I am probably going to take some serious flack for this opinion piece, but I think this is something that needs to be said… and it has been coming a long time, irrespective of whether the COVID pandemic had happened or not. – By Manfred Seidler
Category: News
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Hollywoodbets gets the inside lane in South African athletics
The running season is now in full swing, and the Hollywoodbets Athletics Club, a division of leading sports betting operator Hollywoodbets, has aimed for the stars as it unveiled the signing of some of South Africa’s brightest talents.
2018 Comrades Marathon winner Ann Ashworth, and Comrades gold medallists Prodigal Khumalo and Mahlomolo Sekhonyana, two-time Two Oceans Marathon gold medallist Loveness Madziva and Soweto Marathon top 10 runner Nontokozo Mkhize, are amongst the heavyweight stars joining the Club.
With the star line-up, the Club has shown its intent to be a leader in the athletics scene this year.
2022 promises to be an exciting season for athletes with the Hollywoodbets Durban Summer 10km making a come back as well as its continuation as the halfway sponsor of the Comrades Marathon.
The Club is invested in giving back to its communities and plans to embark on numerous initiatives to promote development at grassroots level. One of these is to make joining the Club affordable to the passionate runners who come from all walks of life.
Morgan Shandu, Hollywoodbets Athletics Club President, said, “The Hollywoodbets Athletics Club is very excited for the running season ahead. With the runners that are a part of the team, we are looking forward to seeing them achieve great things in the country’s premier races.”
2022 ELITE TEAM
| No. | Name | Surname |
| 1. | ANN | ASHWORTH |
| 2. | NKOSIKHONA | MHLAKWANA |
| 3. | COLLEN | MULAUDZI |
| 4. | PRODIGAL | KHUMALO |
| 5. | MAHLOMOLA | SEKHONYANA |
| 6. | NKOSINATHI | DUMA |
| 7. | RANTSO | MOKOPANE |
| 8. | REGHEN | MAGWAI |
| 9. | LOVENESS | MADZIVHA |
| 10. | THOBANI | CHAGWE |
| 11. | NTOKOZO | MKHIZE |
| 12. | MAKHOSAZANA | MHLONGO |
| 13. | SIKHUMBUZO | SEME |
| 14. | TSHIAMO | MARIBE |
| 15. | THULISANG | KHAMBULE |
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Breaking News: Two Oceans Marathon Entries Opening!
The Two Oceans Marathon (TOM) is pleased to announce that entries for the 51st edition of the iconic Cape ultra and its accompanying half marathon will open on 11 February 2022 at 12pm (midday). The event will take place on Easter Weekend, with the Half Marathon taking place on Saturday 16 April, and the Ultra being run on Sunday 17 April.
This long-awaited announcement about entries will be welcome news to all the thousands of runners hoping to once again run the World ‘s Most Beautiful Marathon, after the race had to be cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown restrictions in South Africa. However, runners need to act fast, as entries will close again at 5pm on 20 February, and then all entries will go into the Ballot System, with successful entries to be drawn on 21 February.
Due to the expected demand, the Ballot System will be used for both the Ultra and Half Marathon, in line with international best practice. At different stages of the balloting process, the draw for successful entries 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 (versus non-licenced runners). Runners entering via the ballot only pay once their name has been successfully drawn in the ballot, and please note that runners may only enter one event, either the Ultra or the Half Marathon.
Ballot Draw Dates
All draws take place 21 February 2022, at the following times:
- Ultra Marathon Draw 1: 10am
- Ultra Marathon Draw 2: 2pm
- Half Marathon Draw 1: 10am
- Half Marathon Draw 2: 2pm
International and African runners do not enter via the ballot system, and can pay for and secure their entries straight away once entries open on 11 February. These entries will close when capacity is reached.
