Category: Event Update!

Solicitor Manduwa, an Old Mutual runner, took first place at the 2017 Wild Series Three Cranes Challenge, which was brought to a close on Sunday 26 February 2017. The Three Cranes Challenge that is part of the Old Mutual Wild Series, is a three-day trail run in KwaZulu-Natal spanning a distance of roughly 100km. The challenge helps to raise funds for the conservation efforts in the Karkloof Nature Reserve and surrounding areas.

The challenge was won by Manduwa with an overall time of 07:53:25. Second place went to Ruan van der Merwe, who finished 18 minutes behind the winner in a time of 08:11:21 and third place was claimed by Nomore Mandivengerei, also an Old Mutual runner, timing in at 08:19:02. International runner Holly Page won the women’s race in a time of 08:28:01. Chantel Nienaber came second in a time of 09:41:57. Tracy Zunckel completed the podium for third with her time of 10:32:53. Page was the Old Mutual Wild Series Mont-Aux-Sources Challenge winner in 2016. She is from the United Kingdom and was placed an impressive fifth overall.

The race was staged from a single base camp and each day runners had to complete distances that ranged between that of a half marathon and full marathon across challenging terrain. Participants ran on and off-road tracks through forests, grasslands and managed plantations. It was a mixture of conditions that challenged runners throughout the race. The weekend started off with some fairly good but cloudy weather. This came after very heavy rains in KwaZulu-Natal. Day one included the Karkloof Canopy Tour which was a highlight for many.

Day two seemed yo be the longest day of the challenge, as runners had to face a bit of heat, despite the weather conditions, participants got to enjoy a time out at the unique and spectacular setting at the highpoint at Mbona Nature Reserve and Benvie Botanical Garden. The final day started with some drizzle, resulting in mud through the forested and steep sections and fast-flowing streams through the grasslands.

Mandwu is immensely happy with his victory, saying, “This is a great experience and I am happy with my results.On the first day, I was putting in a lot of energy and enjoying myself. In terms of my strategy, I knew everybody would be tired on the second day, so I thought if I could open the gap the others behind would not be able to close it.” On his hopes for a win at the upcoming Old Mutual Wild Series Mont-Aux-Sources Challenge, Manduwa feels, “There is a chance of winning the Mont-Aux-Sources Challenge, but I must train hard.”

Page humbly stated, “I am really happy. I never expect to win anything, so it always comes as a nice surprise and you can’t take anything for granted. I am just super happy – it’s been a really wonderful three days and I have met some lovely people and seen amazing places – it’s so diverse. In fact, I wouldn’t have come here had it not been for the race so it’s amazing to discover yet another incredible place in South Africa.”  Page’s career doesn’t normally keep her in one place for too long, yet she still has her own hopes for another Mont-Aux-Source win, “If I am still here, I’d love to go all out again for the win at Mont-Aux-Sources Challenge.”

Louise Duys, Wildlands Director of Partnerships, Marketing and Events, is thrilled about the success of this year’s Three Cranes Challenge. “With the 2017 Old Mutual Wild Series Three Cranes Challenge now behind us, we’d like to thank all those involved for their role in making this another extraordinary event. The participants came out in full force in support of the conservation of the beautiful Karkloof. They displayed unbelievable character and camaraderie through wet, muddy and hot conditions – some pushing 11 hour days!

“Our sponsors’ unwavering support continues to show their commitment to Wildlands’ vision towards a sustainable future for all, in turn, driving responsible business. We’re truly grateful to our title sponsor Old Mutual, and Jonssons and Time Freight for their on-going support. An event like this would not have been possible without the team that worked tirelessly to pull it together. We feel incredibly proud to have delivered, once again, on our purpose for the Wild Series of being able to showcase one of South Africa’s most unique and breathtaking regions, in a way that leaves a legacy for future generations.”

By participating in the Three Cranes Challenge, runners help to conserve KZN’s endangered Cranes – a flagship species for South Africa, through the incredible work of the Karkloof Conservancy. The three Cranes themselves are the Blue, Grey-Crowned and Wattled Cranes. The threat they face is incentive to protect the wetlands and grasslands they call home. This year, the Karkloof Conservancy turns 19 years old. It is comprised of local landowners who wish to protect biodiversity within the Karkloof area. This has precipitated several community projects to protect the Karkloof, of which the conservancy protects 40 000 hectares. Projects include the Karkloof Conservancy Farm Schools Project and the Adopt a Crane Project.

