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Wet Second Day Dampens SA Champs

Sean FalconerNewsLeave a Comment on Wet Second Day Dampens SA Champs

Day two of the SA Track and Field Championships in Potchefstroom came to a soggy end as persistent rain meant numerous events had to be postponed until Saturday, but there were still some highlights worth mentioning. – BY KARIEN JONCKHEERE

In spite of persistently wet condition during the second day of the national champs meet, an absorbing men’s triple jump competition was decided by just one centimetre as Lleyton Davids (pictured above) secured a third consecutive national title, with a leap of 16.92m. Welre Olivier just missed out on gold with a best of 16.91m, while his 17-year-old brother, Ethan Welre, wasn’t far behind, securing the bronze medal with a jump of 16.85m.

Based in Vereeniging after their parents returned to the country from New Zealand, the Olivier brothers have been rewriting the Kiwi record books in recent months. In February, Welre broke the senior national New Zealand record, which had stood for 45 years, with a jump of 16.48m. Ethan bettered the under-20 record with a leap of 16.22m. Although longer, Friday’s jumps won’t count as new records, unfortunately, as they were wind-assisted.

Olivier is a familiar name in triple-jumping circles, with the boys’ father and coach, Wikus, having held the South African record of 16.89m from 1994 to 2004, when it was broken by Khotso Mokoena’s leap of 16.96m. Olympic long jump silver medallist Mokoena went on to better that with a 17.35m effort in 2014 – a record that still stands. “I am very proud of the boys, we worked hard the whole year,” said a proud Wikus afterwards. “It’s just a pity the wind was a bit strong. This was the best triple jump competition in years, with three jumpers so close to 17m.”

Painful Exit for Adams

Elsewhere, there was despair for Luxolo Adams in his 200m semi-final. The World Championship finalist pulled up in the home straight and was ruled out of being able to challenge for a first national title since 2018. Adams is hopeful that it’s nothing serious, and said, “It was just a cramp, very sensitive pulling, but we’ll get it sorted within the next couple of weeks. Hopefully, we get a positive result tomorrow when I go for a scan, and we’ll take it from there,”

He added, “I started feeling it approaching the 100m mark… I wanted to continue, but it was just too sensitive. Now the focus is on recovering well and getting back on the track. I’m very disappointed, but this is sport, and these things are there for us as athletes. I’m just going to keep my head up and keep on training and keep on coming back.”

As for his plans for the rest of the season, Adams said, “We’ll see how the season goes, but I still believe there’s more in the tank. I can still go sub-20 seconds. Training has been good, there hasn’t been anything off. These were just unforeseen circumstances, but I’ll remain positive, like I said, and focus on the season.”

In Adams’ absence, Eckhart Potgieter (20.63), Tsebo Matsotso (20.48) and Armand van der Walt (20.70) won their respective 200m semi-finals. In the women’s 200m semi-finals, Shirley Nekhubui (23.12) and Miranda Coetzee (23.01) won their heats and progressed to the final, with Coetzee looking to do an ambitious double in the 200m and 400m, with both finals being contested on Saturday.

Photograph by Cecilia van Bers

Confident Simbine Retains SA Crown

Sean FalconerNewsLeave a Comment on Confident Simbine Retains SA Crown

An exciting first day of action at the ASA Senior Track and Field Championships in Potchefstroom saw sprinter Akani Simbine claim a fifth national title in the men’s 100m, while there were also repeat wins for other SA stars. – BY KARIEN JONCKHEERE

Akani Simbine believes he has nothing more to prove, and it shows. The two-time Olympic finalist produced the top performances of the opening day of the SA Championships in Potchefstroom on Thursday, admitting afterwards that he’s in a much happier place than last year, when he burst into floods of tears after safely securing the 2022 national 100m title.

Simbine blitzed to a speedy 9.98 seconds in Thursday’s heats, and then bettered that with a 9.92 in the semifinals – both within the 10-second qualifying standard for the World Athletics Championships taking place in August in Budapest, Hungary. He then ran 10.14 in the final for a fifth national 100m title.

“I just had a little technical error in the beginning, but other than that it was a good race. It’s just unfortunate it’s a bit chilly right now and the wind was against us, but the legs are still good. I can go another round,” he joked afterwards. “I’m just happy to be running well and feeling good and having everything around me be in a good space. My confidence has been up since I started training. I had to just get my head right, and I think that’s one big play right now.”

“Last year a lot of things were happening, but this year my confidence is back up and I’ve got to a point where I don’t have to prove anything to anyone. I know I am fast, I know I’m one of the best sprinters in the world, so I just have to go out there, train hard, focus on training, do better every time on the track, and get there and perform,” added Simbine.

