The ugly head of COVID is forcing runners in South Africa to rethink how they approach the sport, as an unsustainable model looks to be coming crashing down. – By Manfred Seidler
Category: News
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Soweto Marathon is the biggest One Day Race in 2022!
Having surpassed the 16 000 entry mark, the 27th edition of the Soweto Marathon is now this year’s biggest one day
race.
Soweto Marathon Trust Chairman, Sello Khunou takes tremendous pride from this achievement, and is grateful to all
those who have entered; “There is no denying that Covid put all events in jeopardy of shutting down. Through tremendous dedication, we are proud to host the 27th event and endeavour to do so to the high standards that our fans have come to expect. This latest achievement is a testament to our loyal fans entering once more – we absolutely cannot wait to have them back come 6 November. And to those who will be running for the first time: We welcome you and wish you a great race in South Africa’s biggest one-day race this year!”
There is Still Time To Enter!
After numerous calls from athletes requesting an extension of the race entry cut-off date, Soweto Marathon organisers heeded the call and so the extension was granted due to public demand. The 27th edition of The People’s Race has made the bold move to extend the closing date of entries in order to allow participants to enter their chosen distance of 10km, 21.1km, or 42.2km.
Entries will remain open until the entry cap is reached, so says Soweto Marathon Trust Chairman Sello Khunou;
“We understand the pressures that our valued runners are under – and as such we are allowing them to enter to participate in their beloved People’s Race. We take note too of their recent participation in other races and know that once the athletes have recovered adequately, they’ll be wanting to hit the streets once more! The Soweto Marathon promises to deliver another top event and I strongly encourage runners from all walks of life to enter – let us celebrate our ability to move, our health, our spirit and our beautiful country.”
So if you would like to be part of making history in out post-COVID-19 era, click here to Enter Today!
Entry Options:
Option 1: With the T-shirt included
The Marathon (42.2km): Entry Fee R550
The Half Marathon (21.1km): Entry Fee R450
Option 2: Without the T-shirt *
The Marathon (42.2km): Entry Fee R400
The Half Marathon (21.1km): Entry Fee R300
* If you change your mind about the T-shirt, you will still be able to buy one later.
STILL MORE SAVINGS FOR YOU…
Every runner that enters this year’s Soweto Marathon, no matter the distance you choose, will be given an online 20% discount voucher from Totalsports on performance shoes priced R2000 and above. That’s a minimum saving of R400 off your next pair of running shoes!
Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Entries Open 1 November
The much-anticipated news has broken that entries for the Western Cape’s most prestigious road race and Africa’s biggest running event, the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon (TTOM), will open at midday (12pm) on 1 November 2022.
To enter, runners can go to the event website, www.twooceansmarathon.org.za, when entries open for their category or event draw, and click ‘enter here.’ Runners must first create a user profile, if they do not yet have one on the system, and then follow the prompts.
Fees, Licences and Tees
The 2023 entry fees have been ratified by the TOM Board, take note all South African runners for the Ultra need to be licenced athletes and belong to a running club. All TTOM 2023 Ultra and Half Marathon runners will receive a complimentary, high quality running T-shirt courtesy of title sponsor, Totalsports.
The pricing structure for entry fees will be the following:
| Entry Type | Ultra | Half |
| Licensed SA Athletes | R735 | R390 |
| Unlicensed SA Athletes | n/a | R390 + temp licence fee, to be confirmed by WPA |
| African Athletes | R900 | R725 |
| International Athletes | R2700 | R1890 |
Ballot System for SA Entries
The ballot system will be retained for both the Ultra and Half Marathon for South African runners, in line with international best practice. Runners may enter only one event. The ballot opens on 1 November 2022 at midday and closes on 14 November at midnight. At certain stages of the ballots, the draws will be weighted in favour of various categories of runners, including Blue Number Club members, Yellow Numbers (those doing their 10th, 20th, etc) and club runners. The various rounds of the ballot draw all take place on 15 November 2022.
Runners entering via the ballot pay only once their name has been successfully drawn. Runners have until 5pm on 15 December 2022 (one month) to make their payment. Otherwise, the runner forfeits their entry and it will be allocated to another runner.
International and African entries open on 25 October 2022 and close when capacity is reached. International and African runners do not enter via the ballot system, and can pay for and secure their entries straight away. Last but not least, charity entries open on 18 November 2022 (at midday), and fees will be uploaded once final charity partners have been confirmed.