Karen Thomas, Head of Brand at Old Mutual said “Congratulations to all the runners who challenged themselves and conquered the Karkloof! You are true champions – and we are proud of your efforts to run for more than yourselves and support nature conservation. Like Old Mutual, who have stood the test of time, all the runners inspired us with their endurance to do great things.”

Race Organizer, Andrew Booth commented; “For me, as with all Wild Series Challenges, the Three Cranes Challenge 2017 has been a grueling one to prepare for – a lot of hard work getting everything into place, but once the runners started to arrive and everything began to flow it has been one of the most spectacular Wild Series challenges to date. “Having the largest record field for this Challenge yet certainly added to the atmosphere, with the race village being full throughout. I think as a Wild Series team who work closely with the Karkloof Conservation Centre, all the volunteers from Ezemvelo, and the Karkloof can be very proud of what we all pulled off here.”

For more information www.wildseries.co.za or email ZandiM@wildlands.co.za

The Discovery Get Active weekend in Cape Town on 11 and 12 February 2017 is fast approaching, and with it the closing date for entries into both these events.

“There is probably no finer place to run, swim and cycle in summer than in Cape Town. Putting on an event that combines these activities is a privilege. The Discovery Get Active weekend, including the Discovery Triathlon World Cup on Saturday and the Discovery Duathlon on Sunday, is the perfect way to kick off 2017. It is the first major sporting event on the Cape Town calendar, as well as the season opener on the International Triathlon Union calendar. To run, cycle and swim, no matter whether you do the duathlon or the triathlon by yourself or with a team, will be one of the highlights of your sporting year,” said Gary Marescia, Race Director.

The format of events opens the benefits of multisport to athletes at all levels, from high-performance athletes, and age groupers to novices. Iona Maclean, Head of Experiential Marketing for Discovery said,” The Discovery Get Active weekend promises the magic of multisport to those completing their first or tenth event. The duathlon format of run, cycle, run also opens the field to high-performance athletes and to those who can jog 5km and complete a spinning class.”

This year will be the third time Cape Town hosts the Discovery Triathlon World Cup Cape Town, which, on 11 February, also kicks off the 2017 World Cup circuit. From here, the swim, cycle, run event will visit 17 cities on five different continents. Sunday, 12 February, will be dedicated to the second Discovery Duathlon Cape Town, which gives multisport athletes, with varying athletic abilities, the run, cycle, run experience.

With 5 000 events in the Western Cape each year, Alan Winde, the MEC for Economic Opportunity in the province said, “Events like the Discovery Triathlon World Cup Cape Town and Discovery Duathlon Cape Town are extremely important for our economy and for tourism. Cycling events alone brought in R1.5 billion for the province last year. Sporting events are not only important for the economy, but also help us to promote healthy living.”

Entries are selling out fast as the closing date of 5th February 2017 approaches but event organisers confirmed they are still accepting entries. Enter the Discovery Triathlon World Cup Cape Town at http://www.triathlon.capetown/ visit http://www.discoveryduathlon.com/to enter the Discovery Duathlon Cape Town. Whether a professional athlete or a newcomer to multisport, it promises to be an exciting weekend of swimming, cycling, and running for athletes and sports enthusiast with the scenic Mother City as the backdrop.

Gary Marescia, Race Director said, “The duathlon route is the same but the triathlon route will change slightly. The race will begin at Quay 6 at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Beach Road along Mouille Point will also be closed for the event and the lighthouse will be the turn marker on the elite cycle route, while age groupers will turn at the Sea Point swimming pool.”
Marescia said, “We have so much to celebrate in multisport in South Africa. Henri Schoeman surprised the world with his performance at the Rio Olympics in 2016. Richard Murray, who was expected to win a medal, finished fourth. Schoeman and Murray are both favourites in the elite race this year. Safe to say, we are hoping a South African will take it. The February start, according to climatic charts, will mean warmer waters. For the triathlon, this could mean quicker times on the swim.”
 

