Category: Racing

Having lots of balls in the air at the same time can leave you feeling overwhelmed, and sometimes you lose focus and drop one of those balls, which can lead to you feeling like you have failed. – BY ANEL OOSTHUIZEN

I recently returned to my hometown after four years away studying, and then started a new teaching job in February. Being just 22 years old, getting my first job was something completely new for me, as well as a brand new challenge. I also had to get used to a whole different routine, and with all these life changes, focusing on training became quite a challenge.

Two weeks went by where I found myself focusing on work most of the time. I was still getting training done, but it just felt like it was at the bottom of my priority list. As a result, I was still being successful in every 5am session, but then coming home after a hard day and not feeling motivated to do a second session left me feeling like a failure. Where did my motivation go?

Putting training second left me feeling demotivated for a while, but it was actually the best thing that could have happened, because I realised that there is so much more to life than stressing about why I am not in the mood for a second training session. I realised that walking into a classroom after a hard morning training session and seeing bright, smiling, eager faces made my day a hundred times better. And feeling like you are making a difference in someone’s life beats all other negative feelings that might be overwhelming you.

Now sitting here, after a hard but great evening speed session, I know I have picked that ball up again and regained my focus, and after a few hard weeks of high mileage, I have started to reap the fruits of those ‘not-in-the-mood-second-sessions.’

The weird thing – as crazy as it may sound to some people – is that I have started to love waking up at 4:45am, as I have realised at last that this is the most beautiful time of the day! Now I’m just taking each day as it comes and truly living in the moment, because life is just such a gift!

About the Author: Race Walker Anel Oosthuizen is a multiple SA Champion and Record Holder, who represented SA at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

If you’re running a long race in the coming months, make sure you get yourself to a gym, because long-distance runners need to prioritise strength training in order to minimise overuse injuries. – BY RAY ORCHISON, REGISTERED COACH

Let’s do a quick experiment to test your fitness for a long race: Do a short warm-up, then with stopwatch in hand, stand with your back against a wall, feet shoulder-width apart, and slowly slide down the wall into a seated position, keeping your knees bent at 90 degrees. Now lift your right foot just above the ground, start the stopwatch and hold for as long as possible. Make a note of the time, then repeat the process with the left leg.

In most cases, you will be able to hold one of your legs up longer. This indicates a muscles imbalance between your left and right side. Ideally, you want your muscles balanced so that you’re working both sides equally, without one side overcompensating for the weaker side, which often results in an injury or strain on the stronger side, because it’s doing the bulk of the work. Then, look at the number of seconds that you could hold this position, and compare your times with the table below.

Men
Excellent – Over 60 seconds
Good – 45-59 seconds
Average – 35-44 seconds
Below Average – 20-34 seconds
Poor – Under 20 seconds

Women
Excellent – Over 60 seconds
Good – 45-59 seconds
Average – 35-44 seconds
Below Average – 20-34 seconds
Poor – Under 20 seconds

Most non-elite endurance athletes will find themselves somewhere between Poor and Below Average, which is strange when you consider that this test lasts just two minutes, while a marathon or ultra lasts anything from four hours and up!

TARGETING THE MUSCLES
Training for a race is basically conditioning the body to perform a single movement over and over, but using the same muscles in the same way increases the risk of overuse injuries. Therefore, it’s crucial that you strengthen these muscles, and in running, the most important are the calves, hamstrings, glutes, quads and hip flexors. When these muscles are weak, they cannot perform their task efficiently in moving the body forward, which results in smaller, less-trained muscles doing more work than they’re designed to do. That’s when niggles turn into full-blown injuries.

Athletes will often start a race with good form and posture, but by the end may find themselves bent over at the hips, leaning toward one side, or struggling to lift their legs. These are indications that their muscles are not trained to go the distance. And as your form breaks down, so you find that certain muscles go into spasm, because they’re being overworked. The solution is strength training, which enables us to maintain good form for longer.

Start off using light weights and focus on doing exercises correctly, slowly and controlled – that’s far more important than how much you can lift. In the first three to four weeks, use the lightest weight possible and perform two to three sets of 15 repetitions each per exercise. After that you can increase the weight slowly over the coming weeks, while decreasing the number of repetitions as you increase the weight.

They say the journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step, but what happens when the motivation is not even there to take that first step? What do you do when you start questioning the reason for your time, effort and suffering out on the road or track? – BY ANEL OOSTHUIZEN

There have been countless days when I have woken up and dreaded my morning speed session, or my Sunday long distance session, or my excruciating gym nights, not wanting to go out there and train. There have also been countless days of feeling like I have failed in specific training sets, because I didn’t reach the times I wanted to. There can be so many reasons for feeling demotivated. It might be not reaching the goals you set, or not finding time in your busy schedule to train, being too tired, or maybe just being plain lazy…

First step: Accept it. Acknowledge the way you feel. Yes, you don’t want to go training. That’s okay, you’re allowed to feel that way! Life is not all rainbows and unicorns, everyone knows that. The secret behind it all is in those moments when you acknowledge the way you feel, get out of bed and still do it anyway. One should always remember, you are lapping everyone on the couch, no matter how unsuccessful you might feel about your training!

It does take a lot of courage and determination, and the best way to stay motivated is to do that as often as you can. The more you do it, the easier it gets, and that’s why one of my favourite quotations is, “It never gets easier, you just get stronger.” I live by that.

My coach always asks me, “How would you eat an elephant?” The answer is piece by piece. By just focusing on right now. By not thinking that if I feel like this on Monday, how am I going to make it to Sunday? But by doing a bit of ‘soul searching’ while going through the motions, you will feel your mood and attitude change, and the motivation will slowly but surely return. Always remember that Rome was not built in a day!

