RUNZONE 100 – HISTORY / BACKGROUND
Founder Members
These two Karoo boys who have known each other for over 45 years (attended Union High School in Graaff-Reinet from Sub.A to Matric) and share the same passion for running have decided to form a running recognition club for mainly South African runner’s who have achieved 100 ultra’s / marathons, but also include various other stages in a runner’s journey for all to be part of.
Gavin is a renowned International Banker who manages to fit running, cycling & swimming into his hectic work schedule. Included in his more than 100 ultra’s / marathons are: The 7 – Continents (Africa, Asia, North America, South America, Europe, Australia & Antarctic) 6 – Majors (New York, Berlin, Chicago, Boston, London & Tokyo Marathons) , Comrades , Two Oceans Ultra , Ironman & Argus Cycle.
Mike is a primary school Physical Education specialist and Sport Administrator. Included in his 100 ultra’s / marathons are: Buffs Marathon, Two Oceans Ultra, Comrades, Washie 100 Miler and holds Permanent Number in all of them.
Although living on different continents Gavin and Mike remain in touch regularly and meet up annually for runs where they have formed even further greater memories journeying on the road together.
ABOUT RUNZONE 100
The Runzone 100 concept is new to S.A but internationally there are numerous other 100 marathon clubs. The Runzone 100 Club was formed mainly to give recognition / rewards & initially some limited memorabilia to the achiever of 100 ultra’s / marathons with various categories to include all those involved in running, without leaving their own specific running clubs.
JOINING CATEGORIES AND FEES (page 1)
1. Supporter – free to belong to the RUNZONE 100 facebook group and if the demand is great enough then some sort of supporter’s shirt can be done at a cost to those interested. (family and friends who are non-runner’s but support the runners craze fully).
2. Challenger – free to belong to the RUNZONE 100 facebook group and if the demand is great enough then some sort of challenger memorabilia can be done at a cost to those interested. (runner’s who are content with lesser distances, but their achievement is just as great, or aiming to do their first ultra / marathon).
3. Contender – free to belong to the RUNZONE 100 facebook group and if the demand is great enough then some sort of contender memorabilia can be done at a cost to those interested. In this category there are also two joining categories : (a) Partial membership if achieved 1 – 49 ultra’s / marathons. R150.00 once off fee and if done 10 (Red Status) or 25 (Blue Status). Then a certificate and badge for the first category will be provided free on joining, after that the member may purchase further badges on completion. (b) Associative membership if achieved 50 – 99 ultra’s / marathons. R150.00 once off fee and if done 50 (Bronze Status) or 75 (Silver Status). Then a certificate and badge for the first category will be provided free on joining, after that the member may purchase further badges on completion. When moving from one membership to the next then just the difference would be the payment.
JOINING CATEGORIES AND FEES (page 2)
4. Finisher – free to belong to the RUNZONE 100 facebook group and if the demand is great enough then some sort of Finisher memorabilia can be done at a cost to those interested. Full membership if achieved 100 ultra’s / marathons. R300.00 once off fee (Gold Status). Then a certificate, badge, beanie, licence & bumper sticker for the 100 ultra’s / marathons will be provided free on joining, after that the member may purchase further badges on completion. Only full members may where the official RUNZONE 100 Club Finisher badges or memorabilia. A medal is at present being designed which can be purchased, the cost will be known at a later stage on the facebook group. Other memorabilia that is been planned for is a jacket, hoodie, cap, togbag and vest.
Yours in Running
Gavin Opperman & Mike Morgan