Category: Event Update!

With the South African Government declaring COVID-19 a national disaster and putting strict interventions in place on 15 March 2020, Jacaranda FM and Tracker have moved to postpone Off the Beat ‘n Track 2020 – Gauteng’s favourite family fun day of mountain biking and music – until further notice.

According to Jacaranda FM’s Marketing Manager Leith Smith and Head of Marketing at Tracker, Charlette Roetz: “COVID-19 poses a significant health risk to all South Africans and it’ll take a proactive, collective effort to prevent the spread of this disease and further loss of life. The health and safety of those in attendance are always paramount at any of our events and, following the announcement that gatherings of more than 100 people will be prohibited within South African borders, the event has been postponed until further notice.”

Jacaranda FM & Tracker encourage those who have already bought tickets to hold on to their tickets until a new date for the event has been set. Those who wish to request a refund can contact the race office at info@advendurance.com or (012) 012 5205.

Stay tuned to Jacaranda FM and www.jacarandafm.com, listen via the Jacaranda FM app – available for IOS and Android, DStv Channel 158 or tune in via https://www.jacarandafm.com/listen-live/ for further updates.

Jacaranda FM & Tracker implore South Africans to take the necessary precautions to stay healthy and to be vigilant in spotting and addressing symptoms of COVID-19:

According to the World Health Organization, precautions include washing your hands regularly, covering your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs and avoiding close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.

 The WHO states that signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome and kidney failure which, if not timeously addressed, could have dire consequences.

Calling All Race Organiser

These are uncertain times we live in… the world is going into a state of shut-down and self-isolation to try curb the spread of the coronavirus, and people everywhere are asking questions that governments, leaders, doctors, scientists, retailers and event organisers simply cannot answer as yet. Nobody knows what is going to happen next, so we’re all trying to work out how best to deal with the situation.

Those of us involved in the running and endurance sport industry have seen all events up till mid-April cancelled with immediate effect, due to the necessary government decision to prohibit any gathering of more than 100 people. Many races have already officially announced that they are cancelling outright, while a few have announced postponements and proposed new dates, and more races are expected to follow suit in coming days. However, nobody is yet sure what is happening to races scheduled to take place from mid-April onwards.

This has all led to many runners posing questions, especially on social media, about alternative dates, refunds on entry fees, virtual races, the availability of T-shirts and goodie bags already paid for, and more. No doubt, race organisers are being inundated with such messages across all channels of communication.

As one of the leading publishers in the running and endurance sport domain, the Modern Athlete team would like to offer our services to all in this community to help get through this difficult time.

• We have a weekly newsletter going out to more than 77,000 runners, so it is a great way to communicate updated event news.
• We are setting up a free portal for all races to communicate their status, i.e. cancelled, postponed, decision pending, etc, which we will distribute across all our channels, including social media.
• We will create article pages on our website for each province and update info as it comes in, giving all our readers the latest available info on event news.
• We will carry this info through to the magazine as well.

While most thoughts right now are on health and safety issues, there are many people also worrying about their finances and their jobs or careers, because the virus-induced shut-down has already denied or will deny them an income. We all know that the coming weeks are going to be really hard, but if we work together, we can try to get through this as best possible.

So please let us know if we can help you and your event in any way. You can speak to any member of our team and we will explain where we can help you:

Richard Laskey –  richard@modernathlete.co.za

Roxanne Martin – roxanne@modernathlete.co.za

Jason Martin – jason@modernathlete.co.za

Sean Falconer –  seanf@modernathlete.co.za

Alternatively, you can simply send an email to info@modernathlete.co.za with your race information and we will load it onto our portals, please include the following:

Race Name
Race Status
Cancelled/Postponed
Procedure for Participants
Contact for Race

Running regards

The Modern Athlete Team

It’s the social, festival-vibe trail running relay event that has created a tribe out of the fit and fun folk around the world and it’s coming to SA in 2020.

Registration for the Ragnar Trail Relay events open on Friday the 29^th of November. The Joburg event is scheduled for the 2^nd and 3^rd May in the Hennops Valley, which provides an ideal venue close to the city. The ever-popular Elgin Grabouw Country Club will host the Cape Town event on the weekend of the 23^rd and 24^th of May 2020.