About the Author: Race Walker Anel Oosthuizen is a multiple SA Champion and Record Holder, who represented SA at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

IMAGE: Courtesy Anel Oosthuizen

In a country where long mileage is king, thanks to the focus on ultra-marathons, always remember that short runs are just as important. – BY RAY ORCHISON, REGISTERED COACH

A week of training should be made up of far more than just long slow distance running, or LSD. While LSD has many benefits, such as developing aerobic capacity and endurance, and preparing the mind to go the distance come race day, many runners go wrong by focusing entirely on LSD, with not much room for anything. The problem is, you don’t get fast by only running LSD, because these runs should be done at Two Oceans and Comrades race pace, which will be slower than your marathon pace, and after two or three months of this, it will take a notable effort to get some speed back into your legs.

The good news is that shorter runs will help you rediscover your speed, and they have a number of benefits which supplement LSD: They teach the body to run in a fatigued state and enable speed maintenance, and there are three types of short runs, each with its place in a training programme, depending on your upcoming racing plans, so try to include a balanced mix of these training runs.

1. The Recovery Run: Usually done the day after a hard workout or long run, the purpose of this easy run is not always recovery. It can certainly aid recovery by relieving stiffness, but the real benefit is teaching the body to run in a state of depletion. Imagine you’re in a peak mileage-building week, running consecutively for six days, including two hard days and a long run on Sunday. Instead of taking your normal rest day on Monday, you head out for a short ‘recovery’ run of 30 minutes.

You will be doing this on tired legs and with low energy reserves. This will teach your body to run through fatigue, something you’re sure to experience as you make your way up Constantia Nek or Polly Shortts. However, make sure that you still allow yourself adequate recovery on a weekly basis, so limit the recovery run to between 15 and 45 minutes, avoid the temptation of running too fast, and be careful not to push your body too far and end up injured or ill!

2. The Easy Run: When it comes to Two Oceans and Comrades, the easy run makes up the bulk of the weekly training and should be done at Two Oceans and Comrades race pace – a pace that feels like you could run all day.

3. The High Intensity Workout: This is usually a short but hard workout, and if you have never done these types of workouts, do not add them to your training just before a major race. Once you’ve recovered from your race, you can then reduce overall mileage and gradually introduce one light session of high intensity a week, then build from there. I suggest you always include a high intensity work in your week, so that you maintain the speed developed in preceding months.

South African runners really are blessed with a terrific race calendar, with so many great races to do, so check out these events for the coming month, including road and trail runs as well as other running disciplines, and make your racing plans! – BY TOM COTTRELL & SEAN FALCONER

GAUTENG

CENTRAL GAUTENG
Thursday 5 April
J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge 5.6km, Wanderers Club, North Road, Illovo, 6:30pm, Dylan Burgess 063 389 0681
Sunday 8 April
Alan Robb 32km & 15km, Germiston Stadium, Delville Road North, Delville, Germiston, 6:30am, Fred Macdougall 082 477 0466
Wednesday 11 April
Kinetic Night Trail Run 8km & 4km, Randpark, Johannesburg, 6pm, Heidi Muller 082 564 6468
Thursday 12 April
Ruimsig Trail Run 10km & 5km, Ruimsig Country Club, Hole in One Avenue, Ruimsig, 7pm, Race Organiser 011 053 9153 (w)
Saturday 14 April
West Rand Fun Walk Against Crime 7km & 5km, Kagiso Memorial Recreation Centre, Botes Avenue, Krugersdorp, 7:30am, Gobi Motswakae 073 228 4683
The Music Run Jo’Burg 5km, Riversands Farm Village, 2:30pm, Race Office 011 028 0110 (w)
Sunday 15 April
Jackie Gibson Marathon, Alan Ferguson Half Marathon & 5km, Klipriversberg Recreation Centre, Peggy Vera Street, Kibler Park, Johannesburg, 6am, Cathy Munn 072 679 0874
Gandhi 12km & 6km Walk, Gandhi Hall, 29 Impala Crescent, Lenasia Ext 5, 9am, Ramesh Baichar 082 650 9416
Fury Ford Fourways Trailfest 50km, 30km, 20km & 10km, Kingskloof, behind Laurentia Farm Stall, on N14 near Krugersdorp, 6am, 6:30am, 7am & 7:30am, Info: www.myroadlesstravelled.co.za
Sunday 22 April
Birchwood Cross the Line Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Birchwood Hotel, View Point Road, Boksburg, 6:30am, Kate Wood 082 903 9722
Actionman Trailrun #1 10km & 5km, Cradle Moon Lakeside Lodge, Plot 59 Beyers Naude Drive, Muldersdrift, Johanneburg, 7pm, Spectrum Sport 082 557 6884
Friday 27 April
MiWayLife Cradle of Humankind 32km, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Makiti Wedding Venue, opposite Sterkfontein Caves, Krugersdorp, 6:30am (32 & 21), 7am (10) & 7:15am (5), Sharlene Gagiano 083 512 9640
Sunday 29 April
Profix Robor Scaffolding 50km, Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Benoni Northerns Sports Grounds, Albert Bekker Park, Brodigan Street, Northmead, Benoni, 6:30am (50, 42 & 21) & 6:40am (10 & 5), Jan Jordaan 082 800 0762

