Category: Racing

For the first time in more than 20 years, seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong competed in a triathlon when he took on the 2011 XTERRA USA Championships. The media hype was huge and the crowds big at the champs, held in Ogden, Utah, and the stage was set for a wider than usual audience to take in what developed into one of the most spectacular US XTERRA Championships yet.

Amongst it all were South Africa’s best, Conrad Stoltz, the four-time XTERRA World Champion, as well as Dan Hugo. Both did their country proud, with Stoltz finishing fourth in a time of 2:27:30 and Hugo finishing second in 2:24:50, only 24 seconds slower than the winner, Frenchman Nico Lebrun (2:24:26). Armstrong finished fifth in a time of 2:29:25.

Hugo was second out of the water, but soon passed Australia’s Ben Allen on the bike. “At the bottom of Wheeler Canyon, I moved passed Allen to lead up the mountain. I decided to ride very aggressively. Knowing both Stoltz and Armstrong would likely close the gap, it seemed a good idea to make them work for it,” says Hugo.

It was at the last eight-minute climb before T2 when the first signs of the early hard push started to show. “The crowds were wild, I could hardly hear my fatigue. In hindsight, I fear I may have over-biked a little. It was perhaps the hardest ride I’ve produced, with lungs not quite suited to altitude. That, combined with crowds I’ve never experienced at a triathlon before, had me flustered like a rookie!”

Near the top of the first 1km climb on the trail run, Stoltz was 57 seconds behind Hugo, and fatigue was setting in for the leader. He describes the feeling as that of a boxer taking blows late in the 12th round. “Despite the grovel, I felt sure I had Conrad covered… not realising that Lebrun was in the hunt. That was until I heard him 10 steps behind me. I didn’t expect it and wasn’t emotionally prepared for it.” When Lebrun passed him, Hugo says there was nothing he could do. “I was knackered!”

He says the disappointment of losing the title was intense, made even worse by the larger than usual audience. “We might never get an opportunity like this again. The world finally took notice of our sport and I wanted to step up.” However, with the XTERRA World Champs in Maui on 23 October, he says he will bounce back. “I will dissect what happened today and learn from it, and I’m looking forward to the World Champs.”

It was a day where the majority of the country decided to stay in and watch the Springboks take on the Wallabies in the World Cup quarter-final, but this did not deter thousands of runners from making their way to Old Parks for Joburg’s most beautiful race. And it turns out they made the right decision, because not only was the rugby heartbreaking, but the race once again showed why it keeps growing every year.

ELITE RUNNING
At the front of the field, Irvette van Blerk from Nedbank CGA showed she was determined to defend her title as Spar Grand Prix winner as she took the lead from the start, never once looking like second place was an option. By winning in Johannesburg, Irvette confirmed her status as South Africa’s queen of the 10km and walked away with R60 000 as winner of the Grand Prix. Earlier in the year, she also won the Durban and Pretoria legs of the Challenge, and finished second in Port Elizabeth and fourth in Cape Town.

In Johannesburg, second place was taken by another Nedbank athlete, Rutendo Nyahora, while third went to Gauteng Striders’ Lebogang Phalula. After the race Irvette, said she had a good run, even though it was a tough course. “I decided to go hard because I knew if I won the Grand Prix, but didn’t win this race, it would be an anti-climax. So I decided to go all out, and then if I didn’t win, I would know I had given it my best. I thought that maybe the new course wasn’t as hilly as last year, but there was a big surprise waiting for me at 8km.”

Nevertheless, she hung on and kept pushing until she crossed the finish line in a time of 34:22, almost a minute ahead of Rutendo. Irvette said she will now focus on the marathon distance in order to qualify for the Olympic Games next year in London, so next year we could have a new Grand Prix champion.

FUN FOR THE MASSES
While Irvette and company took things very seriously the race was really about the thousands of mothers, grandmothers, daughters, sisters, wives and girlfriends (and of course their dubiously dressed male friends) further back.

The field was even bigger than last year and a record 10 534 runners and walkers took on the challenge on a glorious summer’s day in Johannesburg. With entertainment from local band DENIM, a kiddies corner to keep the young ones happy and all-round family fun, it was a day not to be missed. Not even the disappointing rugby developments on the big screen could spoil the fun! And with R40 000 raised for the designated charity, Reach for Recovery, the Johannesburg leg of the SPAR Women’s Challenge was a massive success. Something not to be missed next year!

