Category: News

One year on……..from 5km to 42km in 365 days.
That’s the story of this middle of the road fatty, who, on May 1st 2015 quite literally huffed and puffed her way to a Deloitte Challenge 5km medal and exactly one year later, at the 2016 Challenge, “ground” through 42km for an eagerly desired finisher’s medal. Not that I didn’t “hit the wall”, think seriously about “bailing”, question my sanity, mutter and scowl while plodding the hills, wonder where everyone was on the flat sections plus question the marshals during the last 5km as to why the finish line had been moved. At the end of it all, my name is written in the annals of KwaZulu-Natal’s marathon history.
Let the record show; I love marathons. Lead me to the start line of the next, and the next, and the next, and the next, and the……get my point?
Please allow me to emphasise my marathon running future in the words of that ever popular ’60 – ‘70s pop group, The Hollies and their ’69 mash hit, He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother;
The road is long, With many a winding turns, That leads us to who knows where, Who knows where?
The road running bug has not so much bitten but rather wedged itself into every fibre of my being.
Three marathons medals hanging on the wall and there’s loads of room for many, many more. I’ve reached the stage in this matter of regular running where; no run – no smile, which I understand is the psychological disposition of a marathon runner. Life is miserable without my daily run.
What continues to astound me in my pursuit of distance running medals is that I have also reached the place where it hardly seems worthwhile gearing up for a 10km run. Can this really be? Is this what I have become? Is this the same person, who after her initial foray into the world of road running, was virtually brought to her knees (not in the Biblical sense you understand) from exhaustion after what would now be considered warm-up?
How well I recall that first Deloitte Challenge 5km in ‘15. Every aspect of the event was overwhelming. The large crowd of runners, the route, the aches and pains during the run and not least of all, the uncertainly of whether I would be able to stand upright while receiving my medal after suffering oxygen deprivation during the final kilometre These reflections still leave me with a profound sense of wonder and accomplishment.
My three ’16 marathons each have special memories indelibly etched in my mind.
‘Maritzburg City Marathon, my first, screamed with fear of the unknown. Is this for real? I have no idea of the route. What do I eat along the way? Can I go the distance? Will my legs hold out? Can I finish? What if……? The finish line……so soon? One down. First 42km finishers medal EVER. Happiness is……
Number two, Veralum; the loneliness of the long distance runner. Where has everyone gone? Why is it so quiet here…..? There’s no one to talk to……dogs aren’t even barking. All I can see is sugar cane. Why am I doing this? Am I having fun yet? What……my second medal already? Watch me drill this one next year
The Deloitte Challenge, my third 42km, had me questioning (rather brashly I’m afraid); who said there were no steep climbs in this marathon? Is this the race everyone said was downhill? Road runners speak with fork tongue……I’m in another race ……I’m on the wrong road, I can feel it. Where are the down hills everyone talked about and why have all the marshals gone home early? I can see the finish line; 500m to go……time to celebrate……another one bites the dust
A week later I attempted the Durban City Marathon but with KZN receiving its total summer rain fall in one weekend, I hauled my drenched, soggy body and shoes to a 21km medal. The proverbial water, water everywhere never rang truer.
This year has also registered a number of growth areas in my life. There has been an increase in my pain threshold. I have met a variety of medical practitioners whom under normal circumstances I would have not known existed. I have discovered a host of over the counter pain remedies. I have explored a world of diets previously unbeknown to me plus I have taken on an entirely new athletic vocabulary. I have also mastered new codes; LSD, PB, Negative Splits, DNS, DNF and VO2Max, plus I have taken to mixing my drinks while on the run. I also now treat pain with ice. In addition I go to bed tired and I wake up tired each morning.
Oh……and have I mentioned I now consume enough food and drink for three obese adults?
And in that my dear readers, lies the agony of my new found passion – I am still a middle of the road fatty. I don’t do weight loss.
I wonder why?

SANDTON, JOHANNESBURG, 11 MAY 2016 – Today, 11^th of May 2016, Comrades Marathon major sponsor, Nedbank, hosted their elite Nedbank Club runners from around the country at Nedbank’s Head Office in Johannesburg for an official Nedbank Running Club media launch and Comrades marathon send-off.

This is the first time that Nedbank has hosted its top Comrades Marathon gold medal contenders in the same place at the same time prior to this major race. This momentous occasion allowed media the rare opportunity to interview these elite athletes prior to the Comrades Marathon.