One lucky 2017 Fedhealth XTERRA entrant will stand the chance to win an exciting trip to the idyllic Reunion Island complements of Fedhealth, the Title Sponsor of the world’s largest XTERRA.

“Fedhealth is all about cultivating an active and healthy lifestyle. The XTERRA Series delivers both a gruelling challenge to experienced triathletes, and a great weekend out for families who are just trying to add physical activity to their everyday lifestyle. And for those members who really enjoy pushing themselves, there’s also the chance to compete in the XTERRA Reunion Challenge. So good luck, make sure you enter to qualify!” says Jeremy Yatt, Principal Officer of Fedhealth.

This amazing prize is valued at around R25 000, and includes the flights, bicycle transport, airport taxes, transfers, accommodation of the winner and an entry into XTERRA Reunion.  The winner’s name will be drawn directly after the final XTERRA SA Event of 2017, the Fedhealth XTERRA Lite, in Grabouw on Sunday, 26 February 2017. 

In order to qualify to be in the lucky draw for the trip to Reunion to participate in the XTERRA event in April, XTERRA SA Warriors must have competed at all three of the XTERRA SA events (in either the Lite or the Full races in Buffelspoort, Nelson Mandela Bay and Grabouw).

“It’s a privilege to have a Title Sponsor that is just as passionate about the sport of XTERRA as we are,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports.  “XTERRA South Africa boasts with the largest XTERRA in the world, the Fedhealth XTERRA Grabouw.   We are both proud and excited to continue buidling on this legacy with Fedhealth in our corner.”

The 2017 XTERRA racing season will kick off on a high note at the magnificent Buffelspoort Dam in the North West Province over the weekend of the 20^th – 22^nd January 2017.

“We are excited to once again kick off the XTERRA racing season at Buffelspoort Dam,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports. “Our course designers have been hard at work over the Festive Season ensuring that only the best routes form part of the XTERRA experience. Entrants can look forward to an exciting challenge that incorporates magnificent routes and spectacular scenery.”

According to Hendrico Burger, Fedhealth XTERRA Race Director, the 2017 routes feature some exciting upgrades. “The first half of the XTERRA mountain bike course will be more challenging and will include a 3km steep technical climb with a 230m ascent while the second half of the course will be faster and less technical.”

Route highlights will include spectacular views from different vantage points on top of the plateau. The trail run route will feature a long, steep climb to the top of the plateau with a new decent towards the Buffelspoort Dam.

“The XTERRA Lite MTB course will be tackled in reverse, giving XTERRA regulars a new challenge,” continues Burger. “The XTERRA Lite trail run course has undergone some exciting changes and entrants can look forward to a fun challenge. The XTERRA Lite is well suited to newcomers to the sport.”

Commonly known as the world’s premier off-road triathlon, XTERRA combines an open water swim with a challenging mountain bike course and an adrenaline-pumping trail run. Each event highlights the true beauty of the area in which it is hosted.

The youngsters will kick off the weekend as the Fedhealth XTERRA Kids event takes place. This is aimed at kids between the ages of six and 15 who will compete in three different age categories. Once the youngsters have finished their races it will be a night of rest as the elite athletes prepare. Saturday and Sunday will see the Fedhealth XTERRA and Fedhealth XTERRA Lite take place.

Next on the calendar is the Fedhealth XTERRA Nelson Mandela Bay, which takes place from February the 10th to February the 12th 2017, followed two weeks later by the Fedhealth XTERRA Grabouw race.

For further information or to enter the Fedhealth XTERRA Buffelspoort, Nelson Mandela Bay or Grabouw, contact 082 991 0045 or visit www.stillwatersports.com

Runners who still wish to secure their place in the 2017 Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon have been thrown a final life line. Substitution entries will open on 9 January 2017, and runners who can no longer participate are encouraged to release their entry to another runner before 6 March 2017.

The Substitution entry process provides an important logistical function that contributes to athletes’ safety on race day,” says Carol Vosloo, General Manager of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC.