More Repeat Winners

Also claiming a fifth national title in the 100m on Thursday was women’s champion Carina Horn. She held on for victory in 11.52 seconds, just in front of Tamzin Thomas who took the silver in 11.58. “It was a bit tough… there was a bit of a headwind, but I’m just happy to defend my title,” she said after her final, and about claiming a fifth title, she added: “It feels good. It’s probably my second-last year, so it’s good to have it back again.”

On the other end of the distance spectrum, Glenrose Xaba dominated the women’s 10,000m final. The 28-year-old lapped almost the entire field on her way to a sixth national title in the event, just missing the sub-33-minute mark as she finished in 33:02.13. “It’s high altitude so I’m happy with the time,” said Xaba afterwards.

Sadly, Xaba didn’t get to run alongside her coach, Caster Semenya, as she had hoped to do. The two-time Olympic 800m Champion was initially included on the start list for the 10,000m race, but chose not to compete in what would effectively have been her final competitive race, with World Athletics’ new regulations barring her participation in all distances because of naturally occurring testosterone levels, which come into effect on Friday 31 March.

Van Niekerk Inspires

Meanwhile, the Potch fans were treated to the sight of a fit-again Wayde van Niekerk cruising through his 400m heat on Thursday. The 400m World Record-holder is making a return to the event at the national championships for the first time since 2016 and comfortably won his heat in a time of 45.99 seconds.

Also looking in fine form was reigning World Junior Champion Lythe Pillay, who easily won his heat in a slightly quicker 45.95. “It felt comfortable, but I wasn’t expecting to push for that time in the heat,” said the 20-year-old afterwards. As for his impressions of the returning Van Niekerk, Pillay reckoned: “Wayde is the best there is… I had a bit of a fan moment watching him, and then I was like, no, you have to get ready to run now. But it was nice, seeing how he runs, seeing him in person. I’m looking forward to racing with him.”

“Having him back is good, exciting. It also motivates all of us, because when it comes time to race, we all want to do our best, for ourselves, but also to impress him a bit as well. He’s motivated a lot of athletes like myself. I’ve been his fan for quite a while, and he inspired me to run the 400, so it’s good to see him back,” added Pillay.

Action at the SA Track and Field Championships continues on Friday and comes to an end on Saturday, 1 April.

Two Oceans Champ Gerda Steyn Joins Phantane AC

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It was announced today that three-time Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon winner, Gerda Steyn, has joined the KZN-based Phantane Athletics Club. Steyn, will be running in the club colours of Phantane for all of her races on South African soil in coming months, including the 2023 Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon on Saturday 15 April.

In 2022, Steyn broke Frith van der Merwe’s longstanding Two Oceans course record (3:30:36, set in 1989) when she clocked 3:29:42 for the 56km ultra as she won her third consecutive title in the event. She also won in 2018, clocking 3:39:31, and scored a repeat win in 2019 with a 3:31:28 finish, less than a minute outside the then course record. (The race did not take place in 2020 or 2021 due to the COVID pandemic).

Steyn therefore currently has three wins, placing her joint second on the all-time list of Two Oceans winners alongside fellow three-time women’s winners Bev Malan (1982, 1983, 1985), Angelina Sephooa (1997, 1998, 1999) and Olesya Nurgalieva (2008, 2010, 2011), as well as men’s winners Siphiwe Gqele (1983, 1984, 1985) and Marko Mambo (2004, 2005, 2008).

Only two athletes have won the race four times, and both are women: Monica Drögemöller (1988, 1990, 1991, 1992) and Elena Nurgalieva (2004, 2005, 2009, 2012). If Steyn wins again in 2023, she will join them on four wins, but will also become the first athlete to post four consecutive wins in the event, and she will become the first athlete to win a fourth title while also being the course record-holder.

When asked about her decision to join the Phantane club, Steyn said, “It is such an honour to represent Phantane Athletics Club. The club prides itself on the development of athletes and to be part of the club feels incredible.”

On behalf of the club, the Club Manager, Mdu Khumalo, said that Gerda joining the club is a huge milestone for Phantane: “It is a privilege to have an elite runner like Gerda running in our colours.”

Totalsports, as sponsor of Phantane Athletics Club as well as title sponsor of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon, welcomes Gerda to the team and looks forward to watching her in action this coming year.

Under Armour Flexes On The Launch Of Its Most Versatile Trainer Yet!

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When Apollo Brands PTY LTD (official distributor of Under Armour in South Africa) launches a new trainer, you can expect technology to be at its very core.

The new UA Flex To Flow, dropping in stores nationwide on 23 February 2023, is lightweight and durable, with cushioning that provides a comfortably snug fit, making it the perfect go-to trainer for any sports activity at any level of training. It provides the ideal structure and support in all the right places while also assisting with the natural flex of your foot.

We Test The Shoe!

