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Trust Me, I can Do This

Roxanne MartinNewsLeave a Comment on Trust Me, I can Do This

There was no fanfare when Zubayr Isaacs quietly crossed the finishline of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon last October in just under five and a half hours, but those who know his story will understand just how momentous his run was. And they will also understand just how proud, and relieved, his mother, Lameez Isaacs, was, when she finished half an hour later. You see, this young man is autistic, and finishing a marathon by himself was another big step in his remarkable journey since taking up running in 2017. – By Sean Falconer

Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series Expands in 2023

Sean FalconerNewsLeave a Comment on Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series Expands in 2023

After a fantastic 2022 season, which saw the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series back to near capacity attendance, title sponsor Absa together with Stillwater Sports, the organiser of South Africa’s award-winning road running series, are excited to welcome Gqeberha and Tshwane as host cities, elevating the series from three to five mass participation events in 2023.

The two new cities will add a fresh and exciting experience for runners competing in those events. The Gqeberha event will take place on 2 April, and will see more world class performances in a city that is well known for breaking records. Later in the year, runners will line up in Tshwane on 27 August, for an experiential mass participation event in the Jacaranda City.

“We are thrilled to welcome Gqeberha and Tshwane as host cities of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series in 2023,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Founder of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series. “Growing the series from three to five events is no small feat, and would not have been possible without the support of our title sponsor, Absa, which has been a driving force since we welcomed them onboard in 2021, and other key sponsors such as PUMA, DHL and Chery, to mention just a few.”

“Another important factor that should not be overlooked is the relationships that we have with each host city, which has contributed immensely to the success of the Cape Town, Durban and Joburg events, and ultimately the series. We are excited to work with Gqeberha and Tshwane, to further grow the status of the series,” he adds.

The full set of dates of the 2023 Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES will be:

Sunday 2 April 2023                        Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K

Sunday 14 May 2023                      Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K

Sunday 9 July 2023                        Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K

Sunday 27 August 2023                  Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K

Sunday 24 September 2023            Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K

 

Proudly South African Series

The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series has been revolutionising the sport in South Africa since 2015. A road running celebration like no other, the series began with the Cape Town leg in 2015, with the Joburg leg added in 2016 and the Durban leg in 2017. Now, in 2023, the two new events will see the series grow to five events.

“The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series joins elites, avid runners, walkers and individuals looking to live healthier lifestyles,” continues Meyer. “World class achievements and fun for all participants go hand-in-hand at each event. In 2023 we are both excited and proud to take the action to five major cities, growing our reach while giving more South Africans the opportunity to be part of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series experience. Emphasis will be placed on hosting mass participation road races that highlight city landmarks, include magnificent views, and feature lively performances from some of the host city’s leading performing arts groups.”

In closing, Meyer adds: “We look forward to welcoming new runners to the series, but also urge the existing RUN YOUR CITY community to join us in the new cities to give Gqeberha and Tshwane the true RUN YOUR CITY experience. We can’t wait to welcome thousands of runners from across South Africa as well as elite athletes from around the world to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series in 2023.”

Sponsorship Goals

Absa Chief Executive Product Solutions, Geoffrey Lee, says that his team is equally excited about the expanded series in 2023. “Our purpose at Absa is to bring possibilities to life, and we believe that everyone should have access to all our sponsorships. When we came onboard as a sponsor of the biggest mass participation event in the country, our key objective was to get the country moving in the right direction, and help our communities and colleagues to aspire to change their lives and that of their community for the better. We recognise that now, more than ever, we need to play an even greater role in bringing the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series closer to the people,” he says.

“We have witnessed on many occasions how sport has consistently served as a powerful vehicle for societal change, and a great unifier in challenging times for our nation. Through our Together we can be more, Siyabangena campaign, which runs concurrently with the Absa RUN YOUR CITY series of events, Absa challenges all runners and walkers to be a force for good and actively create change in communities, while providing an opportunity to get active, reach performance goals, connect with other runners and explore our beautiful South African cities,” he adds.

Entries for all five events will open on Monday 5 December 2022 on the official event website, www.runyourcityseries.com.

Entries Open for 21st Dis-Chem Half Marathon

Sean FalconerNewsLeave a Comment on Entries Open for 21st Dis-Chem Half Marathon

Entries are open for the 21st Dis-Chem Half Marathon and Centrum 5km Dash Fun Run, taking place on Sunday 15 January 2023.This is Gauteng’s premier half marathon, and is hosted by Bedfordview Country Club Athletics.

The race route remains unchanged, winding its way through the hills of Bedfordview, Morninghill and Primrose, and providing runners with a challenging course and spectacular views. The Half Marathon starts in Riley Road at 6am, and will have a seeded start.

Race marshals will be stationed along the route to ensure the safety of runners, while simultaneously offering them encouragement, and there will be six water points, but runners are encouraged to bring their own water. Space for club gazebos as well as catering, locker and shower facilities will be available at the finish.

The race has previously sold out within a couple of weeks of entries opening. There are 6500 entries available for the 21km race and all entrants will receive a moisture-management race T-shirt. Athletes can also choose to purchase a commemorative medal for the 21km. Entries will close on 15 December, or once the 6500 available entries are sold. The Centrum 5km Fun Run will also be back, and the first 600 entries will get a Centrum-branded moisture-management T-shirt.

Thanks for the Support!

Race Director Charn Swart says, “Bedfordview Country Club Athletics looks forward to celebrating the 21st anniversary of the race that kicks off the 2023 running season. What a fantastic journey with Dis-Chem and co-sponsors that enable races like ours for novice and seasoned runners alike to enjoy.”

Stan Goetsch of headline sponsor, Dis-Chem, adds, “We are extremely proud of our 21-year sponsorship of the event. The promotion of a healthy lifestyle, our emphasis on overall well-being and our support of the sport, has always been paramount to us at Dis-Chem. Through our long-standing relationship with Bedfordview Country Club Athletics, who continue to deliver a first-class event, we trust that we have achieved this.”

The organisers would also like to thank the following co-sponsors: Centrum, Norflex Gel, smecta, TransAct, ViralChoice and Biogen for their continued support, which has spanned many years. Their contributions remain crucial to ensuring the continued success of the event.

Funds will be raised for the two race charities: Lambano Sanctuary for orphaned children with HIV, and the Namaqua Dog and Donkey Foundation, which undertakes the sterilisation, vaccination and treatment of animals in informal settlements on the East Rand. All donations by runners, over and above their entry fee, will be matched by the Dis-Chem Foundation.

Enter online now at https://dischem21.co.za. The 21km race general entry fee is R200, while the 5km Dash race entry fee is R100 (and thereafter R70 without a T-shirt). If you have questions, please mail the organisers at [email protected].