After general entries close on 20 February, the only way to get into the 2022 Two Oceans Marathon or Half Marathon will be via a Charity Entry, procured through one of the official charity organisations affiliated to the event, and these entries will open on 22 February at 10am. (Entry fees for Charity Entries will be uploaded once final charity partners have been confirmed.)
How To Enter
Go to the race’s homepage at www.twooceansmarathon.org.za when entries open and click ‘Enter Here.’ Create a profile if you do not yet have one on the system and then follow the prompts. If you already have a profile, log in and do the entry process.
Entry Fees
The 2022 entry fees have been ratified by the TOM Board and approved by Western Province Athletics. Take note that all South African runners for the Ultra need to be licensed and belong to a running club.
Entry Type
Ultra
Ultra T-Shirt included
Half Marathon
Half T-shirt is R195
Licensed SA Runners
R700
R375
| Unlicensed SA Runners |
N/A
R435 (R375 + R60 for temp licence)
Africa Runners
R860
R690
| International Athletes |
R2575
R1800
Ultra Marathon Qualifiers
For health reasons, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, qualifying for the TOM Ultra is mandatory, and TOM strongly encourages runners to complete a physical road race as their qualifier. However, any officially timed and measured marathon or longer distance, whether in the form of an officially organised physical or virtual race, run after 1 July 2021, can be used as your qualifier. In the case of a virtual marathon, an official time would be as generated by a smartwatch, a timing app on a smartphone, or a timing platform. Unfortunately, you cannot simply run on your own and time yourself, your qualifying time must have been generated during a virtual event, and the Race Office will be conducting spot checks to verify qualifier information submitted.
For the Ultra Marathon, the qualifying time for a standard marathon distance (42.2km) is 5 hours. For qualifying times run on distances greater than a standard marathon, please go to www.twooceansmarathon.org.za/event_route_info/seeding
Half Marathon Seeding
In the Half Marathon, qualifying times are used to seed you so that faster runners line up at the front, with slower runners further back. We strongly advise that you to provide a seeding time, otherwise you will unfortunately start towards the back. Seeding is based on a previous 10km, 15km or 21.1km run after 𝟏 𝐉𝐔𝐋𝐘 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟏: www.twooceansmarathon.org.za/event_race_day/seeding-2/
Startline Seeding
Due to COVID-19 regulations, the race will likely to be using multiple batches of 500 runners, starting two minutes apart, and runners will be seeded accordingly. It is not possible to give exact seeding tables as yet, but your seeding time will be used to place you in a batch appropriate to your running speed, and you will be advised of your batch closer to race day.
COVID-19 Protocols Relevant to Entering
On the advice of the TOM medical team, the below COVID-19 protocols will be observed. Kindly note that these may change with new development in the COVID-19 pandemic and the medical science related to it, as well as Disaster Management Act regulations:
- You will have to upload proof of vaccination. If you are not vaccinated, you must present proof of a negative PCR/antigen test within 48 hours prior to attending any physical event, including Expo and your actual Race, at your own cost.
- Please log in to your profile not more than 48 hours prior to any physical TOM event, including Expo/Race Pack Collection, to complete your COVID-19 pre-screening online. (We will send you reminders.)
Should you answer ‘yes’ to any COVID-19 risk factor during pre-screening, or fail the temperature check at Expo and Race Pack Collection, you will need to present proof of a negative COVID-19 test, at your own cost, taken not more than 48 hours prior to the physical event in question. Failure to do so will, unfortunately, result in you forfeiting your entry. Therefore, please remember to keep updating your profile and contact information.
In the Event of Race Cancellation…
In the event of the TOM 2022 being cancelled due to COVID-19, all runners who have paid will have their entries deferred to the next running of the Two Oceans Marathon.
For more information on entries or other race information, please read our FAQs at https://www.twooceansmarathon.org.za/event-info/faqs/ or contact us at 021 2000 459 (general queries) or 087 133 2285 (race-related queries), or email [email protected].