“Runners withdraw from the Ultra, Half and Trail events for a number of reasons, but it’s not just a small matter of handing your race number over to a friend. Each runner’s personal profile – which includes important medical and emergency information – is linked to his/her race number, and the substitution process facilitates the linking of a newly-issued number to the new participant.” 

Ms Vosloo warns that not following the proper substitution procedure could have life-threatening consequences, as emergency personnel rely on the accuracy of the information linked to an athlete’s race number. “We are responsible for the safety of over 28 000 runners, and we urge all athletes to not only follow the proper procedures, but to also take responsibility for their correct personal, emergency and medical information.”

The Substitution Entry Process

• The withdrawing runner must log into the online system, click the “entries” tab on the left hand side of their profile summary and then select the “substitute” button. A voucher number will be displayed and an email containing this voucher number will be dispatched.

• The withdrawing runner needs to forward this voucher number and original race number to the runner who intends to take over this entry.

• The original entry fee is not refundable.

• Withdrawing runners are not allowed to charge more than the entry fee.

• As Ultra Marathon and Trail Run t-shirts formed part of the entry, these t-shirts will be transferred to the new runner. Any Half Marathon t-shirts ordered will remain the property of the original entrant, unless it is sold (at face value) to the new entrant. Sizes will remain as per the original order.

• The new runner must take the voucher number, log into the online entry system and click “Substitution”. The withdrawing runner’s original race number must also be captured.

• Once the substitution has been validated, the system will prompt the new runner for personal and medical information (if this hasn’t already been completed).

• The cost for a substitution entry is R150. However, other costs may still apply, including the compulsory RaceTec timing chip (if the new runner doesn’t already have one),etc.

• Runners who substitute for the Ultra Marathon are required to meet the qualification requirements and have a valid 2017 running club license.

Beware of fraudsters!

With the high demand for entries – especially for the Half Marathon and Trail Runs – there are individuals who abuse the trust of runners by advertising invalid substitutions. “We strongly discourage runners to buy entries from third-party reseller sites, and any runner who is unsure of the validity of an entry may contact the Entries Team to confirm the details of the withdrawing runner or substitution voucher number first. Don't be pressured into making any kind of upfront payment without first ensuring that the transaction is valid,” adds Ms Vosloo.

In an effort to streamline this process, an online notice board has been published on the OMTOM website where withdrawing runners can list their information. The list of available entries will be made available online when the substitution process officially kicks off on 9 January 2017.

Deadline for qualifier, medical & running club details submission
Runners are required to submit their qualifier, medical and running club details for their entries by 6 March 2017. This is particularly important for Ultra Marathon participants who will forfeit their entry if they fail to submit their qualifying marathon results and 2017 running club information.

For more information, visit www.twooceansmarathon.org.za, contact info@twooceansmarathon.org.za, or call the organisers on 0861 262 326 / 021 799 3040

 