RESULTS:
Open:
1. Irvette van Blerk  Nedbank CGA 34.22
2. Rutendo Nyahora Nedbank GN  35.20
3. Lebo-Diana Phalula Gauteng Striders 35.38
4. Mapaseka Makhanya Mr. Price CG 35.54
5. Zintle Xiniwe Nedbank WP 36.35
6. Onneile Dintwe UCKG 36.39
7. Charne Bosman Mr. Price CG 37.20
8. Christine Kalmer Nedbank CGA 37.41
9. Cornelia Joubert Randmark 37.53
10. Sylvia Tshetlanyane Atlholang Primary 37.54

Juniors:
1. Sylvia Tshetlanyane 37.54
2. Happiness Mkhize 37.59
3. Letitia saayman 39.26

Veterans:
1. Vanessa Bowman 44.01
2. Catherine Nana 44.11
3. Arselinah Nyathi 46.02

Masters:
1. Grace Da Oliveira 41.48
2. Frances van Blerk 46.06
3. Sewele Maponya 52.30

Grandmasters:
1. Sonja Laxton 44.32
2. Elaine Greenblatt 52.58
3. Elaine Jones  57.58

After kickboxing for 10 years and boxing for two, Jeanne-Marie discovered the sport of wrestling when she was 15 years old. She was immediately attracted to the physicality and intensity of the sport, and it wasn’t long before she achieved national colours in her third sport. “I was training at the Hugenote Amateur Boxing club in Brixton when I saw some kids doing physical exercises outside in the parking lot and thought ‘That looks fun! I want to try that.’ I got hooked on the hard physical training and got stuck to yet another male-dominated sport.”

It didn’t take long for Jeanne-Marie to become one of the country’s top female wrestlers and in her nine years on the wrestling mat she has won the South African National Champs nine times, has been included in the senior elite training squad for six years, and represented South Africa internationally seven times. During this time she says the highlights were the two bronze medals she achieved at the African Continental Championships in 2007 and 2011, and the opportunity to compete at the All Africa Games in 2007.

INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION
However, despite her success, Jeanne-Marie says there is still a long way to go before she can start competing with Olympic wrestlers. “Going to the Junior World Championships in Beijing in 2007, I realised there is a huge difference in the standard of wrestling between African countries and European countries. But I have turned this to positive energy and it has definitely caused some lifestyle and character changes within me. I will keep working hard at everything I do. The most important thing is to first get a gold medal at the African Continental Championships and work my way up to a World Championship medal, eventually qualifying to go to the Olympics. I cannot expect to win world titles if I am not the best in Africa.”

GETTING THERE
To reach her goal, Jeanne-Marie says she has to train extremely hard, as she is not as naturally talented as some other wrestlers. “I train five to six days a week and have to fit in my wrestling around my work and study schedule. I usually go for a jog and a gym session every weekday before work and wrestle after work. On Saturdays I train with the national squad and on Sundays I go on a longer run before relaxing a bit.”

“I have to run every day, there are no two ways about it. I started running when I was still doing kickboxing, to build my fitness, stamina and endurance, and to this day it has remained the best way to stay fit and strong and the fastest way to get the blood flowing and recover from tired, stiff muscles. Where long runs help me to stay moving for six minutes non-stop during my matches, short sprints improve the explosive power I need to carry out leg-attacks and lifting techniques, so I can’t wrestle without running.”

For now, her running is only a means to an end, but Jeanne-Marie says she definitely wants to add a Comrades medal to her collection of wrestling medals one day. “Any sports person, especially if you’re as competitive as me, would want one, and it is one of my wishes to one day be able to say I did Comrades.”

This race, the last in the SPAR Challenge, is once again set to be a fitting end to the series as Irvette van Blerk will set out to defend her title as queen of the Grand Prix against strong competition from runners such as Zintle Xiniwe, Catherine Skosana, Ren? Kalmer, Annerien van Schalkwyk, Ntombesintu Mfunzi and Maxine Heine-Wacker. There should be great racing up front, but the real race will be a bit further back, where thousands of women will get to celebrate their health and femininity in what has become known as South Africa’s most beautiful challenge.

The race will once again take place at the Old Parktonians Sports Club and be hosted by the Rand Athletic Club. The first 10 000 pre-entries will each receive a race T-shirt and the first 11 000 will receive a medal and a goodie bag. Other spot prizes on the day will include groceries from SPAR for a year, valued at R12 000, and R2 000 worth of SPAR’s new Good Living stainless steel range of appliances.