Qualifiers and Seeding
For the Ultra Marathon, runners need to run a standard marathon (42.2km) or a longer distance race on an officially timed and measured course, and any time posted from 1 July 2022 onwards can be used. The maximum allowed qualifying time for a standard marathon is five hours, and the race website contains a list of qualifying times for longer distances, at www.twooceansmarathon.org.za/event_route_info/seeding.
The time submitted by runners will used to seed them into starting batches, with faster runners in the front and slower runners at the back. The cut-off date to submit your qualifier is 6 March 2023 at 5pm, and take note that the Race Office will be conducting spot-checks to verify qualifier information submitted. If you do not see your race on the TTOM entry system, you can e-mail [email protected] for assistance.
In the Half Marathon, qualifying times are also used to seed you, so that faster runners start at the front and slower runners further back. We strongly advise you to provide a seeding time, otherwise you will unfortunately start at the back. Seeding is based on a previous 10km, 15km or 21.1km run after 1 July 2022, and again, the Race Office will be conducting spot-checks to verify qualifier information submitted. More info at www.twooceansmarathon.org.za/event_race_day/seeding-2.
If You Have Questions…
For more information on entering or other race information, you can read the list of FAQs on the event website at www.twooceansmarathon.org.za/event-info/faqs., or you can contact the event office on 021 2000 459 (general queries) or 087 133 2285 (race-related queries), or email [email protected].
How to Track Your Runner at the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon
Tracking runners for this weekend’s festivities in Cape Town is easy thanks the UltimateLIVE App!
To make it even easier we have created these easy for you to download the app, add the event you would like to follow, and even how to add your runners!
Step 1:
Download the UltimateLIVE App from wither the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Step 2:
Using the search tab on the home screen, search for “Cape”
This will show you, the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Trail and Peace Runs (Saturday Events) and the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon (Sunday) event.
Click on the event you would like to track a participant in.
Step 3:
To track your runner, you simply search for them, using either their name or race number, under the Name / Number search bar.
Once you have found them click on their name and then press the Star to add them to your favourites.
Step 4:
If you wish to receive push notifications for your favourites, press the bell icon and you will receive a notification for each split point that they pass.
The App will reflect the running time of your selected runners (i.e. from when they started the race).
Impossible is Nothing!
When we feel empowered to tell our stories, there are no limits to how much we can inspire others. Through BEYOND MY IMPOSSIBLE, adidas is empowering 11 women to cross their first marathon finish line, at the 2022 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon this Sunday! We have been following the journeys of all these phenomenal women and now you can track them as all 11 take on this amazing feat! To make it easy to find, we have all the ladies race numbers below, so finding them on the UltimateLIVE tracking app will be easy!
Tracking Details Below
Runner: Zoe Brown
Race Number: 3349
Start Batch: C1
Runner: Lenise Swanson
Race Number: 3466
Start Batch: C1
Runner: Ncebakazi Dyani
Race Number: 3317
Start Batch: C1
Runner: Leatitia Gradwell
Race Number: 3385
Start Batch: C1
Runner: Yentle Arendse
Race Number: 3350
Start Batch: C1
Runner: Jana Steyn
Race Number: 3512
Start Batch: C1
Runner: Kay Abrahams
Race Number: 3316
Start Batch: C1
Runner: Shaakirah Jaftha
Race Number: 3319
Start Batch: C1
Runner: Ashleigh Bredeveldt
Race Number: 3324
Start Batch: C1
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Runner: Melissa Abrahams
Race Number: 3318
Start Batch: C1
Runner: Tracey Abrahamse
Race Number: 3389
Start Batch: C1
New Era for Two Oceans Following Move Off Easter Weekend
The long-standing tradition of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon taking place on Easter Weekend has come to an end, following today’s announcement by the Two Oceans Marathon NPC (TOM NPC) that the next edition of the Western Cape’s biggest road running event will take place on 15 and 16 April 2023.
This marks the first time since the fourth edition of the Two Oceans Marathon in 1973 that the race will not be held over the Easter Weekend, but on the following weekend instead. The race will be held over two days, with the 56km Ultra Marathon scheduled on Saturday 15 April 2023 and the Half Marathon taking place on Sunday 16 April 2023. (More thoughts on this below from the Modern Athlete team.)