The race weekends are set to bring something new and exciting to the realm of trail running in South Africa with the unique team relay format run non-stop through the day and night. Runners will be able to choose from three different team options. The Standard Team, where 8 people each complete the 3 different trail loops in a relay format, totaling 21km per runner and averaging 7km per loop. The Ultra Team of 4 people double up on the distance and the Black Loop Team consists of just 2 people who complete the 3 loop course on the Saturday and then take on the infamous 20km “Black Loop” on the Sunday.

Added to this is the great energy of the Ragnar Village. Teams set up camp for the weekend and enjoy the festival type atmosphere of the whole event where activities, food and of course marshmallows abound.

It’s running. It’s social. And it’s madness. But “It’s not crazy if we’re all doing it!”

Find out more at www.runragnar.com/za

The 26th edition of the Soweto Marathon will officially open their entries tomorrow, Wednesday 1 May 2019. Proudly in association with Old Mutual, the over-subscribed race has increased their entry capacity to a most impressive 40 000 runners come Sunday 3 November 2019.

“Every year we find ourselves dealing with disappointed runners as we sell out, which is why we’ve increased our capacity, opened entries early and promise to raise the standard higher than ever,” says Soweto Marathon Chairman Sello Khunou. “The popular route’s remain unchanged as the Soweto Marathon Trust will once again host runners in the 42km, 21km and 10km distances. This year we call on everyone to Lace Up: Conquer your hard.”

To participate in the people’s race, a movement greater than yourself, enter at www.sowetomarathon.com before entries sell out.

Race Director Danny Blumberg encourages athletes to enter early come 1 May 2019; “Entries close on 31 July 2019 if not before should we sell out. This iconic event is an absolute must for every South African as with an unchanged route to 2018, we will once again honour Soweto’s rich history with the marathon athlete’s passing eight significant heritage sites.

Soweto Marathon Trust (SMT) would like to thank Old Mutual, the Gauteng Provincial Government, City of Joburg, among others, for their contributions and participation.

Event details:

Date:                Sunday 3 November 2019

Venue:              Start & Finish: Stadium Avenue, FNB Stadium, Nasrec, JHB.

Start times:       The standard marathon (42.2 km): 06:00; The half marathon (21.1 km): 06:30; 10 km run: 07:00.

Landmarks:

The route honours Soweto’s rich history and runners pass eight significant heritage sites on the marathon route, namely the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Walter Sisulu Square, the Regina Mundi Catholic Church, Credo Mutwa Cultural Village, Morris Isaacson High School & June 16 Memorial Acre, Vilakazi Street and the Hector Pieterson Memorial.  The organisers and sponsors of the race, Soweto Marathon Trust and Old Mutual respectively, once again promise runners and all participants a fantastic, fun-filled experience.

To those who have left it late to register for this year’s Mandela Remembrance Walk and Run in Tshwane this Sunday 9 December, there’s good news in that late registrations will still be accepted at race collection points this week.

Participants can still register for the event on Thursday 6 December at the Nelson Mandela Foundation at 107 Central Avenue, Houghton, and on Friday and Saturday 7 and 8 December at the Union Buildings in Tshwane between 9am and 7pm.

Online entries for the event, which sees the introduction for the first time this year of a 21 kilometre Half Marathon, in addition to the 5 kilometre walk and 10 kilometre run of previous editions, will remain open at www.mandelawalkandrun.com until midmight on Friday 7 December.

Some of South Africa’s top sports personalities have confirmed their participation in this year’s Mandela Remembrance Walk and Run on Sunday, which will be a special family event that will bring to an end Madiba’s Centenary Year celebrations for the year.

Bafana Bafana legends Shaun Bartlett, Doctor Khumalo and Aaron Mokoena are taking part, as is wheelchair tennis sensation Kgothatso Montjane and elite athletes such as 2016 Comrades winner Charne Bosman, who has been joined this week in the race by another former Comrades winner in the popular Ludwick Mamabolo.

Olympian Christine Kalmer, former SA marathon champ Benedict Moeng and former World Student Games half-marathon silver medalist Collen Mulaudzi will also be participating.