GAUTENG NORTH
Monday 2 April
Guilt-Free Easter Monday 10km & 5km, Rietvlei Dam, Irene, Pretoria, 7am, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Lynn Ridge Mall Family Day 22km, 11km & 6km, Lynnridge Mall, cnr Jacobson Drive & Lynnwood Road, Pretoria, 7am, Daan du Toit 082 572 4169
Wednesday 4 April
Run with the Lions 10km & 5km, The Farm Inn, Silverlakes Road, Silverlakes, Pretoria, 7pm, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Friday 6 April
The Zoo Trot 10km & 5km, Pretoria Zoo, Boom Street, 7pm, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Saturday 7 April
Ford 3-in-1 Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Ford Motor Company Sport Ground, cnr Simon Vermooten & Alwyn Streets, Silverton, 6:30am (21 & 10) & 6:45am (5), Daniel Nkoana 072 171 7390
Sunday 8 April
Modern Athlete Irene Ultra Marathon 48km, Half Marathon & 5km, Agricultural Research Council (ARC) Irene Campus, Irene, 6am, Race Organiser 082 951 2581
Saturday 21 April
PnP Sosh Morula Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Giant Stadium, Soshanguve, 6:30am (21 & 10) & 6:45 (5), Vuyelwa Dlali 082 051 1823
Saturday 28 April
Tshwane Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Voortrekker Park, Pretoria Road, Silverton, 6:30am, Walter Vilakazi 072 196 7821
Cowhouse Trail Run Night Series – Autumn Edition 15km, 10km & 5km, Cowhouse Market, Silverlakes Road extension (past Curro), Hazeldean, Pretoria East, 5pm, 5:15pm & 5:30pm, Evelyn Botha 083 669 8588

VAAL TRIANGLE
No races scheduled for this period

WESTERN CAPE

BOLAND
Monday 2 April
Run The Vines Spice Route 17km, 10km & 5km Trail Run, Spice Route Winery, Suid-Agter-Paarl Road, 7:45, 8am & 8:15am, Lans Pepler 082 787 2472
Saturday 7 April
Delta Draf 10km & 5km, Solms-Delta Wine Estate, Delta Road, off R45 near R310 Helshoogte Road T-Junction, on way to Franschhoek, 8am, Ralph Jacobs 083 586 1168
Dirtopia Trail Run Challenge 25km, 15km & 9km, Uitkyk Wine Estate, on R44 between Stellenbosch & Klapmuts, 8:15am, 8:30am & 8:45am, Dirtopia Events 021 884 4752 (w)
Wednesday 11 April
Wagon Trail Night Run 10km & 5km, Anura Wine Estate, Klapmuts-Simondium Road, 7pm, Lans Pepler 082 787 2472
Sunday 15 April
Blaauwklippen Trail Run 10km & 5km, Blaauwklippen Wine Estate, on R44 in Stellenbosch, 8am & 8:15am, Info: www.hopeformiacara.com
Friday 27 April
Marine Mile Xtreme, Marine Drive, Hermanus, 6pm, Race Organiser 084 588 4237
Friday 27 – Sunday 29 April
Cell C AfricanX Trailrun presented by Asics, 3 days – 38km, 33km & 22km, Boschendal Wine Estate, on R310 Helshoogte Road, near Pniel, 8am, Race Organiser 082 991 0045
Saturday 28 April
Run The Vines Nederburg 17km, 10km & 5km Trail Run, Nederburg Wines, Sonstraal Road, Paarl, 7:45am, 8am & 8:15am, Lans Pepler 082 787 2472
Cliffpath Xtreme Run 18.1km, 12.6km & 5.7km, Market Square, Hermanus, 8:30am, 8:40am & 8:50am, Race Organiser 084 588 4237
Monday 30 April
Blue Mountain Xtreme Trail Run 17km & 10km, Market Square, Hermanus, 8am & 8:15am, Race Organiser 084 588 4237

SOUTH WESTERN DISTRICT
Saturday 7 April
KKI Volstruiswedloop Half Marathon& 10km, Wesbank Primary School, Park Road, Oudtshoorn, 7am, David Mckinnon 082 374 8632
Saturday 14 April
Two Lagoons 32km, 10km & 5km, Island Lake Parks Board, Wilderness, 7am, Gerritt du Toit 072 282 7995
Saturday 21 April
Great Brak River 10km & 5km, Vorentoe Primary School Sports Grounds, Great Brak River, 7am, Paulus Allart 073 412 5440
Friday 27 – Monday 30 April
Outeniqua Quest Trail Run 108km, (16.4, 32.5, 29.9 & 29.3km), Beervlei Hut to Harkerville Hut, Outeniqua Hiking Trail, Wilderness, 9am, Janine Swart 083 662 2022
Saturday 28 April
Outeniqua Marathon, Half Marathon & 5km, George Sports Club (42km) or Garden Route Dam (21.1km) to Ebb & Flow National Park, Wilderness (5km), 7am (42) & 8am (21), Deon de Jager 083 453 4781
Sunday 29 April
Outeniqua Quest 108km nonstop and Ultra 59km, Beervlei Hut (108) & Millwood Hut (59) to Harkerville Hut, Outeniqua Hiking Trail, Wilderness, 7:30am, Janine Swart 083 662 2022