The send-off began at 7am with a 5km fun run/walk around the Nedbank Head Office in Sandton, involving Nedbank Running Club elite runners, their coaches and managers, plus Nedbank staff and executive management, and the media. This was followed by a Nedbank-sponsored breakfast during which Nedbank CEO, Mike Brown, gave a heartfelt speech wishing all runners good luck for their 2016 Comrades Marathon endeavour.

Pro runners flown up for this event included Nedbank Running Club’s Claude Moshiywa, who was the first South African winner of the Comrades Marathon’s ‘Up Run’ in 21 years when he claimed victory at the 88^th marathon in 2013. Moshiywa placed 3^rd at the 2011 marathon and 7^th at the 2015 marathon.

Also present was Charne Bosman (4^th Women – 2016 Two Oceans Marathon, 5^th Women – 2015 Two Oceans Marathon, 2^nd Women 2015 Comrades Marathon); Ludwick Mamabolo (6^th – 2016 Two Oceans Marathon, 2^nd – 2014 Comrades Marathon, 4^th – 2013 Comrades Marathon); Siphiwe Ndlela (10^th – 2016 Two Oceans Marathon, 17^th – 2015 Comrades Marathon); Eric Ngubane (19^th in 2009 Comrades Marathon), and Renier Grobler (18^th in 2015 Comrades Marathon) – will also be at the event.

“This rare but fantastic official media launch and CEO send-off, for and by the Nedbank Running Club, was aimed at giving elite Nedbank-sponsored athletes, Nedbank employees, and the media, the rare opportunity to interact in a fun and informal atmosphere. The send-off was about celebrating the growth of the Nedbank Running Club and how it continues to add immense value to thousands of social and Nedbank Dream Team elite runners across the country.

This momentous occasion in Nedbank history also offered our CEO, and our formidable runners, the heart-warming opportunity to say hello and thank you to one another, which was an amazing experience for all of them,” said Tobie Badenhorst, Head of Sponsorship and Cause Marketing at Nedbank.

Nedbank CEO, Mike Brown, took the opportunity to announce that Nedbank has signed a further three-year sponsorship deal with the Nedbank Running Club, which will extend the bank’s support for the club to 2019. Launched in 2008, the Nedbank Running Club’s core focus has been to bring running enthusiasts together in a social but competitive environment, also identifying and guiding talented individuals to their full potential in the sport. Under the expert management of Nick Bester (past Comrades Marathon winner), the Nedbank Running Club has 13 branches in 12 cities around South Africa, and has grown from a base of 1 200 runners in 2008, to 3 800 runners in 2015.

Testament to its success, Nedbank’s representation at the 90^th Comrades Marathon in 2015 saw more than 1000 Nedbank Club runners enter the event, with nine of the 20 gold medals going to Nedbank Club members.

“Nedbank remains a dedicated supporter, and sponsor, of South African runners. Running provides opportunities for all South Africans across cultural, racial and financial barriers. Running is truly a sport for all. We look forward to once again seeing the Nedbank colours fill the streets in the 2016 Comrades Marathon,” said Badenhorst.

At the media launch, Mike Brown also unveiled Nedbank’s 2016 Comrades Marathon CSI initiative to support the #GoSandile campaign.

Said Badenhorst, “Four years ago, 17-year-old Sandile Mbili from Diepsloot in Johannesburg lost his legs due to a bacterial infection. The amputation confined Sandile to a wheelchair. This affected his life tremendously, especially getting to and from school as most taxis would refuse to pick him up. With the help of two non-profit organisations – One School at a Time and the Jumping Kids Foundation – Sandile has been fitted with prosthetic legs.”

To motivate Sandile to walk again using his prosthetic legs, the Jumping Kids Foundation launched a Twitter campaign called #GoSandile, which encourages everyone to tweet motivational messages to him, using the #GoSandile hashtag. These tweets are printed out and given to Sandile at each of his physiotherapy sessions, encouraging him to take another step to success.

“Nedbank truly believes in this positive campaign to encourage and motivate Sandile to run again, and have challenged Sandile to do something incredible – they have challenged him to run the Nedbank Green Mile, which is 1.6km, at the 2016 Comrades Marathon,” said Badenhorst,

Badenhorst says that this distance will be physically and mentally challenging for Sandile, but what will motivate him tremendously is that he won’t be running for fun, he’ll be running to raise funds for other child paraplegics in a similar situation to himself.

To help Sandile help other runners like himself – simply send a tweet of encouragement to @PhambiliSandile with the hashtags #GoSandile #NedbankGreenMile.