They are just some of the exciting big names who will join a throng of thousands of people expected to participate in this very special event which will also honour revered political activists and stalwarts Albertina Sisulu and Margaret Gaso.

Hosted by the Nelson Mandela Foundation, together with the Gauteng Province, this year’s 10 and 21 km events will begin and end at the magnificent Union Buildings and will be a fun day out for the whole family. The 5km walk will begin at the Kgosi Mampuru Prison and end at the Union Buildings.

“This year’s Mandela Centenary Celebrations have been simply spectacular, reaching a crescendo with the Global Citizen festival this past weekend. The Mandela Remembrance Walk and Run is the perfect ending to a memorable year and is a family event that is open to all. We encourage South Africans to join us on Sunday for what will be a very special occasion at the Union Buildings,” said Nelson Mandela Foundation CEO Sello Hatang.

The 21km has proved to be a popular addition to this year’s event, with over half the entries received thus far signing up for the half marathon route, as the Mandela Remembrance Walk and Run becomes a popular event on the South African road running calendar.

Entry fee is R50 for the 5km walk, R100 for the 10km Run and R150 for the 21km run, which will have nominal winners prize money of R5 000 for the elite runners in each age and gender category taking on the 10kms and  half marathon route. All participants will receive drawstring bags from Lotto containing a Lotto shirt, cap and some more event goodies.

There will be loads of entertainment for the kids and child minders will be available to look after them. There will also be food stalls and fitness displays at the event.

The start times for the 21 km and the 10km race is 7am at the Union Buildings, and the 5 km walk which starts at the Kgosi Mampuru Prison is 9am. There will be a wreath laying ceremony in honour of the former President taking place at 8.15am.

The event’s Parking/Park & Ride Plan is as follows:

• Park & Ride – Pilditch Stadium
• Park & Walk – Pretoria Art Museum
• Parking – On the streets in the vicinity of the Union Buildings where the streets are not closed off.

For more event details and to register for the event go to www.MandelaWalkAndRun.com.

• FB – MandelaRW

• Twitter – mandelarw

• IG – Mandelawalk

Officially sold out by 19 June 2018, the 25th edition of the Old Mutual Soweto Marathon will open its substitution period come 1 September 2018. The month long period will afford those who missed out on an entry an opportunity to purchase from those who can no longer take part and give them the chance to #RunYOURGreat on 4 November 2018!

‘Substitution September’ will run from 1 – 30 September and all changes to entries, including upgrades and downgrades, will be facilitated during this time. It’s imperative to note that any runners offering substitution entries throughout August are not valid: you may only make changes to your entry in September. The EFT option may not be used to pay for any substitutions, downgrades or upgrades. You may only pay for the amount due using the CREDIT or DEBIT CARD option. Payments done with the EFT PAYMENT OPTION will not be accepted and will not be REFUNDED. 

Please take note of how the substitution process will work:

How to do an entry substitution:
If you would like to give up your entry, you will need to wait until the substitution window opens, then log into your race profile using the credentials supplied to you with your race entry confirmation email. Once logged in, you will find an option to “Transfer Entry” to process a substitution, and then follow the system prompts. A voucher code will be issued to the person giving up their entry, and this voucher code must then be used by the new entrant.

The new entrant must then visit www.sowetomarathon.com and go to the entries section, where they must process the entry as per normal. However, when they reach payment stage, they must use the substitution voucher they have received. Then the additional charges must be paid via credit/debit card – take note that there is NO EFT option available for substitutions.

Please also note the following important information:
• Once the entry has been given up, the person giving up the entry may not enter another race category for this year's OMSM race except via a substitution.
• There will be a substitution fee of R50 plus any applicable administration fees. This will be payable by the new entrant on completion of their entry.
• If a runner substitutes their entry, it is that runner's responsibility to collect the entry fee from the runner who has taken over their entry.
• No refunds will be processed by the event and no entrant may on-sell their entry for more than the original entry fee. Any person found doing this will be reported to their club and the relevant provincial and national bodies.
• Any products purchased with the original race entry will NOT pass across to the new entrant – ONLY the race entry and T-Shirt will be transferred, PLEASE NOTE that the original entrants selection for size will be passed onto the new entrant, the new entrant will not be able to change the size.
• The merchandise for the entry given up will be available for collection by the original entrant at the information desk at race number collection. (Remember, the original entrant will NOT be entitled to a T-shirt.)
• Entries done with a sponsor's voucher cannot be substituted.
• Once the substitution window is closed, no further substitutions will be possible.
• There will be no substitutions or changes permissible at race number collection.