On Course for a PB in Paris
After a few delays to our racing plans caused by the COVID pandemic, I found myself running the Paris Marathon in October, chasing a sub-3:15 finish, but instead, I found myself pushing for a sub-3:00 for the first time, much to the surprise of my training partner! – by Wellington Mpofu
Still Cruising at 90
Her transition from concert pianist to ‘galloping granny’ at 78 has brought Deirdre Larkin several World Records, countless media interviews, and a roomful of medals, but she continues to run just for the sheer enjoyment of it. And the 90-year-old does it all with a wicked sense of humour, too
Hovering above Ground with Under Armour!
The UA HOVR Mega 2 Clone, the newest member of the UA HOVR running shoe family, is built with you, the runner, in mind. With NEW Clone Upper Tech the UA HOVR™ Mega 2 Clone is Under Armour’s first running shoe offering a 1:1 personalized fit with the new UA Clone technology that flexes and adapts to your foot as you move through your stride. This running shoe feels like it was made for you. The UA Clone upper locks in and centers your foot over our UA HOVR™ cushioning for a smoother run and better energy return.
The woven structure of the UA Clone upper gets stronger when stretched, becoming thicker perpendicular to the applied force. This internal layer of flexible, auxetic material moulds around the foot for a precise, glove-like fit and feel that’s truly customized to every foot, no matter the size. A 3D moulded sock liner made of 6mm of open cell PU foam cradles the foot with enhanced step-in comfort allow the HOVR Mega 2 Clone to perfectly adapt to the runner’s foot – not vice versa. The cushy but efficient HOVR Mega 2 Clone running shoes are great for long runs and high mileage training.
Designed for zero-gravity feel and great energy return, the HOVR Mega 2 Clone features a HOVR midsole and wide heel and forefoot gauges for a more plush feel. The transition from landing to toe-off feels incredibly smooth with an exposed UA HOVR foam outsole through the midfoot and forefoot pressure zones, providing a soft and pillowy yet responsive ride. Encased in a dynamic Energy Web, the UA HOVR foam is engineered to protect from impact and provides a smooth, stable ride. With comfort as a priority in the design of the shoe, the HOVR Mega 2 Clone features a padded heel collar that protects the achilles from irritation, a padded tongue, a thick sockliner, and an upper constructed specifically to meet the runner’s anatomical need.
With its compatibility with UA MapMyRun™, the shoe is designed to coach you, and ultimately make you a better runner. Don’t believe us? Under Armour, ambassadors tell us why they believe that the technology behind the shoe works in improving, not only your style of running but you as a runner too.
How does UA MapMyRun™ work?
These shoes form to your foot and coach you. By connecting your shoes to UA MapMyRun™ you get real-time Form Coaching tips based on your cadence, pace, and stride. An embedded sensor tracks, analyses and stores detailed running metrics to inform ways to improve your performance. And trust us when we say it can really pay off. In 2020, UA MapMyRun Form Coaching users ran 7% faster and 3% farther based on stats gathered from the community of users! This means that you will get real advantages in knowing what you need to improve on.
I don’t want to run with my phone
That is no problem, the app syncs to most running watches meaning you can still get all of this data following your run, and see where you need to make improvements to get faster and further quicker.
Available for R3199 you can get a 25% discount using the code MEGA25 click https://bit.ly/3AVt5ST to shop now!
Your Next International Marathon
International Travel has been out of our reach for so long, but thanks to the vaccination rollout, many borders are opening again for travel to South Africans!
Many of us dream of traveling the world to run international races, crossing them off our bucket running list. Now that these are becoming real possibilities again, the planning for some has become a reality. But where to start?
RunXcursions a new tourist operator is all about creating the opportunity to partake in international marathon races in various countries. While abroad, you will get to experience the culture of other countries, the different kinds of foods, the music, breathtaking landmark views, and communities. This not only gives you a foreign experience of life, but also the ability to do something you love, to run!