With all the tweets received, Nedbank will create a 1.6km Twitter track at the 2016 Comrades Marathon Nedbank Green Mile for Sandile to run over. For every Tweet that Sandile receives and is used for the track, a donation will be made to the Jumping Kids Foundation to help more paraplegic children get prosthetic legs.

Said Sandile, “I am so excited. I like helping people. I can see the difference that these legs have brought to my life and if I can help people by just running, I’ll never stop.”

 

 

 

 

Editors’ Notes

Nedbank is an official major sponsor of the 2016 Comrades Marathon.

The first Comrades Marathon took place on 24th May 1921, Empire Day, starting outside the City Hall in Pietermaritzburg with 34 runners. It has continued since then every year with the exception of the war years 1941-1945, with the direction alternating each year between Pietermaritzburg and Durban, the so called up & down runs.

The Nedbank Green Mile is the only official spectator point along the marathon route, offering Comrades supporters a perfect vantage point to view all the race action. It is located along Old Main Road in Kloof and is just 26km from the finish line in Kingsmead, Durban.

Entry into the Nedbank Green Mile Spectator Zone is free and festivities start at 8am.

This year the 89-km marathon starts in Pietermaritzburg and ends in Durban on 29 May 2016.

Recently, concern was raised about Irvette van Zyl and her qualification for the Rio Olympic Games set to happen in August 2016.

Irvette stated that the 10 000m was always Plan-B. Irvette had qualified for the Olympic Games by running a time of 2:32:20 in the recent London Marathon. She is confident that the training she is receiving from coach Lindsay Parry will enable her to run a faster 10 000m time than 32 minutes.

“The problem is that I am battling to get an invite to compete in an international 10 000m race. Time is running out and the fact that I have already qualified for the Games in the marathon could mean that, at least for the moment, I might abandon my plan to try to qualify in a second event.”

Irvette said that she and her coach Lindsay Parry have learned valuable lessons from her participation in the 2016 London Marathon.

“I will be honest.  To be able to run a sub 32-minute 10 000m race is one of those must-do goals I have set myself. So if I don’t do it this year I will definitely try to do it next year. I am actually considering to race more on the track next year.”

But running the marathon is the least of the Nedbank runner’s problems at this very moment in time. On Sunday, 15 May 2016, Irvette will be competing in the FNB Cape Town 12 ONERUN. While Irvette is confident that she is able to win any race from 5km to 21km, she is not so sure about being victorious over 12 kilometres.

“Twelve kilometres is an odd distance to race. Last year I raced it exactly the same way I would have done over 10km, but those last two kilometres felt very long. I think I will have to change my mind-set when I race on Sunday.”

Although Irvette has not been beaten in a local race this season, she is hesitant to make any predictions. The organisers have invited some top international athletes and the competition will be very interesting.

“The best I can do will be to try and make a race of it. Then whatever happens, happens.”

Modern Athlete together with Go Sports Travel in partnership with Air Mauritius and LUX* Resorts & Hotels are giving you the chance to win an all-expenses paid trip to Mauritius to take part in the LUX* Mauritius Marathon! This is the perfect opportunity to escape the Winter Chill and head off for warmer weather, and maybe a cocktail or two.

Being run for the seventh time, the marathon takes place on 17 July 2016, starting at Saint Felix’s Beach, the route runs towards Riambel and then onto Le Morne Village, giving runners the opportunity to race along one of the most beautiful coastal roads the island has to offer. Runners also get a taste of local life as the route takes them through some typical fishing villages, and ending on the white sandy beaches of Saint Felix, runners can cool off with a swim in the lagoon while cheering on those still coming in.

It’s a magical race, so enter today and you will stand a chance of winning the trip for two to not only run it, but also to have a much-needed holiday on one of the most beautiful tropical islands in the world!

Valued at over R30 000 the prize includes:

• Return flights on Air Mauritius
• 5-night stay for two people sharing at the LUX*Tamassa Bel Ombre Hotel
• Entry for two people for the LUX* Mauritius Marathon
• Two TomTom Runner 2 watches

How to Enter:

Click on the link below, fill out your details and hit Enter – it’s that easy!

To increase your chances of winning, sign up for a free digital subscription for Modern Athlete Magazine and gain an extra entry into the competition! You can add another entry to your basket by signing up for a free digital subscription to Modern Cyclist Magazine.

But wait, there’s more… Refer friends using our 'Refer a Friend' form, and if they enter the competition as well, you will gain more entries into the competition! There is no limit on how many friends you can refer, so run with it!

Closing Date for Entries is 24 June 2016 so enter now! T's and C's apply.