WESTERN PROVINCE
Wednesday 4 April
Merrell Autumn Night Run Series #1 8km & 5.5km, Simon’s at Groot Constantia Wine Estate, Groot Constantia Road, Cape Town, 6:30pm, Tatum Prins 083 449 0760
Sunday 8 April
Central Athletics 10km & 5km, Newlands Cricket Stadium, Campground Road, Newlands, 7am & 7:30am, Adnaan Mohamed 083 427 4648
Wednesday 11 April
Merrell Autumn Night Run Series #2 8km & 5.5km, Simon’s at Groot Constantia Wine Estate, Groot Constantia Road, Cape Town, 6:30pm, Tatum Prins 083 449 0760
Saturday 14 April
Leapfrog Gordon's Bay Half Marathon, LabourWise 10km & 5km, Gordon’s Bay Primary School, cnr Sir Lowry’s Road & Avondrus Street, Gordon’s Bay, 7am (21) & 7:30am (10), Barry Muller 082 774 9510
Wednesday 18 April
Merrell Autumn Night Run Series #3 8km & 5.5km, Simon’s at Groot Constantia Wine Estate, Groot Constantia Road, Cape Town, 6:30pm, Tatum Prins 083 449 0760
Saturday 21 April
Langebaan Country Estate Weskus Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Langebaan Country Estate, Clubhouse Street, 7:15am (42 & 21), 7:30am (10) & 8:30am (5), Louise du Plessis 079 892 6776
Friday 27 April
Nantes Freedom to Run 10km & 5km PLUS 10km Walk, Vanguard Sports Complex, Bridgetown, 7am & 7:30am PLUS 7:10am, Fadia Roberts 072 972 7765
Durbanville Hills Freedom Day TrailFun 10km & 5km, Durbanville Hills Wine Estate, Tygerberg Valley Road, Durbanville, 7:30am & 7:45am, Japie Swanepoel 082 443 3033
Sunday 29 April
Voet of the Wine Route 10km & 5km, Zevenwacht Mall, cnr Polkadraai & Van Riebeeck Street, Kuils River, 7am & 7:20am, Marie Uys 082 897 5416

KWAZULU-NATAL

Saturday 7 April
Arthur Creswell Memorial Ultra Marathon 52km & Half Marathon, Oaklahamba/Bergville Municipality (52) to Ladysmith Sports Complex, Klip Bank Road (21), 5:30am & 7am, Lincoln Sibiya 079 361 0874
Sunday 8 April
Ma'am Jila Memorial 10km Challenge, Mgenge Store, Sankontshe, Hammarsdale, 7am, Zakheli Mnkadi 084 644 2733
Nquthu 10km, Zicole Area, Nquthu, 9am, Keneth Shange 073 397 9358
Rocky Bay Trail Run 19km, 12km & 6km, Rocky Bay Resort, Scottburgh, 7am (19) & 7:30am (12) & 7:45am (6), Lauren Booth 082 791 7069
Sunday 15 April
Durban City Marathon, Half Marathon & 10km, Kings Park Stadium, Isaiah Ntshangase Road, Durban, 5:30am, KZNA 031 312 9374 (w)
WESSA Umngeni Valley Trail Run 20km, 12km & 5km, WESSA, Howick, Time TBC, Lauren Booth 082 791 7069
Saturday 21 – Sunday 22 April
Bushman’s 2-day Trail Run, Sat: 20km, 10km & 5km, Sun: 30km, 20km, 10km & 5km, Wagendrift Dam Campsite, Estcourt, Sat: 7am, 7:30am & 7:45am, Sun: 6am, 7am, 7:30am & 7:45am, Lauren Booth 082 791 7069
Sunday 22 April
Rising Sun Chatsworth Freedom Ultra Marathon 52km & 25km, Chatsworth Stadium, Trisula Drive, Arena Park, Chatsworth, 5:30am (52) & 6am (25), Dees Govender 083 785 4333
Tinman 10km, Suncoast Casino, Durban, 7am, B-Active 031 764 1885 (w)
Husqvarna Mid-Illovo 18km & 9km Trail Run, Mid-Illovo Club, Camperdown, 7am, Shannon MacKenzie 082 493 4466
Friday 27 April
Ultra-Trail Drakensberg 160km, Lesotho start to Bushman’s Nek Hotel, 12pm, Spurgeon Flemington 082 329 7737
Friday 27 – Saturday 28 April
Drakensburg Rock Jumper 2-day Trail Run, (21km & 15km or 15km & 12km), Premier Resort Sani Pass, Himeville, 8am & 7am, Spurgeon Flemington 082 329 7737
Saturday 28 April
Pongola Sugar Cane 10km, Pongola Sports Ground, 5:30am, Heinrich Koen 083 228 7682
Ultra-Trail Drakensberg 100km, Giant’s Cup Uncut 62km & Sundowner Run 30km, SA Border Post, Sani Pass (100), Premier Resort Sani Pass (62) & Castleburn Farm (30) to Bushman’s Nek Hotel, 5am (100), 6am (62) & 2:30pm (30), Spurgeon Flemington 082 329 7737
Sunday 29 April
Tronox uMhlathuze Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Addison Park, Empangeni, 5:30am, Roy Singh 082 947 2153
JG Zuma Marathon, Half Marathon & 10km, Seven Oaks, Muden, 5:30am, Zengel 073 142 3533

FREE STATE

Saturday 31 – Sunday 1 April
Clarens Cosmos Challenge 2-day Stage Trail Run, (Stage 1: 24km & 18km, Stage 2: 17km), Bokpoort Farm, Clarens, 6:30am, Ruan Botes 063 686 7315
Sunday 1 April
Lush Half Marathon, 10km & 5km Trail Run, Linwood Farm, Clarens, 8am, Damon Forbes 083 230 4007
Saturday 14 April
Kilo's for Klompvoetjies Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Voortrekker High School, West Street, Bethlehem, 6am, Elmarie Kruger 082 908 1844
Black Mountain Challenge 27km & 15km Trail Run, Black Mountain Hotel & Spa, Groothoek Dam Road, Thaba Nchu District, 8am, Nelio da Sa 082 777 6770
Friday 20 April
Thanda Tau Night Run 10km & 5km, Thanda Tau Hotel, Rooikraal Farm, near Vrede, 7pm, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Saturday 21 April
Campus 2 Campus Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Goldfields TVET College, Welkom, 6am, Constant Lithuge 071 050 0015
Kovsie-Runners Emporium Ultra Marathon 52km, Pretty Gardens, Bloemfontein, 6am, Rufus Botha 079 175 0023
Friday 27 April
Mangaung 10km, Venue TBC, Bloemfontein, 7:30am, Sydney London 072 258 6902
Saturday 28 April
Potato Pride Wilge Marathon, Half Marathon & 10km, GJ Humans Sports Ground, Frankfort, 7am, Anita Oberholzer 071 382 7219

