Category: News

With 80 days to go to the 92nd Comrades Marathon on Sunday 4 June, the big day of anticipation for nearly 6000 novice Comrades runners is fast approaching. In putting Runners First, the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) has once again partnered with major sponsor, Bonitas Medical Fund, to bring the novice-specific seminars to runners across the country.

At the seminars, runners will be able to interact with the official Comrades Coach, Lindsey Parry and other experts, including a medical doctor and dietician. Lindsey will share valuable information regarding training, injury prevention and treatment; recovery; reasons for failure and how to prevent them; tapering and race day strategies.

The medical doctor will will share health advice with the runners to ensure that they understand the dangers of taking medication while running, as well as some rules to adhere to for a good run and a great race day. Meanwhile. registered dietician Nicki De Villiers will cover runners’ nutrition, including what to eat and drink while training as well as race-day sustenance.

DATES & VENUES FOR BONITAS COMRADES MARATHON NOVICE SEMINARS 2017

Wednesday 22 March, 7pm
CAPE TOWN
Host Club: K-Way VOB
Venue: Constantia Bowls Club, Main Road, Constantia , Cape Town

Tuesday 28 March, 7pm
JOHANNESBURG
Host Club: Sunninghill Striders
Venue: The Auditorium, Eskom Megawatt Park, No 1 Maxwell Drive Sunninghill, Sandton

Wednesday 29 March, 7pm
JOHANNESBURG
Host Club: Benoni Northerns
Venue: Benoni Northerns Sports Club, 1 Brodigan Street, Rynfield, Benoni

Tuesday 4 April, 7pm
PRETORIA
Host Club: Irene
Venue: The Auditorium, Agricultural Research Council, Irene Campus, Olifantsfontein Road, Irene, Pretoria

Thursday 6 April, 7pm
DURBAN
Host Club: Savages
Venue: 132 Hollander Crescent, Morningside, Durban

These seminars are interactive and highly informative. Entry is free and bookings are not necessary. For more information, please e-mail CMA Marketing Coordinator, Nonkululeko Mdlalose at [email protected]. Zinikele – It takes all of you!

The official 2017 Comrades Marathon Substitution Process opens tomorrow, 14 March. This means that runners who were unable to enter the 2017 Comrades Marathon during the official entry period (1 September – 30 November 2016) now have an opportunity to still be part of the world’s most famous ultra-marathon on Sunday 4 June, through the Substitution Process.

The process runs for an extra week this year, closing on Friday 14 April. The Substitution Process allows for a runner who has not entered to substitute an entrant who has withdrawn, or intends to withdraw from the 2017 Comrades Marathon.

Substitutions can only take effect on a like-for-like basis, meaning SA runners can only substitute for SA entrants, Rest of Africa (ROA) for other ROA runners, and International runners for International entrants.

Prospective substitutes are encouraged to do their applications online. Alternatively, they may send their completed applications via e-mail to [email protected] or hand-deliver them to Comrades House in Pietermaritzburg. Please do not post forms.

The completed application forms as specified in the Substitution Rule must reach the CMA office by 14 April 2017. There will be no extension of this deadline and no postal applications will be accepted. The cost of the Substitution application is R150,00.

Athletes intending to submit Substitution application forms are advised to visit the official Comrades Marathon website at www.comrades.com for the downloadable forms and the comprehensive list of rules and regulations which govern the Substitution Process.

Race Director Rowyn James says, “The Substitution Rule has been part of the Comrades Marathon entry rules for the past five years. It has been very well received by our runners and forms a tangible part of our Runners First initiative. With the 92nd running of the Comrades Marathon this year, we look forward to seeing many more athletes taking to the start line on Sunday 4 June.”

Run for Botswana

Are you tired of running the same races day in and day out? Are you looking for a change of scenery? Perhaps a new event to add to your personal running calendar? Look no further, Modern Athlete is giving you an amazing opportunity to try your luck at the 2017 Diacore Gaborone Marathon.

The Diacore Gaborone Marathon is Botswana’s largest running event! The inaugural event was held in 2010 and now seven years down the line, the Diacore Gaborone Marathon is an IAAF certified qualifier for the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon, the Commonwealth Games as well as the Olympic Games Marathon Event.

Being the flattest and fastest course in Southern Africa, the race attracts crowds from well over 30 countries around the world. In 2016 the marathon hosted over 6500 professional and recreational runners. The event offers a 4km, 10km, 21km and 42km allowing people of all ages to try their hand at the whole running scene. The Diacore Gaborone Marathon is a charity sports event and all proceeds go to charity and CSR.