Our Sales Director, Richard Laskey, gave Under Armour’s new Flex to Flow cross-trainer a wear test, and says UA is so right when they say this shoe takes training to a whole new level!

Richard used the shoe in a multitude of disciplines, from running on the treadmill, jumping squats, to some strength work, using heavy weights, and his feedback from all of it was that this is one of the most versatile training shoes on the market. To show you what we mean, we made a video showing Rich putting the shoe through its paces, and you can see for yourself how amazing the shoe is.

 

 

Built using Under Armour’s signature Warp technology, the UA Flex To Flow works in unison with the foot to support you during each stride. It perfectly moulds to the foot for increased performance as your feet move through your workout regime.

Whether its HIIT training, cross fit, boot camp, or even pilates, its versatility is wherein the technology lies. The UA Flex To Flow provides excellent energy return, incredible consistency and dependable durability, which will keep you reaching for your new favourite pair.

The breathable fabric allows cool air to circulate while allowing humid air to escape. The upper is finished with a lacing system that secures the mid-foot for distraction-free strides.

 

The new UA Flex To Flow will be available in both men and women sizes with a recommended retail price of R2 999, and will be available in stores and online at https://underarmour.co.za

Win Your Own UA Flex to Flow!

Mgabhi’s Ultra-Asia exploits to foot the bill for much-needed school shoes

Roxanne MartinNewsLeave a Comment on Mgabhi’s Ultra-Asia exploits to foot the bill for much-needed school shoes

She’s run seven marathons in seven days on seven continents and now Nontuthuko Mgabhi has set herself a new challenge: the 160km Ultra-Asia race from 6-9 March.

For Nontuthuko, it’s not about personal achievement or conquering the ultra-running world but rather a mission much closer to home – rural schoolchildren. So far, the Richards Bay runner has raised over R3 million through her various athletic adventures to better the lives of kids living in poverty.

There were five new classrooms, an admin block and new toilets for Khiphinkunzi Primary School in Mtubatuba, food packages, face masks during the Covid pandemic, and now – school shoes.

“Kids from rural villages have to walk far to get to school because there aren’t many schools,” explained Nontuthuko, who apart from training every day also works as General Manager of Human Resources at Richards Bay Coal Terminal.

She adds, “A school shoe, therefore, becomes a mode of transport, yet some families can’t afford them due to socio-economic factors. A school shoe competes with bread and butter…. These children come from communities and schools that are underserved. A school shoe should not stand in their way. Every child should have a fair chance at success. So this is about reducing or removing barriers to finishing school.”

Nontuthuko’s mission is to raise another R140,000 to provide 500 new pairs of school shoes to learners at five different schools in Mseleni on KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast. That’s why she’s been running 130-1340km per week in preparation and will board a plane to Vietnam on Saturday to take on the gruelling Ultra-Asia race.

The four-stage event includes a brutal 6000 meters of positive elevation and 7000 meters of negative elevation and requires runners to carry their own supplies. Each night they sleep over in local villagers’ houses.

“I do not run for the podium, I run for the joy of it and for social impact – to make a small impact,” explained Nontuthuko, adding “This race is particularly special because during the event, we will spend the nights in traditional houses on stilts. This kind of experience keeps me grounded and aligns well with the causes I run for. I run for children from the deep rural villages, with special focus on the North Coast. Running a race where I will immerse myself in the villages is spiritually awakening. I love that!”

Asked whether she is daunted by the task ahead, Nontuthuko reckoned: “You need a strong mind, legs, and back. I am also in the right mood and mental state for it. I feel calm. Running for a cause has helped me to enjoy the process more, knowing I am running for something. This is how my initiative called: ‘Go Beyond for a Child’ was born. I run long and far for a child in need.

“Running for a cause has ignited me. I have always loved adventure and have taken on daring challenges before, but since 2019, my love for adventure has grown immensely as I get to achieve a lot through my passion for running. I get the opportunity to give back and change lives, thanks to generous sponsors. They make it happen, they believe in me and the causes I run for,” added Nontuthuko, making special mention of kit sponsor Salomon, MANI Industries, Hollywood Foundation and Bidvest Tank Terminals for their support of her previous challenge.

Those wanting to donate to the cause can do so online at: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/primary-school-children or for more information email: [email protected]

SPAR Women’s Challenge Back with a Bang

Roxanne MartinNewsLeave a Comment on SPAR Women’s Challenge Back with a Bang
  • 70 000 runners are expected as the SPAR Women’s Challenge returns to capacity after the Covid restrictions
  • Exciting changes to the prize money structure add new incentives for local athletes

 The SPAR Women’s Challenge series is back with a bang and changes to the rules and prizes in the associated SPAR Grand Prix offer local runners massive new financial incentives.