How to do a Distance Upgrade/Downgrade Change
• Runners who would like to upgrade or downgrade their distance will be allowed to do so. Please note that in the case of an upgrade the runner will be responsible for the fee difference, but in the case of a downgrade no refunds will be given.
• Please note that the race will not be allowing downgrades from the Marathon.
• Login to your entry, select “EDIT” and amend the “Distance Change” field, which can be found beneath the “Distance” field.
• Once done, select update, which will take you to payment for upgrades only.
• Please note that there is NO EFT payment option for upgrades.
• Once completed, you can log out, and you will receive an email confirmation of the change.
• All changes will be updated to the system once the Distance Change period closes at the end of September.
 

Research is increasingly showing the importance of social interaction in influencing human behaviour. This is because the way we behave is strongly affected by our colleagues, friends and family.

Two heads are better than one, they say – and two bodies too, when it comes to an exercise regime! If you’re struggling to stick to a training schedule, the solution could be as simple as finding a friend. Behavioural research shows that exercising with a peer or loved one doesn’t just offer more accountability, but also more satisfaction.*

Training together taps into both our human desire for approval, and our capacity to influence others. 

When was the last time you and your partner experienced a first together?

If you have a training buddy and are looking for a challenge to face together – or if you want an excuse to find a buddy – look no further! This Spring, the world’s leading obstacle course is headed to South African shores.

The inaugural Discovery Tough Mudder will take place on 15 September 2018 in Elgin, Western Cape. This means that you and your fitness partner could be among the very first people to take part in a Tough Mudder event on African soil.

Discovery Tough Mudder’s full lineup of fun, team-oriented obstacles guarantees that you’ll cross the finish line with more friends than you started with. The event offers two distances to cater for all fitness levels – a 16 km and a 9km. Join the action and experience this first together by grabbing your training buddy and signing up. Visit www.toughmudder.co.za to find out more.

If you are a Vitality member, you will get 800 points for 8km course while those braving the 16km route will earn 1 100 points.

It doesn’t have to hurt your pocket.

Making your way to the Discovery Tough Mudder won’t do much damage to your pocket if you are a Vitality member. You can save up to 35% on your flight, car hire and accommodation.

Challenge yourself and dare to do something new, this one should be one for the bucket list. Sign up and be among the first to experience the world’s leading obstacle course on African soil.

In 2018, the year where the Old Mutual Soweto Marathon celebrates its 25th edition, we are on a mission to empower the novice runners with knowledge that will enable them to ‘Run their Great’. The Soweto Marathon Trust, in conjunction with its partners, is proud and excited to host the second Old Mutual Soweto Marathon Runners’ FREE workshops. The ‘Run your Great’ Seminars are an informative session and a value add for the participants, who can expect to gain information on a variety of topics related to running in general and the Old Mutual Soweto Marathon specifically. This year we have introduced the ‘Run your Great’ Novice seminar, targeted at those that will be running the marathon for the first time. The Run your Great ladies’ seminar will be hosted later in August during the women’s month.

Objectives:
To EMPOWER those running the Old Mutual Soweto Marathon with key insightful and motivating information through a session on a variety of topics to help them ‘Run their Great’ and reach personal goals.

Topics covered:
The free educational seminar will cover a range of topics including financial management; healthy eating & meal planning (nutrition); sport injuries & recovery, training advice and drug-free sport education.
Event Details:

The ‘Run your Great’ Novice Runners’ Seminar will host 150 registered runners at the FNB Stadium Auditorium, on Saturday 28th July, from 11am to 3pm.

“Saturday’s seminar for the Peoples Race will target novice runners” so says Soweto Marathon Trust Chairman Mr Sello Khunou.