EASTERN CAPE

BORDER
Saturday 14 April
Old Mutual AC East London Half Marathon, Cambridge Sports Club, Olympic Avenue, East London, 6am, Boitumelo Lepman 082 565 9737
Saturday 21 April
East London Pacers 10km, Beacon Bay Country Club, Beaconhurst Drive, Beacon Bay, East London, 6:30am, Sharonne Dewing 083 318 3853
Saturday 28 April
PAWS 5km Fun Run, Hamilton Club, East London, 8am, Gavin De Lange 076 801 6888
Saturday 28 – Sunday 29 April
Merrell Hobbit 90km Trail Run, (47km & 43km), Maden Dam to Arminel Hotel, Hogsback, 6am, Tatum Prins 083 449 0760
Sunday 29 April
Merrell Hobbit 38km, 16km & 5km Trail Run, Arminel Hotel, Hogsback, 8am, 9am & 9:30am, Tatum Prins 083 449 0760

EASTERN PROVINCE
Saturday 7 April
Motherwell Freedom Run 10km & 5km, NU-2 Stadium, Motherwell, Port Elizabeth, 7am & 7:15am, Michael Mbambani 079 149 6796
Saturday 21 April
African Wildlife Artistry Bruintjieshoogte Marathon 50km, 25km, 15km & 5km, Pearston Town Hall (50), Top of Bruintjieshoogte (25) or Swaershoek turn-off outside Somerset East (15), to Gill Primary School, College Street, Somerset East, 5am (50) & 6am (25 & 15), Ronette Marais 083 505 7700
Wednesday 25 April
Merrell Autumn Night Trail Run PE 8km & 5km, Norm Huldin Trails, Kragga Kamma Road, Port Elizabeth, 6:30pm, Tatum Prins 083 449 0760
Saturday 28 April
Siza Vitality Half Marathon & 6.5km, Port Alfred High School Grounds, Park Avenue, Port Alfred, 7am, Michael Mbambani 079 149 6796

FAR NORTH

LIMPOPO
Saturday 7 April
Mall of the North Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Mall of the North, Polokwane, 6am (42 & 21), :6:20am (10) & 6:40am (5), Corrie Calitz 072 149 2674
Saturday 14 April
Limpopo Cross Country League #1, Venue TBC, Rene Coetzee 083 254 6532
Wednesday 25 April
Polokwane Night Trail Run Series #4 10km & 5km, Polokwane Golf Club, Voortrekker Street, Polokwane, 7pm, Info: www.entryninja.com

MPUMALANGA
Saturday 7 April
Gert Sibande District Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km & 4.9km, Gert Sibande District Office, Ermelo, 6am, Sabelo Skhakhane 082 430 8057
Buffalo Gorge Trail Series 18km, 10km, 6.2km & 2.5km, Buffalo Gorge Eco Adventure Centre, Buffelskloof Farm, Middelburg, 7:30am, Ryk Diepraam 083 528 9586
LekkerRun 4.9km & 2.2km Colour Relay, Lekkerland Carnival, Naledi Drive, Dullstroom, 7:30am, Info: www.lekkerland.co.za
Wedneday 11 April
Laerskool Klipfontein Nite 10km & 5km, Laerskool Klipfontein, Pienaar Street, Emalahleni, 7pm, Paul Bester 082 966 7767
Saturday 14 April
Mpumalanga Cross Country League #2, Venue & Time TBC, Theuns Luus 083 630 8729
Saturday 21 April
Forever Resorts Loskop Ultra Marathon 50km, Middelburg Municipal Offices, Wanderers Avenue, to Forever Resorts Loskop Dam, 6am, Race Organiser 060 358 8546
Forever Resorts Loskop ‘The Wild’ Challenge Half Marathon, Loskop Nature Reserve, Damwal Complex, to Forever Resorts Loskop Dam, 6:30am, Race Organiser 060 358 8546
Friday 27 April
Bethal Half Marathon, 10km & 4.9km, Marietjie van Niekerk Primary School, Market Avenue, Bethal, 7am, Pieter Botes 082 920 7555
Saturday 28 April
Sudwala Screaming Monster Half Marathon, 10km & 4.9km, Sudwala Lodge, 7am, Ashley Bettridge 081 305 3575
Mpumalanga Cross Country League #3, Venue & Time TBC, Theuns Luus 083 630 8729

NORTH WEST

CENTRAL NORTH WEST
No races scheduled in this period

NORTH WEST NORTH
Saturday 14 April
North West North Cross Country League #1, Details TBC

NORTHERN CAPE

GRIQUALAND WEST
Saturday 7 April
Konica Minolta Kimberly Road Runners 15km & 5km, Bishops Old Boys Club, Memorial Road, Kimberly, 7am, Magda Oldewage 083 676 0921
Saturday 14 April
RWFL Blue Trail Run 10km, 5km, 2km & 1km, Yonder, Messelaar Street, Kimberley, 8am, Jenny Uys 082 834 8499
Saturday 21 April
Chairperson’s Cross Country Run 4x2km Relay, Diamantveld High School, Voortrekker Street, Kimberley, 4pm, Petro Nel 072 259 6759
President Run 10km, Diamantveld High School, Voortrekker Street, Kimberley, 5pm, Ferdie Nel 083 294 2640
Saturday 28 April
Phokwane Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Hartswater High School, Strydom Street, Hartswater, 7am, Mark Hunt 082 462 4066

NORTH WEST CAPE
Saturday 21 April
Oorlogskloof Mountain & Gorge Trail Run 42km, 16km & 5km, Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve, Groot Tuin Camp, near Nieuwoudtville, 7am, Quantum Adventures 021 789 0188 (W)
Saturday 28 April
Augrabies Falls Klipspringer Challenge 40km & Klipspringer Lite 21km, Augrabies Falls National Park, 7am, Warren King 083 449 4113

NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES

NAMIBIA
Saturday 7 April
Windhoek TrailFun 9km & 4.5km, Daan Viljoen, Windhoek, Time TBC, Japie Swanepoel 082 443 3033
Saturday 21 April
Old Mutual Victory Series Oshakati 21km & 5km, Oshakati, Time TBC, Old Mutual +264 (0)61 299 3249
Saturday 21 April
Swakopmund Marathon, Half Marathon & 10km, Swakopmund, Time TBC, Sanlam +264 (0)81 239 4145
Sunday 29 April – Saturday 5 May
4 Deserts Sahara Race Namibia 2018, 250km, Swakopmund, Time TBC, Racing the Planet SA 011 486 4716 (w)

ZAMBIA
Saturday 14 – Sunday 15 April
The Wild Hog 2-day Trail Run, 30km & 20km or 15km & 5km, Lusaka South Country Club, Lusaka, 7am, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552

ORIENTEERING

Saturday 7 April
Gauteng Urban Sprint #5, Houghton GC, Johannesburg, Time TBC, RACO: Paul Wimberley 011 787 1317 (h)
Saturday 14 April
Gauteng Urban Sprint #6, Jackal Creek Golf Estate, Roodepoort, Gauteng, Time TBC, RACO: Paul Wimberley 011 787 1317 (h)
Orienteering @Jackal, Jackal Creek Golf Estate, Roodepoort, Gauteng, 7pm, In-Reach 011 053 9153 (w)
Saturday 21 April
Gauteng Urban Sprint #7, Randpark Golf Course, Johannesburg, Time TBC, RACO: Paul Wimberley 011 787 1317 (h)
Friday 27 April
Gauteng Long Distance Bush Event #1, Nooitgedacht East, Kaapsehoop, Time TBC, ROC: Ian Bratt 082 887 6611
Saturday 28 April
Gauteng Long Distance Bush Event #2, Battery Creek Kaapsehoop, Time TBC, ROC: Ian Bratt 082 887 6611
Sunday 29 April
Gauteng Urban Sprint #8, Lowveld Botanical Gardens, Nelspruit, Time TBC, ROC: Ian Bratt 082 887 6611

TRIATHLON & DUATHLON

Sunday 8 April
Redhub MTB & Road Triathlon/Duathlon #3, Road Tri: Standard 1.5km/40kkm/10km & Sprint 750m/20km/5km, Cross Tri: 1.5km/25km/10km & Light 750m/12km/5km, Road Du 4km/40km/5km, MTB Du: 4km/25km/5km, Cradle Moon Lakeside Lodge, Plot 59 Beyers Naude Drive, Muldersdrift, Johanneburg, 7am & 7:30am, RedHub Cycling 011 028 9735 (w)
Saturday 14 April
North West Triathlon & Duathlon Series #8, Tri: Standard 1.5km/40km/10km, Sprint 750m/20km/5km & Super-sprint 400m/10km/2.5km, Du: Standard 10km/40km/5km, Sprint 5km/20km/2.5km & Super-sprint 2.5km/10km/1.25km, Vaal Reefs Boating Club, Orkney, North West, 8am (Standard), 8:45 (Sprint) & 9:15 (Super-sprint), Yolanda 082 787 5496
The Wild Hog Triathlon & Duathlon, Tri: 1.2km/40km/10km & 600m/20km/5km, Du: 5km/1km, Lusaka South Country Club, Lusaka, Zambia, 7am, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Sunday 15 April
Standard Bank IRONMAN South Africa, 3.8km/180km/42.2km, Nelson Mandela Bay, Eastern Cape, 7am, Race Office 041 581 7990 (w)
aQuelle Richmond Mudman, Full: 700m swim or 2.5km paddle/20km MTB/5km trail run & Half: 350m swim or 1.25km paddle/10km MTB/2.5km trail run, Beaulieu Dam, Richmond, KwaZulu-Natal, 9:15am, Corinne 083 271 3142
Oanob Off-Road Triathlon, Enduro: 1.2km/24km/8.5km, Sprint 600m/10km/3km & Mini: 300m/5km/2km, Oanob Dam Resort, Rehoboth, Namibia, Yvonne +264 (0)81 142 9966
Saturday 21 April
Free State Duathlon, Standard 10km/40km/5km & Sprint 5km/20km/2.5km, Brandkop, Bloemfontein, Free State, 9am, Christa 073 718 5427
Thanda Tau Bush Triathlon & Duathlon, Tri: 600m/15km/10km & 15km/600m/15km (MTBx2), Du: 20km/5km, Thanda Tau Hotel, Rooikraal Farm, near Vrede, Free State, 7am, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Riva Resort Winter Duathlon #1, Upington, North West Cape, Time TBC, Carel Burger 082 622 7109
Sunday 22 April
Trinity Germiston #3 Triathlon & Duathlon (inc. CGT Duathlon Champs), Tri: Standard 1.5km/40km/10km, Sprint 750m/20km/5km, Mini 400m/10km/1.25km, Kids 200m/5km/1km, Young Ones 75m/2.5km/500m, Du: Standard 5km/40km/5km, Sprint 5km/20km/2.5km, Mini 2.5km/10km/1.25km, Kids 1km/5km/500m & Young Ones 500m/2.5km/500m, Germiston Lake, Ekurhuleni Municipal Park, Gauteng, 7:20am (Young Ones), 7:22am (Kids), 8:15am (Standard), 9:15am (Sprint), 10am (Para Sprint & Juniors), Japie Boonzaaier 084 501 2712
Tinman Triathlon #2, Tinman Challenge 1km/32km/10km (7:40am), Tinman Sprint 600m/21km/5km (7:20am) & Tinman Mini 200m/6km/2.5km (7:10am), Suncoast Casino, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, B-Active 031 764 1885 (w)
Sunday 29 April
WalkerBay Xtreme Triathlon, Sprint Tri 600m/20km/5km (8am) & Offroad Tri 600m/18km/5.6km (4pm), Market Square, Hermanus, 8am & 4pm, Race Organiser 084 588 4237
Monday 30 April
WalkerBay Xtreme Junior Triathlon, 150m/5km/2km, Market Square, Hermanus, 8am, Race Organiser 084 588 4237