Since 2010 the race has raised over four million rand, and has been afforded the opportunity to donate funds to many deserving non-profit organisations. As testament to the event’s growth and success, the 2017 Diacore Gaborone Marathon welcomes the De Beers Group of Companies as a new Diamond status sponsor.

This unique partnership will focus on commitment to youth development in the areas of commerce, technology and lifestyle to name a few. The marathon affords yet another avenue for the company to achieve its goals of capacitating Botswana’s future leaders in a tangible and effective way.

Registration for the 2017 Diacore Gaborone Marathon is currently underway and will close on Friday, 17 March 2017. The event is set for Sunday, 7 May 2017 and will begin and end at the world class Peermont Grand Palm Hotel and Casino resort. For out of town runners, the Grand Palm has reserved special rates for the marathon weekend which are detailed on the official Diacore Gaborone Marathon website. Shuttle services for guests to and from the airport are also available.

WIN with Modern Athlete

Modern Athlete is once again giving runners an amazing opportunity. Enter the Modern Athlete Diacore Gaborone Marathon competition and stand in line to win an amazing weekend away at the Peermont Grand Palm Hotel and Casino Resort for two people sharing and at the same time bag yourself an entry into the 2017 Diacore Gaborone Marathon valued at R4000.00.

This prize does not included travel to and from Botswana and the winner must be able to travel to Botswana between Friday, 5 May and Sunday, 7 May 2017. This prize is not transferable to another date and must be used the weekend of the marathon.

With 101 days to go to the 2017 Comrades Marathon, the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) together with major sponsor, Bonitas Medical Fund is hosting the Bonitas-Comrades Women’s Seminar in Johannesburg on Saturday 25 February at 09h00.

This will be the first of two women-specific seminars in South Africa’s largest city that has been sold out. Gauteng leads the provincial entry tally with 9907 entrants. Comrades Coach, Lindsey Parry and other professionals, including a sports psychologist, medical doctor and dietician will be sharing their knowledge to best equip and empower the ladies at the interactive breakfast session relating to all things Comrades.

The female participants in this year’s Ultimate Human Race as well as those aiming to run the ultra-marathon in the future will be provided with the technical as well as professional support to perform at their best. The sessions are fun, informative and packed with expert advice, tailor-made for the woman ultra-runner.

CMA Marketing Coordinator, Nonkululeko Mdlalose says, “Our aim is for all ladies taking part in this year’s Comrades Marathon to be adequately prepared for the challenge. At these seminars, the ladies are empowered with the technical and professional support that they require to train well and run a good race on Sunday, 4 June 2017.”

A delicious breakfast as well as a delightful head and neck massage is part of the deal. The City of Gold’s second female-focused session takes place in two week’s time, as per the date and venue below. Bookings may be done at www.comrades.com

SAT 25 FEB 2017, JOHANNESBURG SOUTHERN SUN MONTECASINO, VERONA 2 &3
SAT 11 MAR 2017, JOHANNESBURG SOUTHERN SUN OR TAMBO AIRPORT, ILANGA

Returning to the majestic Grabouw Country Club the weekend of 24 – 26 February 2017 the Fedhealth XTERRA South African Championship has attracted the attention of a strong field of elite off-road triathletes, both locally and internationally.

Reigning XTERRA SA Champion, Bradley Weiss obliterated the field in 2016 with his impressive finishing time of 02 hours 30 minutes 42 seconds. Since this victory Weiss has placed first at XTERRA Philippines and second at the XTERRA Asia Pacific Tour. “XTERRA Grabouw is the largest XERRA in the world with one of the most demanding bike courses,” says Weiss. “The field is always deep, providing great competition and a very close and exciting race. I will be there to defend my title. Richard Murray has been one of SA’s best triathletes for the past few years. I believe he will bring the biggest challenge as well as Stuart Marais who won the title in 2015, but sadly missed out in 2016 due to illness.”

Stuart Marais is looking forward to the off-road racing. “I would like to win,” says Marais. “With XTERRA Grabouw attracting the cream of SA triathlon, there are a number of athletes who will be able to challenge for the overall win. The number of international athletes entered is testimony to the quality of the event that is hosted by Stillwater Sports. It's great to have strong competition. Hopefully I will be up to the challenge.”

Brice Daubord (France) is ready for his second attempt at the SA title. “Due to a mechanical problem on the mountain bike courseI did not finish the 2016 XTERRA Grabouw,” says Daubord. “My goal is to enjoy the event before, during and after the race. I am hoping for a top eight finish and expect tough competition from local, Bradley Weiss and my two friends Kris Coddens (Belgium) and Francois Carloni (France).”

According to Jan Pyott (Switzerland), the XTERRA SA Championship in Grabouw is his favourite race. “The course is stunning. It features a bit of everything – it’s flowing, technical and scenic. The people in and around the race make it very special.”