CELEBRATE SPRING
October is one of the prettiest months in Joburg and it is not only a pleasure to run the race, but also the perfect opportunity to build a fitness base for the rest of the season. However, for those who think 10km is too big a challenge, they can opt for the 5km fun run, which is just as popular. As always, walkers are welcome at both events and there will most definitely be a few strollers and tiny tots taking part in the fun.

The SPAR Challenge is all about women and the final leg is Joburg’s chance to celebrate women with a sparkling spring time run. It also coincides with Breast Cancer Month and a portion of the proceeds from the race go to Reach for Recovery, a support group for women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. A new addition to race day is a celebrity relay which will be run by five beautiful South African women, including former Miss SA, Nicole Flint, and 5fm DJ Poppy Ntshongwana. They will carry a torch of hope from start to finish to symbolise the journey of women with breast cancer, and the hope of a full recovery.

So dust off your running shoes, pack the family in the car and head to Old Parks on 9 October. There will be a variety of food stalls, a children’s play area with jumping castles and face painting, as well as live entertainment provided by Denim, one of South Africa’s top party bands. Entry forms are available from all SPAR, SUPERSPAR and KWIKSPAR stores or online at www.spar.co.za.

This month we tried: Aerial Yoga

This new fitness phenomenon has quickly spread across the globe and people in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, London and several other major cities have flocked to classes to give it a try. Since April of this year, it has been in Johannesburg as well, and we thought we’d give it a try.

Not being much of a yoga expert, I didn’t quite know what to expect, but I soon learned a whole lot more about downward and upward dogs, pigeons and dolphins, even though most of them were upside down. Aerial yoga is not for you if you’re looking for some quiet meditation time. It combines components from yoga with a bit of aerobics, Pilates and strength training, so you will not only get the calming effects of yoga, but also a pretty descent cardio and core workout.

Above all it is challenging and fun, and the support of the hammock will help you to attempt poses you wouldn’t have done without it. Because you are inverted for some of the poses, your spine and other joints have the opportunity to lengthen and decompress. This decompression will make you feel a little taller after class, but beware if you are not used to hanging upside down… these poses might be a little overwhelming at first.

The only aerial yoga class we could locate in South Africa is presented by Carly Bowden and Julie Swart in Northriding, Johannesburg. However, Carly promised more branches were coming as soon as they have trained more instructors, and hopefully the rest of the country will have the opportunity to try aerial yoga soon. For more information, visit www.aerialyoga.co.za.

Anyone who has run a couple of Comrades knows how the Big C journey starts: You line up for your first Comrades promising yourself to do this race just once, even if it is just to say “Been there, got the T-shirt.” Then, once you have crossed the finish line and the pain subsides a couple of days later, your mates start telling you that you aren’t a true Comrades runner if you’ve just done one – you have to run the Up AND Down races first. And so it all starts again. Before you know it, you’ve done three, then five, or even 10 Comrades Marathons! Quite an accomplishment, but many runners choose to stop when they receive their coveted green number after 10 runs. There are some, though, who carry on, and today it is not uncommon for some to proceed to 20 or even 30 Comrades.

Most of us will therefore agree that to run 40 Comrades is an amazing accomplishment, but to run them all in a row, without missing one single year, is a feat that not many people in the world can match. The one man that is planning to create history by running his 40th in a row in 2012 is the legendary Barry Holland.

LET’S CELEBRATE!
In celebration of this great achievement Modern Athlete has teamed up with Barry in a once in a lifetime journey that will give YOU the opportunity to not only train with a legend in the months leading up to Comrades, but to run this iconic race and cross the finish line with him. This is an ideal opportunity for especially novices wanting to run their first Comrades as well as former Comrades runners thinking of making their comeback to road running. What a privilege it will be to finish such an iconic race with someone who has run 40 of them!

THE PROGRAMME
Starting in our November edition and running till the Comrades, Modern Athlete and Barry will provide you with a monthly Sub-10:30 training programme, a very achievable finishing time for most runners. In a series of articles you will be guided step by step on exactly how to train, which pitfalls to avoid in your journey, as well as some handy tips from the master himself plus a guide to which races you should be focussing on in your build-up to the Comrades.