 

The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) has announced that its official 2016 Comrades Marathon Substitution Process is open as of today, 1 April 2016, and will be open for the next three weeks, closing on 21 April.

This means that runners who were unable to enter the 2016 Comrades Marathon during the official entry period from 1 September to 30 November 2015 now have an opportunity to still be part of the world’s most famous ultra-marathon on Sunday 29 May 2016 via the Substitution process. The process allows for a runner who has not entered to substitute in for an entrant who has withdrawn, or intends to withdraw, from the 2016 edition of The Ultimate Human Race.

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.

The completed application forms as specified in the Substitution Rule must reach the CMA office by 21 April 2016. There will be no extension of this deadline and no postal applications will be accepted.

Athletes still 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. Prospective substitutes are encouraged to do their application online.

Race Director Rowyn James says, “The Substitution Rule has been part of the Comrades Marathon entry rules for the past four years. It has been very well received by our runners and we look forward to seeing many more athletes taking to the start line on Sunday 29 May 2016.”

With just under 3km to go in the 2016 Old Mutual Two oceans Marathon, Tanith Maxwell must have thought she had done enough to win the women’s title, having led for much of the race, then being overtaken by unheralded Ethiopian Amelework Fikadu Bosho on the Constantia Nek climb, but digging deep to reclaim the lead for much of the last 10km. However, she simply didn’t have an answer to the flying Caroline W?stmann, who once again left her charge late to power through and claim the win. She crossed the line in 3:44:44, 71 seconds ahead of Maxwell, wo had been third in 2015, with Bosho third

Last year W?stmann became the first South African female winner at Two Oceans in 14 years, then went on to win the Comrades Marathon as well, only the fourth athlete ever to record this ‘double’ in the two premier South African ultra-marathons. Then, just two weeks before this year’s Two Oceans, she won the Old Mutual Om Die Dam 50km ultra as well, becoming only the second athlete after Frith van der Merwe to win all three, and the first athlete ever to hold all three titles at the same time. Now, having won the Two Oceans again, she is on the brink of making history by winning all three in the same year, if she can repeat her Comrades win, and having run both Om Die Dam and Two Oceans fairly conservatively, she is looking odds on favourite to do so.

Before the race, W?stmann said that she would use the Two Oceans just as “a training run” in preparation for the Comrades in nine weeks, but once again she appeared to easily outrun the rest of the women without really having to exert herself. “I am very happy where I am in my training, although not quite in the same shape as I was last year, as I am planning to peak for the Comrades,” she said. “I think the absence of the Russians made the race slower than last year, and I was happy to let Tanith set the pace and to hang back in the main pack.” She said she then pushed hard for only the last 8km: “I asked myself, 'If I was running a time trial now, how do my legs feel?’ They didn't feel too bad.” W?stmann added that her aim is a another win and a sub-6 hour at Comrades, something that only Van der Merwe, American Ann Trason and Tatyana Zhirkova of Russia have done before. “I don't think this will mess up my Comrades,” she said.

In the men's race, the international contingent dominated as usual, but a strong wind buffeting the runners along Chapman's Peak Drive resulted in slower times overall. The win went to Zimbabwe’s Mike Fokoroni in 3:13:33, the slowest time since Phineas Makaba won in 3:15:06 as long ago as 1994. Three South Africans finished in the top ten, with former Comrades champion Modibe Ludwick Mamabolo taking sixth in 3:17:52.

Another highlight of the women’s race was the ultra-marathoning debut of SA all-time great Colleen De Reuck (51), who finished fifth in 3:53:07, demolishing the Master (50-59) age category course record and setting a new world age best at 50km of 3:27:38, shattering the previous time of 3:41:57 run by Brit Lavina Petrie in Canberra, Australia in 1994. Although now an American citizen, she received a rousing welcome everywhere she went pre-race, and the crowds loved her performance on race day as well. (Three other 50km records were also set: Fourth-placed woman Charne Bosman ran 3:24:46 for a South African record for veterans, as well as a WP open record, while the Pole Bogdan Barewski's 3:58:03 is a WP men’s open record for grandmasters.

Other notable finishes saw two runners, Tony Abrahamson and Louis Massyn, finish their 41st Two Oceans, in 5:08:44 and 6:08:24 respectively, to equal the all-time record held by the now retired Noel Stamper. These two grandmasters will pass that mark next year if they finish the 2017 Two Oceans.