Coach Peteni is the lead guide on your excursions! Coach P, Peteni Kuzwayo, is a running fanatic who has taken his passion and created an entrepreneurial career out of it. Having been the only Nike Run Club coach in Africa, his running pedigree boasts hundreds of marathons and eight Comrades Marathons, the race dubbed the “Ultimate Human Race”. His passion for running has seen him travel the world, including the epic experiences in Chicago, New York and Zanzibar.
So where is the next destination on Coach P’s itinerary? The amazing Zurich Marathon!
Are you going to be joining? Check out the full package below:
Zurich Half or Full Marathon
7th to the 15th April 2022
R41,745/Single(vat incl) or R33,997/Sharing(vat incl)
Package includes:
- Transfers
- Group Insurance
- Race Entry Package
- Return Flights (Emirates Economy Class)
- Pasta Carbo loading dinner (pre race) & Boat
Cruise (post race) - 6 Nights Accommodation at Leonardo Boutique
Hotel (breakfast included)
Shoes that train you!
The UA HOVR Mega 2 Clone, the newest member of the UA HOVR running shoe family, is built with you, the runner, in mind. With NEW Clone Upper Tech the UA HOVR™ Mega 2 Clone is Under Armour’s first running shoe offering a 1:1 personalized fit with the new UA Clone technology that flexes and adapts to your foot as you move through your stride. This running shoe feels like it was made for you. The UA Clone upper locks in and centers your foot over our UA HOVR™ cushioning for a smoother run and better energy return.
The woven structure of the UA Clone upper gets stronger when stretched, becoming thicker perpendicular to the applied force. This internal layer of flexible, auxetic material moulds around the foot for a precise, glove-like fit and feel that’s truly customized to every foot, no matter the size. A 3D moulded sock liner made of 6mm of open cell PU foam cradles the foot with enhanced step-in comfort allow the HOVR Mega 2 Clone to perfectly adapt to the runner’s foot – not vice versa. The cushy but efficient HOVR Mega 2 Clone running shoes are great for long runs and high mileage training. With its compatibility with UA MapMyRun™, the shoe is designed to coach you, and ultimately make you a better runner.
Don’t believe us? Under Armour ambassador, Ben Palmer tells us why he believes that the technology behind the shoe works in improving, not only your style of running but you as a runner too.
These shoes form to your foot and coach you. By connecting your shoes to UA MapMyRun™ you get real-time Form Coaching tips based on your cadence, pace, and stride. An embedded sensor tracks, analyses and stores detailed running metrics to inform ways to improve your performance. And trust us when we say it can really pay off. In 2020, UA MapMyRun Form Coaching users ran 7% faster and 3% farther based on stats gathered from the community of users! This means that you will get real advantages in knowing what you need to improve on.
I don't want to run with my phone
That is no problem, the app syncs to most running watches meaning you can still get all of this data following your run, and see where you need to make improvements to get faster and further quicker.
Available for R3199 you can get a 25% discount using the code MEGA25 click https://bit.ly/3AVt5ST to shop now!
Tracking Your Running like Never Before!
The UA HOVR Mega 2 Clone, the newest member of the UA HOVR running shoe family, is built with you, the runner, in mind. Designed for zero-gravity feel and great energy return, the HOVR Mega 2 Clone literally makes you feel like you are running on air! With its compatibility with UA MapMyRun™, the shoe is designed to coach you, and ultimately make you a better runner.
Don’t believe us? Under Armour ambassador, Adrienne Herbert tells us why she believes that the technology behind the shoe works in improving, not only your style of running, but you as a runner too.
These shoes form to your foot and coach you. By connecting your shoes to UA MapMyRun™ you get real-time Form Coaching tips based on your cadence, pace, and stride. An embedded sensor tracks, analyses and stores detailed running metrics to inform ways to improve your performance. And trust us when we say it can really pay off. In 2020, UA MapMyRun Form Coaching users ran 7% faster and 3% farther based on stats gathered from the community of users! This means that you will get real advantages in knowing what you need to improve on.