Modern Athlete and Barry are planning to create one of the biggest buses that has ever been seen at any Comrades race. So now is the time to decide if you want to commit to Comrades 2012, join Barry’s bus and become part of history.

Closer to Comrades Modern Athlete and Barry will also be hosting a series of workshops where you can gain valuable advice and learn everything you need to know to get you across the finish line at Comrades 2012!

BARRY’S TIPS FOR OCTOBER
• Decide NOW if you want to run Comrades. January is too late, especially for novices wanting to tackle their first Big C.
• In the month of October you should be running at least three to four times a week.
• Don’t focus too much on distance or time, just try to be consistent and pitch up for your runs.
• In November we will increase your weekly number of runs and will provide you with set distances.
• Ideally we will get you ready to run a 32km in November or a marathon towards the end of the year.
• It will be to your advantage to go into January with a marathon under your belt.
• Let your family and friends know that you are planning to run Comrades and get their support now.
• Entries have already opened. Enter now and commit to this Ultimate Human Race.

LOOK OUT FOR NEXT MONTH’S EDITION OF MODERN ATHLETE WITH THE FIRST OF THE SERIES OF TRAINING ARTICLES!

There is no better time to start training than spring time in South Africa, and if you are wondering what your first race of 2012 should be, this is it! The Dis-Chem Half Marathon is one of South Africa’s biggest half marathons for good reason, and every year more and more runners choose this race as their first one of the year. All the more reason for you to start preparing, especially if you’re a novice. This is the ideal opportunity to put on your running shoes and get out there. Now is the time to commit.

Modern Athlete will be the official media partner of next year’s race, having teamed up with the Dis-Chem Half Marathon and it’s organisers, Bedfordview Country Club (BCC) to bring you a simple and easy-to-follow training programme geared towards novices who want to run their first half marathon in January next year. The programme is compiled by Ray Orchison, captain of the Bedfordview Performance Squad, and promises to help you build your fitness from novice to half marathon finisher. Make sure you get all editions up until January to get the whole training programme and ensure you have only good memories of your first 21.

So what are you waiting for? Get up off that couch! Download the training programme for October here.

THE COACH
Ray Orchison has run five Comrades Marathons with a PB of 7:18 earlier this year. He was club captain at BCC from 2009 to 2011 before he moved on to become captain the Bedfordview Performance Squad.

More race information:
When: Sunday 15 January 2012.
Where: Bedfordview Country Club, Johannesburg
Entries open: 1 November 2011
Enter at www.championchip.co.za, www.dischem21.co.za or in store at participating Dis-Chem stores.

There is no feeling greater than completing your first Ironman event – just ask anyone who has run on to that red carpet! So if you also want to enjoy the feeling, now is your chance to join our 10 Modern Athlete DARE TO TRI novices and follow our 16-week training programme, starting on Monday 3 October. The Ironman race distances and training distances are very manageable, and with commitment, ANYONE can do it.

Download the training programme for October here.

World Endurance South Africa (WESA), the Spec-Savers Ironman 70.3 South Africa, Spec-Savers Ironman South Africa and affiliates do not endorse nor promote this training programme in any way. This programme is not an officially endorsed Spec-Savers Ironman 70.3 South Africa or Spec-Savers Ironman South Africa training programme and has been independently created by Modern Athlete. WESA assumes no risks or liability for any injuries, loss or harm caused by following this programme.

Our team members have been doing some base training and are now ready to start their programmes. Coach Derick Marcisz, who has 41 years’ experience as a runner, cyclist and triathlete, will design their individual programmes and at the same time provide a generic training programme that will be published monthly here in Modern Athlete, allowing you to also follow the programme. Modern Athlete will also be hosting four theoretical and practical triathlon workshops, brought to you by some of the most experienced people in the sport, where you will learn how to train more effectively, swim more efficiently and improve your biking skills.

The 16-WEEK PROGRAMME
The programme will be split into the following:
• 3 Oct to 31 Oct – Four-week introduction and adapting to tri training
• 1 Nov to 9 Jan – 10-week structured programme
• 10 Jan to 21 Jan – Two-week tapering programme to race day

BASIC PRINCIPLES
Triathlon requires skill in three different sports, but one of the key principles to remember is that in training, work on improving your weakest sport, but never neglect your strengths. These are some basic principles you need to consider:
• Consistency – follow the programme as closely as you can, but if you miss sessions, do not try and make them up, just move on to the next workout. Try to do all three disciplines at least twice a week during the structured part of the programme.
• Rest and recovery – Rest when you are tired and make sure you recover from each session with proper nutrition. Always approach each training session on the basis of ‘train today so that you can train tomorrow.’
• Train smart and specifically – Aim to use your time effectively. Each session should have a specific purpose and should be relative.

