NPL Ambassador Vicky MacIntosh Makes History as South Africa’s First Hyrox Champion

NPL Ambassador Vicky MacIntosh Makes History as South Africa’s First Hyrox Champion

South Africa’s fitness community recently celebrated a groundbreaking achievement as Vicky MacIntosh, an elite triathlete and CrossFitter, claimed victory in the country’s first-ever Hyrox race. The 33-year-old made history in Cape Town by becoming the first professional South African athlete to qualify for the 2024 Hyrox World Championships. This accomplishment comes alongside another exciting announcement: Vicky is now officially an ambassador for NPL (Nutritional Performance Labs), a leading sports supplement brand.

Powered by NPL: Vicky MacIntosh’s Journey to Victory

As NPL’s newest ambassador, Vicky isn’t just celebrating her Hyrox win—she’s also highlighting the importance of proper supplementation in achieving peak athletic performance. “Our partnership with Vicky has played a key role in her training, helping her optimize her nutrition and recovery so she can compete at the international level,” says Cherrie Blackmore, NPL’s Head of Marketing.

Vicky’s supplement regimen, designed to meet the intense demands of Hyrox, includes NPL’s Platinum Whey, maltodextrin for sustained energy, and Creatine Monohydrate for strength and endurance. She also uses NPL’s VitaPack to ensure her body gets essential vitamins and minerals for overall health and recovery.

“Nutrition is crucial for success in Hyrox, especially for women,” Vicky explains. “There’s a lot of confusion around supplements, and with NPL, I’m excited to share insights on how to fuel properly for high-performance sports, particularly for female athletes.”

Hyrox: A Global Fitness Sensation

Hyrox is a hybrid race combining running with functional workout stations, and its global popularity is on the rise. In South Africa, it’s quickly gaining traction among both professional and amateur athletes. Known for her versatility in endurance sports, Vicky adapted to the tough demands of Hyrox, which includes eight rounds of 1km runs with high-intensity workout stations in between.

“Hyrox is special because it’s accessible to so many people—the exercises are simple but physically challenging,” says Vicky. “It’s not just a test of fitness, but also of mental toughness.”

Pioneering Hyrox in South Africa

Vicky’s win in Cape Town is a major step in introducing Hyrox to South Africa. As she continues competing internationally, she’s also focused on raising awareness for the sport and encouraging more South Africans to get involved.

“My goal isn’t just to qualify for the Elite 15 circuit—the top tier of Hyrox athletes worldwide—but also to help grow the sport in South Africa,” Vicky shares. “With NPL’s support, I’m hoping to build a strong Hyrox community here and show that South Africans can compete at the highest level.”

NPL is equally excited about the partnership. “Vicky MacIntosh truly embodies what NPL stands for—excellence, dedication, and constantly pushing boundaries,” says Cherrie. “We’re proud to be part of her journey as she continues to break new ground in Hyrox.”

Looking Ahead

With her Hyrox debut behind her, Vicky is preparing for a busy season ahead, with competitions lined up in Europe as she works toward earning a spot in the Elite 15 circuit. As she tackles new challenges, NPL will continue to support her, fueling her progress with their premium sports supplements.

Vicky MacIntosh’s story is one of determination, passion, and the power of nutrition. Her Hyrox victory and partnership with NPL are setting the stage for her to inspire the next generation of South African athletes and lead the charge in this rapidly growing sport.

PUMA Signs Teenage Sprint Sensation Christian Miller

PUMA has officially signed 18-year-old American sprinter Christian Miller, a rising star in track and field.

Miller, who just graduated from St. Johns Creekside High School in Florida, has had a remarkable journey over the past year and a half. His rapid rise in the sport has placed him among a select group of athletes who have chosen to turn professional straight out of high school, skipping NCAA eligibility.

Miller first made headlines in July 2023 with a stunning performance at the USA Track & Field U-20 Outdoor National Championships in Eugene, Oregon, where he clocked 10.08 seconds in the 100m. This time made him the fourth-fastest American high schooler ever at that distance.

He didn’t stop there. In April 2024, Miller ran a personal best of 9.93 seconds in the 100m at just 17 years old, breaking the Under-18 world record, setting a new American Under-20 record, and recording the third fastest time ever by an Under-20 sprinter.

“Christian is undoubtedly one of the most exciting young sprinters we’ve seen in years, and he’s already rewriting the record books,” said Pascal Rolling, PUMA’s Director of Sports Marketing. “His maturity and decision to go pro at such a young age is a testament to his ambition, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome him to the PUMA family.”