Kris Coddens (Belgium) is looking forward to his XTERRA SA debut. “I am a school teacher by profession. This is the first year that the event fits in with our school holiday. The beauty and grandeur of XTERRA Grabouw is iconic. I am hoping for a podium finish.”

EVENT INFORMATION:Fedhealth XTERRA South African Championship (Grabouw Country Club, Western Cape)

Dates and Events

Friday, 24 February 2017: Fedhealth XTERRA Kids 6-8 years (60m Swim, 2km MTB, 600m Trail Run)
9-11 years (100m Swim, 3km MTB, 1.5km Trail Run) (12-15 years (250m Swim, 5km MTB, 2.5km Trail Run)
Saturday, 25 February 2017: Fedhealth XTERRA Full: 1.5km swim, 28km MTB, 12.5km trail run
Sunday, 26 February 2017: XTERRA Trail Run: 12.5km and 5km
Sunday, 26 February 201:  Fedhealth XTERRA Lite: 400m swim, 12.5km MTB, 5km trail run

The Prize Purse for the Fedhealth XTERRA Grabouw has increased to a whopping R154 000. The top five finishers in the XTERRA Full open men’s and women’s races will receive prize money, with the first place winners each taking home R30 000.

Forming part of the XTERRA World Tour, athletes taking part in the Fedhealth XTERRA Grabouw stand a chance to qualify for the XTERRA World Championship that will take place in Maui later in the year.

Follow us on Twitter: @XTERRASA / @Fedhealthmed
Like our FaceBook page: XTERRA South Africa / Fedhealth Medical Aid

For further information or to enter the Fedhealth XTERRA Grabouw contact 082 991 0045, email [email protected] or visit www.stillwatersports.com
 

Olympic gold medallist and 400m world record holder, Wayde van Niekerk, has proposed to his girlfriend, Chesney Campbell. The athlete shared the happy news on his Instagram account with an image and text that read “She said yes”

Modern Athlete would like to congratulate Wayde and Chesney on a happy engagement and wish them all the best for the future!

Garmin Southern Africa, the global leader in GPS lifestyle technology, are proud to announce their partnership with the 2017 Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon, as the Official Technical Product Sponsor for the second year running. This partnership further entrenches Garmin’s commitment to this sport and sets out their ambitions in the running market.

The Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon is known as the biggest running event in South Africa and entrants travel from abroad to experience the race that is also known as the world’s most beautiful marathon. “Garmin are very proud to be part of this event again and as leaders in innovative running technology, we are excited to introduce our line of 2017 Forerunner products and display innovations and new product releases across sports and wellness to all the entrants attending the event,” said Walter Mech, CEO of Garmin Sub Saharan Africa.

At Garmin, we realise that no runner is the same, therefore, our watches cater to a variety of training needs. Our diverse Forerunner range ensures that no matter your level, there is a training partner that is right for you and comprises of three categories, namely, the Teammate, the Mentor and the Expert ranges. Our watches have sleek designs, built in GPS, long battery life and running metrics suited to your level. Depending on your preference, there are watches that include Wrist Based Heart Rate, however, the whole Forerunner range can be paired with our premium Garmin heart rate monitors. 

Advanced features work around your goals and suggest new ones. Some watches even have music controls and connected features to make your training session that much more enjoyable, encouraging you to #BeatYesterday and achieve your personal best. Once you finish your activity you can monitor and share your progress on Garmin Connect™ our online training tool, to help you better yesterday’s goals.

“It is an honour to be recognised as the preferred watch amongst some of the country’s top athletes, such as Caroline Wöstmann, Tanith Maxwell, Irvette Van Zyl, Christine Kalmer, Rene Kalmer and Landie Greyling who all train and race with a Garmin Forerunner of their choice.” continues Walter Mech.

Garmin will yet again be exhibiting and attracting record crowds at the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon Expo, offering all runners technical support for their running devices, in addition to showcasing the latest 2017 Forerunner product range. The Expo is an opportunity for all sports enthusiasts and entrants to visit the Garmin stand and experience the latest technology available in running and be part of the exciting atmosphere leading up to the race.

Photo opportunities with our running ambassadors will also be available! The ever-expanding Garmin sport and wellness segment develops technologies to enhance and promote healthy and active lifestyles. Whether users are runners, cyclists, swimmers, multi-sport athletes, or simply looking to stay active throughout the day, there is a product that can help them reach their health and fitness goals.

To learn more about Garmin’s 2017 range of Forerunner Watches, visit: http://www.garmin.co.za/fitness_products_running.php

For more information on the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon, visit: http://www.twooceansmarathon.org.za/

Runners mourn the loss of Comrades Marathon runner, Simon Mkhize who has passed away last Friday, 14th of October, at the age of 74. Simon was the first Black runner to obtain his Comrades Green Number for running the Comrades Marathon ten times and went on to achieve Double Green Number status.