THE TRAINING PLAN
We will start very simply, with one to two sessions per week of each sport and build up to two to three. This means around six to seven sessions a week – not easy to maintain, but achievable. Training for each sport will encompass the following:
• Running: The longest run will be 20-21km at peak training. Other runs will be shorter and around 10-12km. This will include some faster tempo work later in the programme.
• Biking: The longest bike ride will be 90-100km at peak training. Other shorter 30-50km rides will include some hill work as well as tempo riding.
• Swimming: One open water swim per week is essential, doing a 2km straight swim in a dam or in the sea. Other pool sessions will also be around 2km, concentrating on developing technique.

SPEAKING TO THE TEAM
We recently asked our team members the following questions:
• What are you most looking forward to in the months ahead?
• What is your biggest fear?
• Who is your biggest supporter?

NEIL POTGIETER
I am obviously looking forward to the red carpet and the words ‘Neil Potgieter, you are an Ironman!’ I am also looking forward to performing at a level over the next few months I thought would be impossible a year ago. Triathlons are addictive and I fear that the words ‘You are an Ironman’ will only stir up a beast that could only be silenced by a very specific race in The Friendly City… My biggest supporters are my wife, Delia, and unborn son, M?ller. They are at every race supporting and giving it their all.

ANDILE HLELA
I am looking forward to running onto the red carpet as well as the challenge of the training that will enable me to do so. Initially, I thought I would be the only one with a swimming handicap, but after realising everyone had the same fears, I am now looking forward to it. My mind, body and soul are ready! I don’t have fears; rather concerns, such as swimming in open water without something to hold on to when I get tired! I just worry that my excitement may lead me to overdo things, thus making me susceptible to injury. My biggest supporters are my family. They understand the challenges and have provided me with the commitment of being there all the way.

BORIS KONJAR
I cannot wait to be able to hit the open water without fearing the deep blue – the mere thought of open water takes my breath away. But the only way to conquer your fear is to dive in. I think that if I am unable to complete the training or the race, you would see a grown man crying. Failure is not an option! My family are my biggest supporters: My girlfriend Leana and my little Chloe. They don’t complain when Dad disappears for hours on end, and they don’t laugh when I dress funny in the early hours of the morning.

JOHAN VAN ROOYEN
I am looking forward to taking on this challenge with my wife and sharing this journey with her, as well as seeing how my body and fitness change over time to ultimately reach that milestone. My biggest fear is that a previous knee injury is going to play up and cause potential problems later on. My biggest supporters are my wife and kids.

CASWELL MASWANGANYI
I am looking forward to my first ever competitive triathlon that I am going to participate in together with the DARE TO TRI team. My biggest fear is whether I will be able to run after cycling 90km! My wife, Gloria, who is also a keen runner, is my biggest supporter.

MACHE BOOYSEN
I am most looking forward to the workshops, the goodies from all our awesome partners, and ultimately that sense of accomplishment after crossing the finish line! My biggest fear is failure. Of course, I am a bit scared of my first fall off the bike and the open water swim, but that will all be made worthwhile if I achieve my goal. My biggest supporter is my mom. She motivates me and when I am tired, she trains with me and constantly reminds me that she believes in me and has no doubt that I will complete the 70.3! Thanks, Mom! Love you!

CHRISTELLE VAN ROOYEN
I am looking forward to the training and knowing that I’m working towards the biggest challenge I have ever done! It is going to be awesome, especially when I start seeing an improvement in my fitness levels. My biggest fear would be not finishing. My husband Johan and my children Kaylee and Ethan are my biggest supporters.

HELENA CHAMBERLAIN
I am looking forward to getting fitter, stronger and more confident in all three disciplines. Overcoming my fears will be a victory for me. My biggest fear is drowning, so swimming is the biggest challenge. I believe the best way to overcome a fear is to face it head on, and that is exactly what I am going to do! My family and friends are my biggest supporters.