Miller himself is eager to get started: “I want to be the best, and to do that, you have to be with the best – for me, that’s always been PUMA. The brand represents speed, and their athletes are champions. That’s what I aim for, and I can’t wait to kick off the season.”

Precious Mashele celebrates Birthday as fastest South African to complete a 5km run on SA soil

Precious Mashele put on a fantastic performance on Sunday, 13 October 2024, as he successfully defended his title at the Boxer Super Run in Durban. Not only did he retain his crown, but he also became the fastest South African to complete a 5km run on home soil, crossing the finish line in an impressive 13:39. In the Women’s Elite Race, Karabo More took the spotlight, finishing first with a time of 16:16.

“I’m really happy with the win today, especially since it’s my birthday,” said a smiling Mashele. “The race was thrilling. We ran the same route as last year, but this time there was no wind. My teammates from Boxer were tough competition—every time we race in the RUN YOUR CITY events, they’re always on the podium, so I knew they’d push me hard. I picked up the pace in the last 2km to make sure they couldn’t catch me. I had some doubts since I haven’t been racing well lately, but I reminded myself it’s my birthday, and this win is a gift to myself. The Boxer Super Run is special to me—Boxer Superstores and Stillwater Sports really look after us, so it means a lot to perform well here.”

Boxer Athletics Club swept the podium with Kabelo Mulaudzi finishing second and Chris Mhlanga taking third place.

Karabo More, making her debut at the Boxer Super Run, delivered an outstanding performance in the Elite Women’s Race. “I’ve been away from racing for a while, so today was all about getting my confidence back,” said a happy More. “As part of my comeback, I’m entering races just to see where I am with my training. My strategy was to stay with the pack and work with the other women, then really push in the last 2km. It’s all about taking risks and seeing where they lead you. I didn’t expect to win—I was running against some strong women. It wasn’t until the last kilometre that I thought, ‘I’ve got this.’ That was the key moment. The Boxer Super Run is tough and fast, and winning feels amazing. I’ll definitely be back next year.”

Gerda Steyn (Phantane AC) finished second, with Cacisile Sosibo (Boxer Athletics Club) placing third.

“It was an incredible race today,” Steyn shared. “Even though 5km isn’t my usual distance, I enjoyed every moment from start to finish. The strong competition pushed me, and I’m pleased with my time. I wasn’t focused on my pace during the race, but finishing second means a lot. I followed my race plan, and overall, I’m really happy with the result. Now that the ice is broken with the Boxer Super Run 5K Series, I definitely hope to return next year!”

Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports, reflected on the event, saying, “The Boxer Super Run in Durban today was a thrilling display of talent. We’re grateful to all the participants, supporters, and sponsors who made the day such a success. It was inspiring to see elite athletes, up-and-coming talent, and runners of all levels pushing their limits. A big congratulations to Precious Mashele and Karabo More for their incredible performances in the Elite Men’s and Women’s races—you’ve set a high standard for South Africa’s future running stars.”

Lee-Ann Pillay, Head of Marketing at Boxer Superstores, added, “Huge congratulations to Precious Mashele and Karabo More for your fantastic performances at the Boxer Super Run in Durban. You took elite racing to another level and kept us all on the edge of our seats. It was an honor to witness such talent on South African soil. A big thank you to the thousands of runners who joined us and made it such a special day. We can’t wait to bring the same excitement to Tshwane for the debut of the Boxer Super Run there on Sunday, 10 November!”

Perfect Score In SPAR Grand Prix For History-making Glenrose Xaba

Glenrose Xaba from Boxer made history as the first South African to win the SPAR Women’s Challenge Grand Prix title since 2019, when international athletes were first allowed to compete in the series. Xaba secured her victory on Sunday with a strong performance in the Jozi SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge at Marks Park.

Three-time SPAR Grand Prix champion, Tadu Nare from Nedbank, was bumped down to third place on the leaderboard by her fellow Ethiopian and teammate, Diniya Abaraya.

The Grand Prix winner is determined by each athlete’s top four performances, and Xaba finished with a perfect score of 120 points, earning maximum bonus points from all four of her wins. Xaba was also the last South African to win the SPAR Grand Prix, back in 2018.

Abaraya finished with 112 points, just one ahead of Nare, who had 111 points. Nare missed the Cape Town race, but won in Durban, placed third in Pretoria, and took second in Gqeberha and Johannesburg. Abaraya didn’t compete in the Tshwane race, but finished fifth in Durban, second in both Cape Town and Gqeberha, and third in Johannesburg. Currently, there is no Junior Grand Prix competition.