I don't want to run with my phone
That is no problem, the app syncs to most running watches meaning you can still get all of this data following your run, and see where you need to make improvements to get faster and further quicker.
Available for R3199 you can get a 25% discount using the code MEGA25 click https://bit.ly/3AVt5ST to shop now!
Under Armour Introduces UA HOVR Mega 2 Clone
Less is more – until you’ve tried UA HOVR – Under Armour’s unparalleled cushioning system that has runners wanting MORE. The UA HOVR Mega 2 Clone, the newest member of the UA HOVR running shoe family, offers maximum cushioning for ultimate cruise-control comfort. With 32mm stack height, the new UA HOVR Mega 2 Clone is for the runner who wants the most protection for their training.
ZERO-GRAVITY RUNNING
Designed for zero-gravity feel and great energy return, the HOVR Mega 2 Clone features a HOVR midsole and wide heel and forefoot gauges for a more plush feel. The transition from landing to toe-off feels incredibly smooth with an exposed UA HOVR foam outsole through the midfoot and forefoot pressure zones, providing a soft and pillowy yet responsive ride. Encased in a dynamic Energy Web, the UA HOVR foam is engineered to protect from impact and provides a smooth, stable ride. With comfort as a priority in the design of the shoe, the HOVR Mega 2 Clone features a padded heel collar that protects the achilles from irritation, a padded tongue, a thick sockliner, and an upper constructed specifically to meet the runner’s anatomical need.
NEW CLONE UPPER TECHNOLOGY
After making its debut in UA football shoes, the UA HOVR™ Mega 2 Clone is Under Armour’s first running shoe offering a 1:1 personalized fit with the new UA Clone technology that flexes and adapts to your foot as you move through your stride. This running shoe feels like it was made for you. The UA Clone upper locks in and centers your foot over our UA HOVR™ cushioning for a smoother run and better energy return.
The unique material of the UA Clone upper adapts to your foot’s shape and movements for a more precise fit. It also helps keep your foot centered, making sure you get the most out of the soft, responsive UA HOVR™ cushioning. Less rubbing, more comfort – for every runner.
The woven structure of the UA Clone upper gets stronger when stretched, becoming thicker perpendicular to the applied force. This internal layer of flexible, auxetic material moulds around the foot for a precise, glove-like fit and feel that’s truly customized to every foot, no matter the size. A 3D moulded sock liner made of 6mm of open cell PU foam cradles the foot with enhanced step-in comfort allow the HOVR Mega 2 Clone to perfectly adapt to the runner’s foot – not vice versa. The cushy but efficient HOVR Mega 2 Clone running shoes are great for long runs and high mileage training.
RUN CONFIDENT WITH ADDED SUPPORT AND DURABILITY
The HOVR Mega 2 Clone features an enhanced rim and core construction that offers enhanced properties of cushioning and energy return. The rim provides structure and allows for a smooth transition. The carbon rubber in the heel of the outsole extends durability in high-impact landing zones, and the exposed foam on the outsole ensures a comfortable heel-to-toe transition. An external heel counter locks in the heel and guides the foot into its most efficient foot strike, adding to the effortless and plush feeling the HOVR Mega 2 Clone running shoes offer. The blown rubber frames the forefoot outsole to maximize cushion with minimal weight.
7% FASTER & 3% FARTHER
These shoes form to your foot and coach you. Connect your shoes to UA MapMyRun™ for real-time Form Coaching tips based on your cadence, pace, and stride. An embedded sensor tracks, analyses and stores detailed running metrics to inform ways to improve performance. And it can really pay off. In 2020, UA MapMyRun Form Coaching users ran 7% faster and 3% farther.*
Available for R3199 you can get a 25% discount using the code MEGA25 click https://bit.ly/3AVt5ST to shop now!