KERRY CLAIRE TRIM
When I entered 70.3, I did so thinking I would be training for it alone. I am super excited to have a team to train with – I’ll be more motivated and the whole experience will be memorable. I fear open water, so I have some toughening up to do. My best friend and running partner, Amber, is my biggest supporter. Most people react to me entering 70.3 with comments like, “Are you mad?”, but Amber never exhibits any doubt in my ability and she motivates me to get out of my slippers and into my running shoes when I don’t feel like it!

SARAH-JANE HORSCROFT
I am really looking forward to finding out exactly how one trains for a triathlon. It’s fantastic that I’m going to have experts giving me professional advice. My biggest fear is that I get injured in my over-enthusiasm. I am so thrilled at this opportunity and would be devastated if I couldn’t give it my best as a result of injury or ill health. I’m also really scared of falling off my bike when I eventually get to use cleats. I think right now I am my biggest supporter, because only I know how deeply I would like to get through this experience.

JOIN THE MODERN ATHLETE DARE TO TRI TEAM ON THIS INCRECIBLE JOURNEY TOWARDS SPEC-SAVERS IRONMAN 70.3 SOUTH AFRICA!

The BSG Energade Triathlon Series has been the honing ground of many of South Africa’s top triathletes and remains popular for many local elites who opt to return home from their overseas bases to compete in a quality local sprint series. And the organisers believe that participants’ overall experience will be even better this year, as they have made a few changes, like creating a separate race for elites, multiple start waves in the swim, and moving a few of the venues for better water quality and safer conditions on the roads.

This year’s events will take place from October to December, with the first three events in and around Gauteng and the Northwest, then one each in KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape and Western Cape, culminating in the final in Vanderbijlpark on 4 December. The events will take place at the following venues:

Sunday 2 October: Roodeplaat Dam, Pretoria.
Sunday 9 October: The Islands Estate, Hartbeespoort.
Sunday 16 October: Potch Dam, Potchefstroom.
Sunday 30 October: Midmar, KwaZulu-Natal.
Sunday 13 November: Pollock Beach, Port Elizabeth.
Sunday 20 November: Brandvlei Dam, near Worcester.
Sunday 4 November: Emerald Casino, Vanderbijlpark (FINAL).

KIDS WELCOME
The BSG Energade Kids Triathlon Series has also been improved to make sure all the different age groups (5-8 years old, 9-11 years old and 12-15 years old) have a competitive and safe race. The dedicated kids’ area will also make things easier for parents, as they can participate in their own races without having to worry about the safety of their children before heading to the kids’ events. All entrants in the Kids series will receive a T-shirt and a swimming cap as well as other goodies.

THE RULES
In the main series, a total R200 000 prize purse is up for grabs, with the top eight male and female open category finishers as well as the top three male and female age category finishers receiving prize money. To be eligible for overall series prizes or prize money, athletes have to complete at least four of the seven races and start the final. The points of their four best races will be taken into account to determine their seeding at the end of the series.

Timing chips are compulsory for everyone from the 12-15 years old category up to the main and elite categories, and all adult participants will receive a goody bag with swimming cap, water bottle and more.

You an enter online at www.bsgmultisport.co.za Online entry fees are R150 for an individual and R330 per team for adults, and R80 for an individual and R120 per team for kids. Your entry fee includes your goody bag and TSA licence fees, and if you enter more than one race you pay less.

Every year towards the end of August, over a hundred athletes gather in the pre-dawn chill at Cape Point. This time of year unarguably rates as the Cape’s extreme running season, and the athletes who dare to brave the HI-TEC Puffer will be fully aware of winter’s bite as they wait for starter’s orders in the Cape Point National Park in preparation for their gruelling odyssey.

The Puffer owes its name to a rather droll acronym for the ‘Peninsula Ultra Fun Run’. It is the ‘fun’ part that non-ultra athletes will dispute, but there is no arguing with these committed runners as they stride down the Cape Point roads in the dark, heading for the reserve gate. The first 30km of the run is along tarmac, ensuring that they settle into a comfortable pace and tempo, but the ‘epic’ status kicks in as soon as the mountain trails begin.

Once beyond Scarborough and the steep Red Hill climb, a section of fynbos singletrack past Kleinplaas Dam leads the runners over Black Hill and up the Old Wagon Trail into Silvermine Nature Reserve. The Constantia Nek parking lot serves as the halfway cut-off in this amazing race, after which the runners labour up Smuts Track, along the back end of Table Mountain. With 30km to go, the runners negotiate Cape Town’s most famous landmark, running along the contour path on the eastern slope of the mountain to emerge below the lower Cable Way Station. Signal Hill is the final nail in the proverbial coffin before runners finally steam into the V&A Waterfront after running for at least seven hours.