Two-Day Format
The TOM NPC says its long-term plans to grow the capacity of both the Ultra and Half Marathon have made it necessary to adopt a two-day format. This was first implemented during the 2022 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon, and will once again be the case for the 52nd edition of the Two Oceans Marathon in 2023. This provides the only feasible framework for accommodating the upscaled logistics requirements, with runner safety at the core of these considerations.
In turn, the two-day format necessitated the move away from the Easter Weekend, as agreed with various public, hosting and supplier stakeholders. Following consultations, negotiations and an agreement with the City of Cape Town, business stakeholders, and sporting affiliations, the date for the 2023 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon has now been finalised as the 15th and 16th April 2023.
“After extensive consultations and negotiations, it is good to be able to provide the many runners – not least our international athletes – with the clarity they have been seeking,” says Two Oceans Marathon Chairperson, William Swartbooi. “Moving to a new date is never easy. While we can’t please everyone, we have tried our utmost to factor in all considerations – and there certainly were many. Building on the success of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon 2022, we look forward to delivering an even better edition of our globally iconic race in 2023.”
He adds: ‘The move away from the Easter Weekend is a watershed moment for Two Oceans Marathon. It was not an easy decision, but a necessary one, in order to future-proof the event and gear it for growth. When the sum of all factors is considered, we believe we made the most practical decision we could in order to achieve best outcomes not only in 2023, but over the medium-term, and indeed the long-term future of the race.”
Mixed Reactions
The Easter Weekend trip to Cape Town has been a much-loved tradition for half a century, even more so since the Half Marathon and Fun Runs were added to the event programme in the 1990s, making it possible for the whole family to participate. Judging by comments on social media as well on within running club WhatsApp groups, the announcement of the new date has met with both strong approval and disapproval from the South African running community.
Some who approve say they are glad to see that the event will no longer clash with one of the most religious weekends on the Christian calendar, but some in the Muslim community have expressed disappointment that the 2023 date still places the Two Oceans within the Festival of Ramadan, making it extremely challenging to train for and participate in the event.
The most outspoken criticism has come from up-country runners, many of whom have said that the Easter long weekend made it possible to travel to the Cape for the race without it impacting too much on work commitments, whereas a normal weekend may prevent them from travelling next year. On the other hand, some have said the cost of flights may be lower if the race is not on Easter Weekend, which is traditionally one of the busiest periods for travel across SA.
Our Take on Things
The Modern Athlete team believes that in spite of some negative initial reactions, the running community will adapt and get used to the new norm for Two Oceans – just as the running community adapted to the Comrades Marathon moving off the 16 June public holiday and becoming a normal weekend event. It remains to be seen where (or whether) the Trail Runs, Fun Runs and International Friendship Run will fit into the event programme. These events used to take place on Good Friday of the Easter Weekend, but have not been held since the last pre-COVID edition of the race in 2019.
Also, we feel that many runners who are against this new date for the event may not comprehend the bigger picture, that the Two Oceans Marathon has to be slotted into an incredibly congested event calendar in the Mother City, and thus finding an open weekend is not as simple as it sounds. Around that time of year, the city also hosts the Cape Town Cycle Tour as well as many other sporting and cultural events, and we have no doubt that it took a lot of hard work for the race to arrive at the decision that the weekend of 15-16 April will be Two Oceans weekend.
From a tourism perspective, the move away from Easter may have some negative effects on the city. Studies in past years showed that the Two Oceans Marathon contributes up to R672 million to the local and provincial economy annually, making it Africa’s biggest running event when measured by this metric. This was partly due to entire families decamping to Cape Town for the Easter Weekend for the race, then spending the rest of the weekend, or even week, enjoying the Mother City’s attractions. We may now see less families travelling to the Cape for the event, especially if the Fun Runs are not reinstated for now, but we think that with time, the people will come back to the event.
Lastly, it has been widely reported that the 2019 and 2022 editions of the Two Oceans faced considerable challenges, on various levels, including widespread objections this year to the running of the Ultra on Easter Sunday. The 2023 edition will be an opportunity for the event not only to avoid a repeat of those objections, but to consolidate and focus on getting the essentials right, then build on that by growing numbers, reinstating supplementary events and activations, and more. In short, Team Modern Athlete is excited to see where the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon goes from here.