Trail snakes can officially go on standby, as online entries for the 2017 Old Mutual Two Oceans Trail Runs will open at 10am (12km) and 11am (24km) respectively on Thursday, 1 December 2016. Runners can choose between the 12km route – a perfect race for trail novices – and the 24km run that caters for fit and experienced trail runners. It will be the eighth year that this popular event is held as part of the Easter Weekend line-up, and if last year's entry rate is anything to go by, entries for both distances will sell out within minutes.  “The entry opening times for the short and long route are an hour apart to ensure that both sets of runners have the best entry experience,” says Carol Vosloo, General Manager of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC. “Entries for the short route usually sell out within 10 minutes, while the 24km route takes about an hour.” The entry limit is 1 000 participants in total.   The entry fee for the 12km is R685, and R840 for the 24km, which includes a limited-edition technical t-shirt from adidas, as well as the R100 SANParks levy. Runners who do not already own a RaceTec timing chip will be required to purchase one for R120 upon entering. Both runs start at the University of Cape Town (UCT), from where athletes will access the lower slopes of Devil’s Peak and nearby forests of the Table Mountain National Park.  The routes comprise varied terrain with steep ascents and descents, and offer a challenge to both beginner and seasoned runners. In return, participants are richly rewarded with spectacular scenery and amazing views of the Cape Peninsula.  How to enter  Visit https://admin.twooceansmarathon.org.za/identify.aspx from 9am on 30 November 2016 to update your profile and “create” an entry. (Note that this does not guarantee your entry on 1 December.) 12km entrants may log in at 10h00 on 1 December to enter, while 24km entrants may log in at 11h00 to do the same.  Credit cards or chip-enabled cheque / debit cards that have been activated for online purchases are accepted. Due to the high demand, EFT payments cannot be facilitated. Entries will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Runners who update their personal profiles & create their entry by 30 November are not guaranteed an entry, and will still be required to access the entry system when entries open on 1 December to pay before the entry limit is reached. The “pre-entry” procedure is in place to facilitate a faster processing of entrants through the entry system. Runners are also reminded of the one-time PIN (OTP) that will be sent to them from their banks before they are able to finalise their payment. “Our online entry system is required to align with South African banks’ increased safety measures to counteract the rise in internet fraud. One of the measures in place is to send a one-time PIN to the credit card holder,” adds Vosloo. “Runners who experience a delay in receiving their OTP should contact their credit card merchant, as this verification process takes place outside of the Two Oceans Marathon entry system. We do, however, urge runners to check that their online banking confirmation messages are delivered via SMS and not email, to speed up this process.”   For more information about the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon and related events, please visit www.twooceansmarathon.org.za.  Runners can also join the events’ growing online communities on www.facebook.com/TwoOceansMarathon, or @2OceansMarathon on Twitter and Instagram, and use the #OMTOM2017 and #RunAsOne hashtags.     Ends Issued by:  Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon Media Office On behalf of:  Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon For media info and/or images: Leonie Mollentze Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon Media Office Email:  media@twooceansmarathon.org.za Mobile: 082 550 1514 For race related info:         Tel:  0861 2OCEAN / +27 21 799 3040 Email: info@twooceansmarathon.org.za

The annual awards gala of the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) kicked off in spectacular fashion on Saturday the 15th October 2016 as the CMA honoured amazing individuals together with the major sponsor, Old Mutual.

The Old Mutual Spirit of Comrades awards gala celebrates three remarkable individuals every year for their very human attributes of selflessness, dedication, perseverance and Ubuntu, combined with their love for The Ultimate Human Race.

“These are people whose selflessness, compassion and humanity have given rise to extraordinary acts,” Said Karen Thomas, Old Mutual Head of Brand. “Old Mutual is very proud to be associated with an event that salutes these people and honours the very best of human nature.”

The three Spirit of Comrades recipients is presented with a one-ounce, 24 carat gold medallion, courtesy of major sponsor, Old Mutual, as well as due recognition of their remarkable qualities.

The first of three recipients was Mr Amit Sheth, who has successfully completed The Comrades Marathon five times, was the first Indian national to have run the Comrades Marathon in 2009. In the same year, he was appointed the Comrades International Brand Ambassador for the Indian subcontinent. With his book, Dare to Run a bestseller in India, published in 2010, he has managed to motivate and inspire people from all walks of life to start on the path of running, and more specifically to take up the Comrades challenge. In 2016 nearly 100 runners from India entered The Ultimate Human Race. Amit is a CEO at a successful Engineering firm is also a motivational speaker of note who has a large charitable heart. He has donated over two and a half million Rand for the cancer treatment of underprivileged children at the Tata Memorial Hospital.

The second Old Mutual Spirit of Comrades Award, was given to Rupin Mehta. A man who sacrificed a fifth consecutive Comrades medal to ensure that other runners achieved theirs. With a staggering number of Spirit of Comrades Award nominations coming in for Rupin, this amazing soul went on to demonstrate that a good deed seldom goes unnoticed. The images of an exhausted Rupin getting down on his knees to assist a fatigued runner will be remembered by the many who had been watching the Comrades Marathon this year.

Rupin first came to the assistance of Johan Kotze, who was struggling to continue with his race at 45th Cutting in Sherwood. With Rupin’s help and a bit of massage and motivation, Johan managed to complete his race and earn his medal within the 12-hour cut-off time. At the finish, Rupin came across another athlete, Samantha Douglas who he tried in vain to help, but unfortunately they did not make it across the finish line in time.