“Simon was a pioneer and a leader, who inspired many young people to take up sports. He was passionate about sports and was a very gifted sportsman. He pioneered the way for Black participants in the Duzi Canoe Marathon. Even in his later years he always had time to give advice to runners on how they could improve their running. He will be missed.” Said Comrades Marathon Chairman Macdonald Chitja.

With 20 successful Comrades finishes, Simon accumulated 12 Bronze and 8 Silver medals, achieving his best time of 06h40min in 1971. After the Comrades Marathon was officially opened up to runners of all races and genders he was awarded all his retrospective Comrades finishes that he had run prior to 1975.

Simon was born on the 4th of March, 1942, near Howick. He was one of 9 children, with five sisters and three brothers and had begun running when he was 28-years-old. As a keen sport's enthusiast he eventually took up canoeing and became the first black person to take part in the Duzi Canoe Marathon. Simon also got involved in mountain climbing and rafting, which became one of his favourite pastimes.

Farewells and Tributes from the Comrades Marathon Association have poured in for Simon following the news of his passing.

Former CMA Chairperson, Barry Varty says, “It is sad to learn that Simon has reached the 'end of the road ', and crossed the finish line for the last time. We remember his disadvantaged years and his retrospective reward in being recognised for his 'unofficial' Comrades Marathon runs. We don't say goodbye, we say: ‘Carry on Simon, we'll catch you later’.”

CMA Vice Chairperson, Cheryl Winn says, “I personally did not know Simon, but my husband Mick remembers him as an accomplished athlete and an upstanding citizen, entrepreneur, role model and trailblazer for future Comrades Marathon runners. He was one of the first athletes to be awarded medals retrospectively for having completed the Comrades Marathon unofficially prior to 1975 and which were substantiated as official.”

CMA International Brand Ambassador for Scotland, Don Mellor reflects on the humble and talented sportsman that Simon was. “I remember Simon as a 'quietly spoken man' who had an enormous running talent. It's no wonder that he went on to achieve such an amazing Comrades record. RIP Simon Mkhize.”

CMA Board Member, Terence Hoskins says, “I had the opportunity of getting to know Simon very well. He always exhibited the fine and noble qualities of a gentlemen, in sport as in life. He was a talented and disciplined individual who inspired many athletes to greatness. He was a great guy and will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with his family and friends.”

CMA Green Number Convener, Eileen Hall says, “I have huge respect for Simon as I knew him from when he ran with my Dad, Ray Karg. He was a very humble, respectful and pleasant runner.”

His funeral was held on Saturday the 15th of October. 

Simon was an inspiration and had a true passion for his sports, he will be sorely missed.

Modern Athlete magazine is thrilled to break the news that former Olympian, multiple SA Champion and Modern Athlete Brand Ambassador Rene Kalmer is 16 weeks pregnant! She and husband Andre van Wyk will welcome their newborn to the world early next March.

Rene says that the news came as quite a surprise: “We found out about three weeks after my recent hip operation, and that immediately caused us some concern, because of the anaesthetic and radiation from X-rays, but the doctors said the radiation was minimal and have assured us that everything will be fine. I would not have had the operation if I had known I was pregnant.”

The couple decided to keep the news to themselves at first, to confirm everything and check everything was fine, and thus Rene did not tell her sister Christine about the pregnancy until after she returned from competing in the marathon at the Rio Olympics. “She was actually a bit upset with me at first for not telling her before she left, but we wanted to be sure, and the news of the pregnancy was the deal-breaker in me deciding not to go to Rio with the rest of the family to support Christine. I was already on crutches after the operation, and didn’t want to risk anything else.”

They were still keeping it a close family secret at Christine’s wedding on 18 September, where Rene says she had to do some strategic camouflaging to hide the fact that she was already showing. “We have only told a few close family members and friends, so it was quite funny at Christine’s wedding, because I tried to hold the bouquet in front of my stomach for the pictures. It was her big day, and I wanted to keep my news for another day.”

Rene was due to return to running around December, but will now be out of running action for a while longer. “I think it is actually perfect timing, and we couldn’t have planned it better. The recovery from hip surgery is four to six months, so I’m just adding an extra three months to have a baby. And then I hope to return ready to run!”

Rene Represented South Africa at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, competing in the 1500m, then went to the 2012 London Olympics to run in the marathon. She has also competed in the IAAF World Championships twice, the World Indoor Champs, and has run at eight editions of the World Cross Country Champs. Added to that, she has won more than 40 SA titles in her competitive career, from junior level through to senior level.