Cacisile Sosibo from Boxer came in fourth overall, with 72 points. Meanwhile, the Phalula twins, Diana-Lebo Phalula-Mzazi and Lebogang Phalula-Luthuli, also from Boxer, dominated the 40-49 age category. Phalula-Mzazi achieved a perfect score with four wins for a total of 40 points, while her sister earned 37 points with one win and four second-place finishes. Phalula-Mzazi finished seventh in the open category, and Phalula-Luthuli came in ninth.

In the 50-59 age group, Anne Stewart nearly had a perfect score, earning 39 points with three wins and one second-place finish. Judy Bird swept the 60-69 category, winning every race and securing the maximum points.

Vin.yards4Cancer Run Crew

Hey, runners and community supporters! I’m Ethan Bain, one of the founders of Vin.yards4Cancer Run Crew, and I’m excited to share how this journey began and what it’s all about.

From a Bet to a Movement

It all started as a playful challenge between seven housemates. We dared each other to complete the Cape Town Marathon. But this challenge soon transformed into something much more meaningful when one of our housemates was diagnosed with cancer. We knew we had to do something bigger—to run for a purpose close to our hearts. That’s how our mission to support childhood cancer began.

Running With Purpose

Vineyards Run Crew runs for those who can’t. Our friend’s battle inspired us to dedicate our efforts to raising awareness and funds for children fighting cancer. Every kilometer we cover is about making a difference in their lives. What started as a friendly bet has grown into a passion-driven journey to support a cause that means the world to us.

The Commitment That Drives Us

Training with a purpose in mind keeps us going. It’s not about being professional runners (because trust us, we’re not!). It’s about showing up, pushing through, and reminding ourselves of the bigger picture: helping kids who face struggles far greater than running 42 kilometers. Our mantra? For those who can’t. It keeps us motivated every single day.

As university students, juggling studies and training isn’t easy, but we make it work. Weekends and evenings are our go-to for runs, and sticking together as a team helps us stay accountable. Our advice? Keep your goals in mind, plan your training, and run with a group—it makes all the difference.

Why Social Running Clubs Are Thriving

There’s been a huge shift toward social running clubs among young adults, and we’re proud to be part of that movement. These clubs aren’t about competition; they’re about community. They give you the flexibility to balance fitness with fun, creating an environment where everyone is welcome, no matter your pace. Social media platforms like Strava and Instagram have made it easier than ever to connect, track progress, and share our journey with a wider audience.

Our Training & How You Can Join Us

We’ve followed a 12-week training plan, running 4-5 times a week to prep for the marathon. Our weekday runs are shorter, ranging from 5km to 12km, and weekends are reserved for the long ones—21km or more, depending on how ambitious we’re feeling. It’s challenging, but the support from our community keeps us going.

Want to be part of the crew? We’d love to have you! Find us on Instagram or Strava under Vin.yards4Cancer  and join us for a run. Together, we’re making every step count—for our friend, for children battling cancer, and for the joy of running.

Tumi Sekhukhune Ready To Rise Again At The Icc Women’s T20 World Cup 2024

As the Proteas Women gear up for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Tumi Sekhukhune finds herself at a defining moment in her career. After battling through injuries and missing the 2023 home World Cup, the seasoned seam bowler is ready to prove her worth and represent her community of Daveyton, Johannesburg, with pride.

Overcoming Setbacks

For Sekhukhune, missing last year’s T20 World Cup was a significant setback. “It wasn’t a nice experience for me, especially because it was at home. Playing on a global stage in front of my family would have been very special,” she shares. However, this disappointment spurred her to work even harder.

“I had to sharpen my skills and reflect on what I could offer to the team,” she says. The aftermath of her recurring groin injury in 2022 and her exclusion from the World Cup squad led to both mental and physical challenges. “I had a mental breakdown. Sometimes you feel like you’re not enough, or that your skills aren’t enough.”

Motivated by her teammates and provincial coaches, including former DP World Lions coach and new Proteas Women fielding lead Bongani ‘Coach Fantastic’ Ndaba, Sekhukhune found a way forward. “I had coaches who helped me improve in specific areas, and taking small steps helped me stay motivated,” she adds.

Despite the challenges of regaining fitness, she maintained her focus. “Some days, I didn’t feel like doing anything, but I told myself to take it one day at a time.”

Pride in Representing Daveyton

Daveyton, her hometown, has always played a significant role in Sekhukhune’s journey. “Growing up in Daveyton shaped the person I am today,” she reflects. A multi-talented athlete who participated in handball, volleyball, and netball in her youth, Sekhukhune’s transition to cricket allowed her to showcase her skills on an international stage when she made her debut in September 2018.

Representing her community in the World Cup fills her with pride. “It’s special to see people from Daveyton supporting me, posting messages on social media, and knowing they’re 100% behind me. That connection really means a lot to me.”