The half marathon was missing a number of SA’s top runners, who were doing international duty at the World Half Marathon Champs in Cardiff, Wales on the same day, but the race still produced fast time. In the men's Half, Namakoe Nkhasi of Lesotho had to give everything in a sprint finish to beat SA track star Elroy Gelant by two seconds in a personal best of 1:03:38 – a mere three seconds slower than the course record held by three-time winner Stephen Mokoka, who was in Cardiff. The women’s race was dominated by Irvette van Zyle, who is the country’s fastest female half marathoner this year. She won easily in 1:13:14, just 31 seconds outside the course record, and more than four minutes clear of second-placed Onneile Dintwe of Botswana.

The IGNITE DISC & evoSPEED DISC Spike mark the 25th anniversary of the PUMA DISC laceless closure system, and the world's fastest man, Usain Bolt, will be running in them this year at the Rio Olympics.

Twenty-five years ago PUMA first introduced the DISC System into its range of running shoes, a revolutionary laceless closure system that allowed athletes to tighten the upper for an easy, custom fit by simply turning the DISC dial, which tightened the internal wire system.

The system proved highly popular High, even with top level track & field athletes such as Colin Jackson, who wore the DISC spike when he won gold in the 110m hurdles at the 1993 Word Champs in Stuttgart, while German long jump legend Heike Drechsler wore the DISC spike to propel her to the top step of the podium at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona.

This year, as PUMA celebrates 25 years of DISC innovation, the company took the original DISC design and made it lighter and sleeker. It’s quicker to turn, faster to tighten, and features smooth, durable steel wires to conform to the foot. As Kohei Hagio, PUMA Senior Head of Product Line Management for Running & Training Footwear, says, “At PUMA we strive to push the boundaries of innovation in all of our products. It’s a never-ending pursuit to be Forever Faster in everything we do. The DISC System technology is a representation of this commitment and desire.”

PUMA’s current roster of track & field athletes will wear the new DISC, including Asafa Powell, Andre de Grasse and Jenna Prandini, and, of course, the world’s fastest man, Usain Bolt, who says, “I’m all about speed and the evoSPEED DISC Spike gives the most comfortable fit in the quickest time. Whether on track or during training, every second is important, so I’m very pleased that with just a quick turn of the DISC, the spike is secure, comfortable and ready to run.”

These athletes need lightweight footwear that’s easy and comfortable to wear, and creates a customised fit. The IGNITE DISC trainer and evoSPEED DISC Spike deliver all of these and more.

The IGNITE DISC trainer ensures a quick and secure fit, allowing runners to just put on their shoes and go. The upper is comprised of comfort foam that conforms to the foot shape while a breathable net mesh hugs the foot adding maximum comfort and contributing to the lightweight feel of the shoe. Thanks to its IGNITE Foam midsole, the IGNITE DISC offers superior energy return with an exceptional cushioning material that disperses impact. It’s a unique PU foam formula that offers high rebound and fantastic comfort, with midsole chevron grooves that are design to compress during landing and rebound to provide energy return. ForEverFoam is integrated in the heel to provide durability for long-lasting performance. On the outsole, guidance grooves run from the heel to the toe to mimic the natural gait pattern for a smooth ride. Forefoot Flex Grooves allow for a smooth transition and toe-off.

The evoSPEED DISC Spike is designed for the world’s fastest athletes on the track. Like the flat version, it offers a secure and fast fit with PUMA’s updated, innovative fast closing system. It wraps and secures the foot onto the platform within a split-second. For ultimate traction and propulsion, it features an aggressive full length Pebax Sprint Plate with 8 spikes. Top-of-the-line, soft, aerodynamic Clarino® synthetic upper hugs the foot and locks the foot onto the plate for superb upper support.

The IGNITE DISC will be retailing for R1 999 from 14 April at PUMA stores and selected retailers nationwide. The evoSPEED DISC Spike will be available at PUMA stores only for R2 599.

2016 is shaping up to be a big sponsorship year for MiWay Insurance with the announcement of its second sponsorship deal this year. MiWay has been announced as the title sponsor of the 40th Wally Hayward Marathon, taking place at Hoërskool Zwartkop in Centurion on 2 May 2016. Earlier this year, MiWay and B-Active Sports announced their three year partnership of the ULTRA Triathlon Series, which kicks off on 6 March in KZN.

As Head of Marketing and Brand at MiWay, Nthabiseng Moloi, says, “We are delighted to be partnering with the Wally Hayward Marathon. This is part of our ongoing quest to support home-grown events that give athletes the freedom to showcase their talent and improve their performance, in order to compete in other iconic events.”