OBSTACLE RACING

Saturday 7 April
The Beast Sprint Challenge #1, (3 laps of 1.2km course), Cnr Blackwood Street & General Hertzog Road, Three Rivers, Vereeniging, Time TBC, Beast HQ 012 667 2074 (w)
Runstacles 4km, Cape Town Ostrich Ranch, Van Schoorsdrif Road, off N7, Philadelphia, Western Cape, 8:30am, The Grind HQ 021 813 9282 (w)
Marine OCR #2, Sergeant 12km; Corporal 8km & Private 4km, Rivera Guest Farm, Bloemfontein, Free State, Various start times, Marine OCR 083 264 0209
Saturday 7 – Sunday 8 April
Fedhealth Impi Challenge WP #1, Elite 20km (26 obstacles), Challenge & Corporate 10km (18), Dash 5km (11) & Mini 1km for Kids (8), Coetzenberg Sports Complex, Stellenbosch, Boland, Various start times, Race info 087 013 5044
Saturday 14 April
Gajiga Run 5km #4, (Inflatable obstacles), Matlosana Mall, Klerksdorp, North West, 8am, More info: www.gajiga.co.za
Saturday 14 – Sunday 15 April
Toyota Warrior #4 powered by Reebok Cape Town, Black Ops 15km (30 obstacles), Commando 10km (20), Rookie 5km (15) & Warrior Bratz 500m (8, unlimited laps); Bilton Wines, Annandal Road, Stellenbosch, Various start times, Race Organiser 086 199 0001
Saturday 21 April
Muddy Princess Pretoria 5km, (women only), Legends MX, of R515, Pretoria East, Gauteng, 9am, info@muddyprincess.co.za
Dirty Dash, Delta Dirt 5km, Mud Squad 3km, Sluggers 3km & Brat Splats 1km, Magoebaskloof Adventures, Haenertsburg, Limpopo, 8am (Delta), 9am (Sluggers), 10am (Mud Spat) & 12pm (Brat Splat), Info: www.entryninja.com
Actionman OCR #2 10km & 5km, Cradle Moon Lakeside Lodge, Plot 59 Beyers Naude Drive, Muldersdrift, Johanneburg, 1pm, Spectrum Sport 082 557 6884
Sunday 22 April
Lifestyle Challenge 10km & 5km, (Trail run with mini obstacles) D’Aria Wine Estate, Durbanville, 7:30am & 8am, Info: www.entryninja.com

ADVENTURE RACING

Saturday 7 – Sunday 8 April
Won Adventures Merrell Transkei Tuff 150km, (90km MTB, 40km Trekking, 20km Kayaking), Wavecrest Beach Hotel & Spa, Transkei, Eastern Cape, 7am, Bruce Viaene 072 087 5012
Saturday 21 – Sunday 22 April
A1 Adventure Racing Series #1 – Vasbyt 24, Garend Route, Southern Cape, Time TBC, Info: www.adventure1series.com

TRACK AND FIELD

BOLAND
Thursday 5 – Saturday 7 April
ASA U/18 (Youth) and U/20 (Junior) National Champs, Dal Josaphat Stadium, Paarl, Time TBC, Mehlo Hlabangane 082 990 9470

WESTERN PROVINCE
Saturday 14 April
WPA Masters Champs, Parow Athletic Track, 7:30am, Leza Buckle 072 182 7723
Saturday 21 April
WPA Open Meeting, Green Point Athletic Track, Cape Town, 12:30pm, Mariana Meyer 082 777 4050
Wednesday 25 April
ASA Night of the Champions, Cape Town, 5pm, Mehlo Hlabangane 082 990 9470

FREE STATE
Sunday 1 – Monday 2 April
SASAPD National Champs for the Physically Disabled, Manguang Athletic Stadium, Bloemfontein, Time TBC, Ernesta Strydom 072 386 2639
Wednesday 11 April
Pamoja AC Schools Development League, Venue TBA, 2pm, Leonard Jingose 084 372 7818
Wednesday 25 April
Pamoja AC Schools Development League, Venue TBA, 2pm, Leonard Jingose 084 372 7818
Thursday 26 – Saturday 28 April
SA Masters National Champs, Manguang Athletic Stadium, Bloemfontein, Time TBC, Dinah Heymans 084 580 2903
Friday 27 – Sunday 29 April
USSA National Student Champs, Sasolburg, Free State, Jazz Mnyengeza 072 262 9752

GRIQUALAND WEST
Saturday 21 April
President Run 100m, 200m, 400m & 800m, Diamantveld High School, Voortrekker Street, Kimberly, 2pm, Ferdie Nel 083 294 2640

We’ve got everything here – road running, trail running, mountain running, cross country, track and field, triathlon, duathlon, multisport, orienteering, obstacle racing and adventure racing – so make your racing plans! – BY TOM COTTRELL & SEAN FALCONER