Preparing for the World Cup

Securing her spot in the 2024 T20 World Cup squad is a milestone for Sekhukhune. “One of my main goals was to get selected for the World Cup. Now that I have, my focus is on staying consistent, ensuring I’m prepared, and being ready to seize opportunities when they come.”

Sekhukhune has also tailored her training to adapt to the challenging conditions in the UAE. “I spent more time in the sun, trying to get used to the conditions. Our tour of Pakistan before heading to the UAE helped me adjust to the heat.” As a senior player, she knows her role goes beyond just bowling. “It’s important for me to contribute as much off the field as on it. My bowling style suits these conditions, and with the team’s success last year, there’s pressure, but I’m ready for it.”

Personal Growth and Reflection

The past few years have provided Sekhukhune with opportunities for personal growth. “I had to unlearn certain habits and adopt new ones. It wasn’t easy, but it helped me improve both as a cricketer and as a person.” Her time away from the game allowed her to reconnect with family and friends. “I spent more time with family, friends, and my dog, which helped me stay grounded.”

She also pursued her studies during recovery. “My injury gave me time to focus on finishing my degree in Supply Chain Management in Logistics, and my family motivated me to continue my education.”

Advice to Future Proteas

Sekhukhune has learned the value of patience and discipline in overcoming setbacks. “Sports come with challenges and injuries, but it’s important to stay grounded. Do your gym work, train hard, and fuel your body with the right nutrients. When setbacks come, be disciplined and trust the process.”

For young girls dreaming of playing for the Proteas, her message is clear: “Cricket is a rewarding game, filled with ups and downs. Keep working on your craft, stay patient, and even if you fall down, you’ll rise again. Believe in yourself, and know that you are going places.”

Ready to Shine Again

Sekhukhune’s journey back to fitness and form is a testament to her strength and determination. As she prepares for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, she stands as a proud representative of her community, ready to make her mark once again. With the support of Daveyton and the lessons she’s learned along the way, Tumi Sekhukhune is poised to rise, carrying the heart of South Africa with her on the global stage.

PUMA Launches Latest Hyrox Collection

PUMA Launches New HYROX Collection for Performance and Comfort

PUMA is excited to introduce the PUMA x HYROX collection, designed to boost your performance during HYROX competitions. With advanced features like CLOUDSPUN’s 4-way stretch fabric, this gear offers ultimate comfort and freedom of movement, helping you perform your best on race day.

HYROX is a high-intensity event that combines functional fitness and endurance, challenging participants to run 1km followed by a functional workout station, repeated eight times. Whether you’re competing solo, with a partner, or in a relay team, the PUMA x HYROX collection is built to keep you comfortable and focused.

As the official global partner of HYROX, PUMA has incorporated its innovative CLOUDSPUN technology into the collection. This moisture-wicking, stretchy fabric delivers a soft, cotton-like feel with a performance edge, allowing unrestricted movement during training and competition.

The collection will be available at the HYROX pop-up store in Cape Town on 21 September when HYROX comes to Africa for the first time. You can also find it online at PUMA.com and in select PUMA retail stores starting in October 2024. For more info, follow @pumatraining or visit PUMA.com.

Reebok continues momentum in running leadership with a fresh FloatZig 1 colourway and technical Apparel launch

Reebok’s FloatZig 1 running shoe made a splash when it first hit the scene, with the running community quickly naming it the “Best Newcomer in 2024.” Now, Reebok is keeping the momentum going with the release of a bold new colorway: the FloatZig 1 Game Day, packed with the same top-tier performance technology that runners love.

What makes the FloatZig 1 stand out is its combination of Reebok’s signature Floatride Energy Foam and the iconic ZigTech midsole. The result? A shoe that’s lightweight, springy, and built to make every run feel smooth and effortless. Whether you’re just starting to explore running or gearing up for your next marathon, the FloatZig 1 Game Day is designed for runners of all levels to lace up and get moving.

This latest release is part of Reebok’s global campaign, “Running Hacks,” which aims to make running more fun and accessible to everyone. With a playful tone, the campaign encourages all kinds of movement and celebrates the joy of getting out there and running.

Here’s what you can expect from the FloatZig 1 Game Day:
Floatride Energy Foam: This premium, lightweight foam enhances cushioning, boosts energy return, and delivers a smooth, unique underfoot feel.
ZigTech Midsole: Designed to provide a springy, lightweight run for ultimate comfort.

Want to learn more? Check out the FloatZig 1 Game Day collection at [Reebok South Africa](https://www.reebok.co.za/collections/floatzig-game-day) or follow them on Instagram for updates and inspiration.