Running shoes that help you beat your best…day after day
What’s smoother than smooth? The new HOVR INFINITE 4 running shoes. The new release from Under Armour promises to give you the energy you need to raise your game. Whether you’re going for a short run or long-distance effort, the HOVR Infinite 4 is the KING of comfort. Grounded on a generous slice of HOVR foam, the Infinite 4 is Under Armour’s flagship distance shoe that offers maximum comfort on your daily run.
Much like its predecessor which claimed massive recognition from the global running community, the game changing HOVR Infinite range continues to be a staple and the go to running shoe for all types runners across the globe. The latest addition to the HOVR family – HOVR INFINITE 4 doesn’t disappoint. Under Armour kept the reliable, smooth, secure feel of the Infinite and simplified the upper, flipped the UA HOVR™ cushioning, and rethought the sole, giving you a lighter, softer, more durable every day running shoe. Ideal for runners who need a balance of flexibility & cushioning, it’s extremely lightweight and breathable, with strategic support where you need it. The 3D moulded insole cradles your foot for added comfort and responsive cushioning reduces impact, returns energy and helps propel you forward. Anatomically placed deep flex grooves provide appropriate flexibility in key areas while the carbon rubber lugs under the heel offer improved traction and durability in high-impact strike zones
Under Armour is tagging the new release as ,“Our smoothest run yet.”
The claim is proven in the redesign of the shoe, as they explain that they have unwrapped and flipped UA HOVR™ cushioning to absorb the most impact, to secure your foot, and propel you forward.
It offers, Infinite miles of comfort!
How you may ask, through deeper flex grooves and higher-abrasion rubber in the heel aimed at giving you an even smoother run for as long as you want to go.
And best of all they are Keeping it simple
The Under Armour team have looked at what the Infinite range offered and how to make those features even better, the one-piece, airy mesh upper makes the entire shoe lighter, there is nothing that is not needed.
The Hope that by using these shoes you become Better every day.
Evolved to feel lighter and more secure for smoother runs, so you can keep hitting goals day after day.
UA HOVR INFINITE 4 at a Glance
Engineered mesh upper is extremely lightweight & breathable, with strategic support where you need it
3D-molded sock liner cradles your foot for enhanced step-in comfort
Responsive UA HOVR™ cushioning reduces impact, returns energy & helps propel you forward
Anatomically placed, deep flex grooves offer proper flexibility in key areas
Carbon rubber pods under the heel deliver greater traction & durability at high-impact strike zones
The new HOVR Infinite 4 will retail for R2 899 and be available in multiple colourways at Under Armour Brand House stores nationwide as well as online at www.underarmour.co.za
Beyond My IMPossible
When we feel empowered to tell our stories, there are no limits to how much we can inspire others. Through BEYOND MY IMPOSSIBLE, adidas is empowering 11 women to cross their first marathon finish line, at the 2022 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in October, while sharing their journey to the start line with the running community.
The Coach
COACH KATHLEEN SHUTTLEWORTH
Living out her core value, “Driven by passion, pursuing excellence” since 2004, Coach Kathleen has guided numerous athletes to achieving provincial and national medals in track, cross country and biathlon.
She’s also helped many runners of all levels to conquer their first marathon or achieve that elusive personal best. Now she is putting her considerable talents to helping 11 women tackle their first marathon.
The Runners
ZOE BROWN
Age: 32
Resides: Rondebosch
Bio: Zoe describes herself as an “ordinary girl with an extraordinary job.”
She’s a radio presenter for The Flash Drive from 15h00-19h00 on KFM 94.5, and a TV presenter on the Expresso Show on SABC 3.
Follow Zoe’s journey @zbzoebrown
NCEBAKAZI DYANI
Age: 26
Resides: Rondebosch
Bio: Ncebakazi runs with the adidas Runners Cape Town crew and is a hiking fanatic. She describes herself as an adventure enthusiast and the “coolest aunt, daughter and sister!”
Her latest adventure is being on a journey to finish her first marathon.
Follow Ncebakazi’s journey @dyanincebakazi
LENISE SWANSON
Age: 41
Resides: Monte Vista
Bio: As a medical doctor and mother of four, Lenise is an advocate for a healthy lifestyle. She loves taking on new challenges, and this year has chosen to compete in her first full marathon. Her future goal is to participate in major international marathons, while experiencing many wonderful countries and cultures around the world.