The 40th Wally Hayward Marathon comprises a marathon, half marathon and 10km road race, and a variety of fun runs. It will once again be held in honour of one of South Africa’s greatest long distance runners. Wally Hayward’s exceptional running career spanned six decades. He represented South Africa at the 1938 British Empire Games (forerunner of the Commonwealth Games), winning a bronze medal in the 6-mile race, and then at the 1952 Helsinki Olympic Games, but is best remembered for his remarkable achievements in the Comrades Marathon, which he won five times, and ran again at the ages of 79 and 80 in the late 80s.

The event caters for the whole family with fun activities planned for kids, and Francois Jordaan, Chairman of the presenting club, Alpha Centurion Runners and Walkers, says, “We are extremely proud, as well as excited, to be partnered with MiWay Insurance who share the same passion for service excellence and a client satisfaction as we do.”

MiWay also recently extended the membership in its ASA-registered running club, MiWay Warriors, to its clients and their friends and family at no cost. “Our increasing involvement in sports, is part of our commitment to fostering a healthy and balanced lifestyle not only for our staff, but for our clients too,” says Moloi.

Online registrations for the marathon are now open, and more race information can be found at www.wally.co.za. Comrades Marathon personnel will also be on hand to provide qualifying athletes with information.

The Modern Athlete tam was saddened to hear earlier this week that one of South Africa’s greatest female ultra-marathon runners, Riana van Niekerk, passed away on 13 February after a nine-month battle with pancreatic cancer. She was just 39 years of age.

Riana was diagnosed shortly before the 2015 Comrades Marathon, when seemingly in top racing shape having just recently posted her sixth win at the Old Mutual Om Die Dam 50km ultra two months earlier in March. She had also won this event in 2002, 2005, 2007, 2009 and 2014, which included a very fast 3:22:39 in 2007, still the seventh-fastest time for 50km by a South African woman on a legal (unaided) course.

Unfortunately, six months of chemotherapy and having parts of her gallbladder and pancreas removed could not save her, and in a poignant message to friends and family on social media just after her passing, her husband Allie wrote, “She fought like the champ she was.”

Riana finished the Comrades Marathon seven times and was a four-time gold medallist (2004, 2006, 2008 and 2011), including being first South African woman home in 2008, when she finished sixth. That same year she had been first SA woman in the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon, finishing fifth in 3:53:09, and she earned three Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon gold medals during her accomplished career, which also featured wins in the Jackie Mekler Ultra in 2008 and the Forever Resorts Loskop Marathon 50km and City to City 50km (both in 2010).

While ultra’s were her strongest area, she also won the SA Marathon title in 2009, having finished as runner-up in 2008, and boasted a marathon PB of 2:43:00 and half marathon best of 1:15:48.

So rest in peace, Riana, you will be sorely missed in running circles, and all our thoughts are with Allie, her husband, coach, manager and chief supporter.

The memorial service for Riana will be held on Thursday 18 February at 11am at the NG Kerk Wierdapark, 275 Piet Hugo Street, Centurion.

Are you passionate about trail running and ready to join ASICS and Modern Athlete for the ultimate challenge? Then register from Friday 5 February onwards and stand the chance of winning the running trip of a lifetime to the French Alps, to be part of the 2016 ASICS Beat the Sun.

In June 2016 teams from across the world will travel to Mont Blanc in France to participate in the 2016 ASICS Beat the Sun relay. This race is unique because it is not against time, it is against nature. Teams have from the second the sun comes up until the moment it sets to make their way around Mont Blanc. That is a total of 15 hours and 41 minutes to conquer a distance of 150km, with an altitude gain of 8350m along the way.

Teams representing the different continents are made up of a unique blend of elite and amateur runners, and you have the opportunity to join the best trail runners the African continent has to offer and be part of Team Africa. Anybody may apply, no matter your running ability, age or gender.

The race is split into 13 legs with the six team members needing to complete every leg between them. This means that every athlete, whether elite or amateur, needs to run at least two legs, and one team member needs to complete three. Some legs include a bit of tarred road, but most of the event will be on trail.

Along with the experience of running with and learning from Africa's top athletes, the winner of the competition will be provided with the best ASICS trail running footwear and apparel to battle it out with the sun.

So, do you have what it takes to #ASICSRunTough? Then make sure you get your entry in! Go to http://beatthesun.asics.com, register your name and country and your name may come up for this incredible prize. Registration on the site open Friday 5 February. You can also watch videos of last year’s inaugural Beat the Sun on the site.