“We opened this free seminar to the first timers and were overwhelmed with the responses having received more than 220 entrants. In line with ‘Run Your Great’ seminar, we’ve secured a fantastic line up, one that I have no doubt will help our athletes to enjoy their first Soweto Marathon.”

“I would like to thank all the runners who registered to participate in the Old Mutual Soweto Marathon 2018, may this 25th edition of the Soweto Marathon be most enjoyable. For novices and those who will be running the race for the first time, I hope you find excellent value in this runners’ workshop, experts in various fields will help you in your quest to finish the race with ease”, added Sello Khunou

Speakers present include Lindsey Parry, an expert coach and Joshua Peterson, one of the former winners of the Soweto Marathon. Xolani Luvuno – an amputee athlete who completed the 2018 Comrades Marathon and will be competing in this year’s Old Mutual Soweto Marathon. There will also be talks on sporting injuries, recovery advice; nutrition; motivation; coaching, training tips and more.

Tough Mudder, the world’s leading obstacle course challenge, announced today its ground-breaking partnership with Discovery that will see the inaugural Discovery Tough Mudder coming to South African shores.

The first ever Discovery Tough Mudder Event Weekend will take place 15-16 September, 2018 at Old Mac Daddy in Elgin in the Western Cape. The weekend will feature Tough Mudder’s eponymously-named signature challenge: Tough Mudder, a 16 km obstacle course challenge that features over 20 obstacles, and the Tough Mudder Half, an 8 km course that brings the thrills of Tough Mudder across 11 obstacles.

“Given the proven track record of locally grown Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) events we believe the market is primed and ready to experience the biggest and best there is on the global stage. We are incredibly proud to partner with a company dedicated to keeping people healthy and active while rewarding them for it. Our partnership with Discovery will help us to deliver unconventional and life-changing experiences to a South African audience,” says Andrew Douglas, co-ownerof Invictus Events and Entertainment (IEE), the license holders for Tough Mudder.

“The Discovery Tough Mudder is ideal for the courageous who are looking to test their mental grit and all-around physical fitness, as well as for those starting on their fitness journey and looking for something different. It is a great team event because you need to commit to helping others and working together to negotiate each challenge. Discovery encourages high performance through team work, so we are delighted to be supporting South Africa’s first Tough Mudder. Vitality will be awarding members 800 points for the 8km course, while those braving the 16km route will earn 1,100 points.” says Iona Maclean, Discovery Head of Experiential Marketing.

Tough Mudder, Inc. started in 2010 in the United States and this year, through its licensees, will host more than 130 events across nearly a dozen countries, including Germany, England, Australia, Ireland, Canada, the United States, the United Arab Emirates and New Zealand. The events welcome participants worldwide into a global community seeking the challenge, camaraderie and thrills that only a Tough Mudder experience can offer.

More About Tough Mudder

Founded in 2010 with the launch of the Tough Mudder obstacle course event series, Tough Mudder Inc. has become a leading global sports, active lifestyle and media brand. With more than 3 million participants, the company hosts more than 130 non-competitive (Mini Mudder; Tough Mudder 5K, Tough Mudder Half, and Tough Mudder Full) and competitive (Tougher, Toughest, Tough Mudder X and World’s Toughest Mudder) events annually in 11 countries including China, Dubai, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia through its partnerships with IMG, Seroja, Sports Media and Entertainment 360 (SME360) and Invictus Events and Entertainment Pty Ltd.

The company’s content arm provides the more than millions of engaged online brand enthusiasts with fitness, nutrition and wellness content delivered daily across social and digital platforms. Tough Mudder broadcast, OTT and Live Stream programming can be seen worldwide through partnerships with CBS Sports, Facebook, Sky Sports, The CW Network and ESPN Media Distribution. Other sponsorship and distribution partners include Merrell, Amazon, Jeep, Aflac, Guinness, Vega, Samsung, Olympus, Lucozade Sport, Nexcare, For Goodness Shakes, Bosch, TREK, Head & Shoulders, L’Oreal Men Expert, Käserei Loose, Snapchat and Live Stream.