Follow Lenise’s journey @lenise_swanson
LEATITIA GRADWELL
Age: 45
Resides: Plumstead
Bio: Leatitia is a wife and mom, who works in the pharmaceutical industry. She describes herself as a Christian girl from Mitchell’s Plain trying to better herself, and hoping it will empower other women in the process.
She believes that “we rise by lifting others.” When it comes to the Cape Town Marathon, Leatitia says she’s going to run with purpose: “I’m pacing myself and I’m going to end strong!”
YENTLE ARENDSE
Age: 33
Resides: Parow
Bio: Yentle is married, has a son and two more stepchildren, and works at a signage company. Family is really important to her, as she lost her Dad at a young age, and sadly, also her mom at the end of 2020. She spends most weekends running, watching her husband and children play soccer, and watching English football.
Follow Yentle’s Journey @yentlearendse
JANA STEYN
Age: 30
Resides: Langebaan
Bio: Jana spent most of her life in the bushveld of Limpopo. She recently moved to the West Coast in the Cape, and is fulfilling her dream to live at the beach.
Jana is a lawyer and enjoys going on all sorts of adventures while exploring her home country.
Follow Jana’s Journey @janasteyn92
KAY ABRAHAMS
Age: 24
Resides: Somerset West
Bio: Kay describes herself as a runner and a creative. Family and community is important to her, and she enjoys the outdoors.
She’s currently on a journey to completing her first marathon, the Cape Town Marathon.
Follow Kay’s Journey @kayabrahams
SHAAKIRAH JAFTHA
Age: 27
Resides: Steenberg
Bio: Shaakirah is a single mom, who was born and raised in the Cape Flats. She is an adidas Runners Booster, and has an absolute passion for running.
Her dream is to inspire change and make a difference through sport, specifically running. She describes herself as “inspired to inspire.”
Follow Shaakirah’s journey @shaakirahjaftha
ASHLEIGH BREDEVELDT
Age: 32
Resides: Southfield
Bio: Ashleigh was born profoundly deaf in Cape Town with an identical womb-mate. She received a cochlear implant at the tender age of five and obtained full language. Today she’s a go-getter who enjoys outdoor activities and exploring hidden gems in South Africa and abroad.
Ashleigh is a graphic designer, a deaf awareness advocate, and is always ready to take on a new challenge!
Follow Ashleigh’s journey @jog4pizza
MELISSA ABRAHAMS
Age: 35
Resides: Bellville
Bio: Having experienced health challenges after being diagnosed with PCOS during her infertility journey, Melissa now considers running her medicine, her coping mechanism, and her quiet time with God. She says she is running towards the vision of becoming a happier, healthier individual, wife, and mother one day soon!
Follow Melissa’s Journey @melissaabrahams
TRACEY ABRAHAMESE
Age: 40
Resides: Plumstead
Bio: Tracey is a 40-year-old single mother to a young daughter and two fur babies. She is passionate about flowers, fitness, fierce females, furry friends, and the outdoors.
Tracey is an advocate for mental health and women’s empowerment, and she firmly believes that women need to uplift, encourage, motivate,
Follow Tracey’s Journey @justcallmetrace_fitness
The Ultimate First Marathon
In 1987, after recovering from a serious car accident, I decided I needed less work and more adventure in my life, so I applied to be part of the inaugural running of the Everest Marathon in Nepal. – By Scott Mcivor
Dylan Rogers: A Comrades Convo with my Dad
Dylan Rogers is a sports journalist with Johannesburg radio station HOT 102.7FM and part of the Big Joburg Drive Show, which you can catch 3pm to 6pm Monday to Friday on either 102.7FM or streaming on hot1027.co.za. He’ll be running his first Comrades Marathon in August, after accepting a dare from a friend, who has pledged to donate R500 to charity for every kilometre of Comrades that Dylan is able to complete. This is a special podcast where Dylan chats to his Dad ahead of his first Comrades Marathon.
Your 2022 Comrades Pacesetters
On 28 August, the Comrades Marathon will once again take to the roads of KZN, and the official Comrades Marathon Pacesetters will once again be there to help runners hit their target times. – By Sean Falconer