TOP RUNNERS IMPRESS
New Cape Town resident Nic De Beer, running for Team Hi-Tec Infinity, took line honours with a new course record of 7:10:34. Leading from the start, he gradually increased the gap to the second-placed man to win by more than an hour. Nic was second last year in his Puffer debut. Veteran trail runner Karoline Hanks finished an amazing second overall, winning the women’s race in a time of 8:21:42. There were two women in the top 10 overall.

Then there was the Tuffer Puffer, for the really crazy endurance mountain goats. This back-to-back double-or-nothing madness saw them starting at 8am on the Friday before race day and running the 160km from the V&A Waterfront to Cape Point and back, through the night and without a break, until arriving at Ferryman’s Tavern. Janette Terblanche trumped all the men in this massive endurance event with a winning time of 25:03:15.

RESULTS:
PUFFER (80km)
Men
1 Nic De Beer 7:10:34
2 Ross McGregor 8:33:51
3 Rupert Becker 8:39:57
4 Derrick Baard 8:40:17
5 Eric Tollner 8:47:04
Women
1 Karoline Hanks 8:21:42
2 Melany Porter 8:53:41
3 Caroline Balkwill 9:40:06
4 Phillipa Coleman 9:44:38
5 Vanessa Fisher 9:46:18

TUFFER PUFFER (160km)
1 Janette Terblanche 25:03: 15
2 Ray Cranston 25:51:56
3 Mark Spengler 25:51:56
4 Beaumont Cooper 28:17:40
5 Alan Green 29:20:16

The annual carnival programme in tourist destination Umhlanga on the KwaZulu-Natal coast has always been much loved and a huge success, but Peter Rose, Chairman of the Umhlanga Tourist Centre, decided it needed something different. So in addition to the usual surfing, fishing, beauty competitions, beach sports and music shows, Peter felt that trail running would be a popular attraction for tourists, especially those visiting Umhlanga Rocks over the main holiday times.

So, Peter made contact with Buzz Bolton of the Riverside Sports Trail Club in Durban North and together they organised three trail events, which are now regular events on the trail running calendar. The success of the series has been attributed to the cooperation of the Breakers Hotel, the Tongaat Hulett Group, the Urban Improvement Precint (UIP) unit, Durban Metro, Netcare 911, Thule, Salomon and helpers from the nearby Blackburn Township. Trail walking has been included in this event and a 12km route has been offered as an option alongside each leg.

LEG 1: UMHLANGA SUMMER CARNIVAL 18KM TRAIL RUN AND 12KM WALK
Date: 18 December 2011
The inaugural race was staged on 19 December 2010 when 150 pioneer runners experienced this challenging course for the first time. The route can be described as challenging and slightly technical, but quite manageable for the average athlete.

LEG 2: UMHLANGA EASTER CARNIVAL 16KM TRAIL RUN AND 12KM WALK
Date: 9 April 2012
This very popular route includes the crossing of the Blackburn Township footbridge and a serene forest section, as well as a road section surrounded by reeds and the shrill sounds of birdlife. Like the Summer Run, it finishes on the Umhlanga beach before entering the Breakers Hotel finish line. The field is limited to 250.

LEG 3: UMHLANGA WINTER SUNSHINE CARNIVAL 12KM TRAIL RUN AND 12KM WALK
Date: 7 July 2012
This is the last leg of the series and gives runners a welcome break to start at 7am instead of 6am. Conditions are ideal for trail running in July, as it is not only cooler, but the undergrowth is at a low. At this point too, Comrades is done and dusted and many runners who may have been a bit protective of their bodies can enjoy this last leg. The route is slightly shorter to accommodate the busy cane cutting season, which peaks at this time of the year.

“We at Riverside Sports Trail are grateful for the support that the Umhlanga Tourism Centre, Salomon, The Breakers Hotel, the Tongaat Hulett Group and the many subsidiary sponsors and participants have given to put this fast-growing sport of trail running on the map in KwaZulu-Natal. We hope that up-country visitors will try and fit these trail runs into their getaway plans,” says Buzz.

For more information, contact Hildegard Bolton on 031 562 1153 or [email protected]