For the first time since 2019, the SPAR Women’s Challenge races will be open to thousands of women in each of the six cities nationwide.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, no races were run in 2020. In 2021, SPAR came to the rescue of the elite runners by hosting six races in a limited format. This was done in accordance with Covid-19 protocols giving the top runners an opportunity to compete and to earn money.

Social runners were able to take part in a SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge, running on their own and sharing their experiences online.

In 2022, the six races were spread out over six months, but numbers remained limited, with social runners once again taking part in a Virtual Challenge.

The 2023 SPAR Women’s Challenge will return to its original format and will again be open to thousands of women runners and walkers of all ages and abilities. The popular 5km Fun Run is back and will be staged alongside the classic SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge, which incorporates the prestigious SPAR Grand Prix.

Former SPAR Grand Prix winner, Kesa Molotsane, is thrilled that the races are once again open to all.  “The SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge was a brilliant idea, but there is nothing quite like a real SPAR Women’s Challenge event,’ she said. ‘It’s so exciting to encounter the different cultures and personalities at these races.  We were very grateful to SPAR that we were able to compete during the pandemic, but I think we all missed the festive atmosphere that always surrounds the SPAR Women’s Challenges.”

Kesa added, “I am looking forward to seeing new, exciting talent that always emerges every year. There may have been runners who couldn’t run in the restricted races but now have the chance to show what they can do.”

SPAR Group’s National Sponsorship and Events Manager, Charlene Subbarayan, is also delighted that the SPAR Women’s Challenges will once again involve thousands of women. “SPAR is all about promoting healthy living and good health means a healthy lifestyle so what better way, than to get everyone out in the open air, training for the SPAR Women’s Challenge series. The SPAR Women’s Challenge offers us a way of thanking our customers by providing them with a day of fun and entertainment, with plenty of spot prizes at all the races,” she said.

“We are so happy that we can once again welcome thousands of women of all ages to our 10km races and 5km Fun Runs. Our target national entry is 70 000 women in 2023,” added Subbarayan.

The President of Athletics South Africa (ASA), James Moloi, said the SPAR Women’s Challenge series is an important part of the South African athletics calendar. “Many women get a taste for running after training to take part in these unique women-only races. The SPAR Grand Prix races also offer the elite runners an opportunity to test themselves and the presence of international athletes, who are drawn to the race by the lucrative prize money. This has spurred our domestic runners to improve their times,” he said.

In the SPAR Grand Prix, there are several exciting developments. In recent years, the dominance of athletes from Ethiopia and Namibia has made it difficult for the South Africans to earn the top prizes. This year, local athletes will win prizes in addition to the overall prize pool. In the 6 races, the first 2 South Africans across the finish line will win R10 000 and R5 000 respectively. They are eligible to collect the overall prizes as well, starting at R30 000 for a win, R25 000 for second place and R21 000 for third.

The prize pool for the overall SPAR Grand Prix has been similarly structured. The winner will receive R200 000, second place R100 000 and the prizes go down to tenth place. This year there will also be a separate ‘competition within a competition’ for South African athletes, with the 5 top local runners taking home a total of R185 000 in addition to the money they win in the overall SPAR Grand Prix. First place will score a handsome R75 000.

The total prize purse across the SPAR Grand Prix is now R1.9 million, 14% up on 2022.

Another important change comes in the number of races to count for the final points table. In previous years, the total points scored by an athlete over the 6 races counted. This, however, placed runners who had to miss 1 or 2 races because of international commitments or injury at a disadvantage. This year, a runner’s four best performances in the SPAR Grand Prix races will count for points. This means that a runner can miss two races and still be competitive.

The SPAR Women’s Challenge series incorporating the SPAR Grand Prix 10km races will be held in Cape Town, Gqeberha, Durban, Mbombela, Tshwane and Johannesburg.

Ends.

2023 SPAR Grand Prix Calendar

Cape Town – Sunday, 23 April 2023 – Green Point Common

Gqeberha – Saturday, 27 May 2023 – Pollok Beach, Summerstrand

Durban – Sunday, 25 June 2023 – Kings Park Stadium

Mbombela – Saturday, 15 July 2023 – Mbombela Stadium

Tshwane – Saturday, 5 August 2023 – SuperSport Park

Joburg – Sunday, 1 October 2023 – Marks Park Sporting Club

Mad About the Traverse

Roxanne MartinFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Mad About the Traverse

As a spectator at the Rhodes Dryland Traverse in 2021, I could already see why it is considered an aspirational, must-do, bucket-list event by many in the South African trail running community, and having ‘graduated’ to stage racing during 2022, I jumped at the opportunity to run it myself this past November. It turned out to be a wonderful running experience, in spite of a few challenges my side, and left me wanting more of the Swartberg trails, awesome vibe and banana bread! – By Nicole Hayes