The final award went to Dr Wadee, who was well on his way to enjoying his third Comrades Marathon finish when at Botha’s Hill, he came across a struggling runner, Willem Stolp, who had collapsed and whose health was deteriorating at a rapid pace. Dr Wadee, well aware that he may not make the cut off rushed to Willem’s aid and remained by the side of Tzaneen Athletics Club member rendering emergency medical intervention. By the time the paramedics had arrived on the scene, Willem was stabilised, thanks to the doctor’s efforts. Too much time had lapsed for Dr Wadee to complete his race and he decided to call it a day thereafter.
Tzaneen Athletic Club Chairperson, Paul Zaayman said, “Dr Wadee displayed a sense of selflessness that is admirable. To think that he sacrificed his own medal to help a total stranger – that is truly what the Comrades is all about!”

Amongst some of the other winner’s was Journalist Khanyiso Tshwaku, a reporter for the Times Media Group, who won the Journalist of the year award for having written the most articles and garnered the highest amount of AVE’s for the Comrades Brand this year.

Carel Nolte was honoured for having raised the most funds for the CMA’s Charities he was presented the Top Charity Fundraiser of the Year award, for having raised R170 000 for the Comrades Charities.

2016 Comrades Marathon Winner’s Blazers, were conferred to the two proudly South African Comrades Marathon winner’s David Gatebe and Charne Bosman.

David was honoured for breaking the previously recorded best down-run time by 2 minutes and 22 seconds. While Charne ran the race of her life this year, especially the final kilometres of the 2016 Women’s race, which viewers are least likely to forget.

The CMA honoured the effort of individuals and organisations who have contributed in a significant way to the Comrades Marathon Association over the years. The Certificates of Appreciation were presented to SGB and Interflora for 30 and 20 years of service respectively, to the CMA and for going beyond the call of duty in adding value to the Comrades Marathon.

The CMA Life Membership Award was given to Brian Swart, a member who had not only completed the comrades Marathon 15 times but had also rendered outstanding meritorious service to the race. Brian has served the CMA in various capacities for 38 years. His nearly four decades of service to the CMA includes contributions to the route-marking, publications, finish procedure and green number club portfolios; and most recently, convening the International Bus Tours.

Special acknowledgement was bestowed on a man of outstanding merit. Mick Winn, who was honoured with a distinctive tribute to his 50 years of service to the Association.

The CMA announced that it will rename the Comrades Hall at Comrades House, “Mick Winn Hall of Honour” in respect of him being the founding Chairperson of the Comrades Marathon Association and for his immense contribution to the CMA.

CMA Chairperson, Macdonald Chitja said, “We are delighted to honour these outstanding individuals at our flagship awards gala tonight. Each of them has a unique story of camaraderie and goodwill that inspires us all to be the best we can be. It is incredibly motivating and we applaud them all.”

Halfway through the 2017 Comrades Marathon entry process and the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) has announced that more than half of the entry cap has been taken up.

CMA Race Director, Rowyn James has confirmed that the entry process has continued to proceed smoothly, with runners from around the world showing a heightened interest in the world’s most gruelling ultra-marathon.

“We have captured nearly 11500 successful entries so far which equates to 56% of our entry quota.” Says James

As part of the CMA’s Runners First Initiative, a Comrades club manual has been developed, which will assist running clubs to make better use of the Comrades entry system.

In light of its commitment to improving its relationship with running clubs across the country, the CMA will host an interactive club session on 22 October 2016. This will assist club managers to update details and qualifying times of runners who do not have the facilities to do so.

Club managers will also have the ability to verify which club the athlete belongs to, as well as his/her qualifying details. All athletes who are flagged by club managers will be contacted by the CMA’s in-house entries team.

Entry breakdown:
• South African Entrants: 10447
• Rest of Africa Entrants: 144
• International Entrants: 763

James concludes, “With less than two months to go till the 2017 Comrades entry process closes, we would like to urge runners who have not yet entered to do so as soon as possible.”

For details on how to enter and other information, please visit www.comrades.com

2017 Old Mutual Two Oceans Half Marathon has changed to a ballot application process. If you belong to a South African Running Club, follow the steps below to apply online between the 1 and 10 November 2016!