remind their friends of the brand, Under Armour athletes and shoppers alike, of the sense of ‘team’ and generate a welcomed feel when they step into the store. 

Under Armour invites you to be part of this exceptional celebration of athleticism and innovation at the “New House” store in Menlyn Shopping Centre. 

Find us at Menlyn Mall Shopping Centre, Shop G173 Menlyn, Pretoria, and experience the future of athletic excellence.

 

Tshwane Confirms SPAR Grand Prix Expectations

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With her fourth consecutive win in the 2023 SPAR Grand Prix Series in Tshwane, two-time defending series champion Tadu Nare of Ethiopia wrapped up her third series win in a row. Meanwhile, the Tshwane leg of SPAR Women’s Challenge made a welcome return after its COVID-enforced hiatus, and thousands of women took to the roads for either a 10km or 5km outing.