GAUTENG

CENTRAL GAUTENG
Sunday 4 March
Hot Legs 32km, 15km & 5km, St Stithians College, Peter Place, Lyme Park, Sandton, 6am (32 & 15) & 8am (5), Carmel van Wyk 082 968 9815
Jump City Urban 7km Fun Run, Mad Giant, 1 Fox Street, Johannesburg, 6:30am, Race Organiser 011 022 0427 (W)
Wednesday 7 March
Kinetic Night Trail Run 8km & 4km, Woodmead Country Club, Johannesburg, 6pm, Heidi Muller 082 564 6468
Saturday 10 March
Stadium to Stadium 15km, Germiston Stadium, Deville Road North, to Katlehong Sports Complex, 7am, Honli Motlount 071 637 7009
1st for Women Sisters With Blisters with Jacaranda FM 5km Walk, St Stithians College, Peter Place, Lyme Park, Sandton, 8am, Race Office 011 234 7860 (w)
Sunday 11 March
Pharmaton Edenvale Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Edenvale High School, Linksfield Road, Edenvale, 6am, Joe Do Couto 082 441 3278
Trail Adventure Killarney 5km Run, Killarney Country Club, 60 Fifth Street, Lower Houghton, 5:30am, Raymond Rorich 082 573 1298
Thursday 15 March
Jackal 10km & 5km Trail Run March, Jackal Creek Golf Estate, Boundary Road, Roodepoort, 7pm, Corne van Zyl 011 053 9153 (W)
Saturday 17 March
Hot 91.9 Ladies MTB & Trail Running Weekend 16km, 8km & 4km, Kloofzicht Lodge, Muldersdrift, 8am, www.mtb-ladiesday.co.a
Sunday 18 March
K-Way Gallopers 15km & 5km, Laërskool Leondale, cnr Gousblom & Wildebeest Streets, Leondale, Germiston, 7am, Lucky Miya 082 887 9596
Kings Kloof Paradise Trail 25km, 18km, 12km & 6km, Kings Kloof Trail, Laurentia Farm, Oaktree, Muldersdrift, 7am, 7:10am, 7:20am & 7:30am, Trail Hunter Events 063 686 7315
Wednesday 21 March
Jaguars Athletic Club Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Ext 9 Sports Grounds, cnr Town & Katz Streets, Ennerdale, 6am, Elvis Niekerk 082 558 3590
Saturday 24 March
Curro Trail Run 20km, 10km 5km & 2km, Curro Primary Krugersdorp, Norden Road, Krugersdorp, 6am, 6:15am, 9am & 9:15am, Race Organiser 072 127 6646
Friday 23 March
Germiston Night 8km & 4km Trail Run, Germiston Country Club, Rand Airport Road, 7pm, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Saturday 24 March
Earth Hour Trail Run, (Distance TBC), Danielsrust Game Farm, Kromdraai, Krugersdorp, Time TBC, Active Explosive 083 536 7042
Sunday 25 March
Run Zone Joburg Challenge Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Berario Recreation Centre, 181 Dolores Road, Berario Fairland, Randburg, 6am (21 & 10) & 6:10am (5), Graham Block 072 276 9635
Merrell Autumn Trail Run Johannesburg 20km, 12km & 6km, Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden, Roodepoort, 7am, Tatum Prins 083 449 0760
Tuesday 27 March
Merrell Autumn Night Run Johannesburg 8km & 5km, Delta Café, Marlborough Avenue, Craighall Park, 6:30pm, Tatum Prins 083 449 0760
Thursday 29 March
Easter Festival Night Trail Run 10km & 5km, Rietvlei Zoo Farm Johannesburg South, 7am, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Friday 30 March
Easter Festival Trail Run 42km, 21km, 15km, 10km & 5km, Rietvlei Zoo Farm Johannesburg South, 7am, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Saturday 31 March
Easter Festival Doggy Walk 5km & 2km, Rietvlei Zoo Farm Johannesburg South, 7am, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552

GAUTENG NORTH
Friday 2 March
Tortoise 5km & Hare 10km Trail Run, The Big Red Barn, 7 Nelson Road, Olifantsfontein, 7pm, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Moonchaser Night Trail Series 8km & 3km CANCELLED
Saturday 3 March
Medihelp Sunrise Monster 32km, Mini Monster 10km & Baby Monster 5km, Harlequin Club, Totius Street, Groenkloof, Pretoria, 6:03am, Geoff Hesse 082 896 4377
Sunday 4 March
Smuts Family Trail Run 21km, 15km, 10km & 5km, Jan Smuts House, Jan Smuts Avenue, Centurion, 7am, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Wednesday 7 March
Owl Night Trail Run 10km & 5km, Irene Country Club, 1 Main Road, Irene, 7pm, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Saturday 10 March
Buco Bobbies 3-in-1 Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Wonderboom Junction Shopping Centre, Lavendar Road West, Pretoria, 6am, Elizabeth Dreyer 082 355 7637
Sunday 11 March
Fresh Trails #7 15km, Fort Klapperkop Heritage Site, Rissik Drive, Groenkloof, Pretoria, 6am, Anneke van Onselen 076 812 9671
Wednesday 14 March
Botanical Series 10km & 5km March Night Trail Run, Pretoria Natioanl Botanical Gardens, 7pm, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Zwartkop Night Race 10km & 5km, Zwartkop Country Club, Old Johannesburg Road, Centurion, 6pm, info@bouttime.co.za
Saturday 17 March
Budget Kolonnade 3-in-1 Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Kolonnade Shopping Centre (Entrance 3), Sefako Makgatho Drive, Montana, Pretoria, 6am, Johan Kirsten 083 324 5074
Autumn Walkies at the Pretoria Zoo 8km & 4km, Pretoria Zoo, Boom Street, 8am, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Sunday 18 March
The Tornado Trail 21km, 15km, 10km & 5km, nt’Shonalanga Valley Resort, off M26, Centurion, 7am, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Wednesday 21 March
Smuts Ultra Trail Run 50, 21km, 15km, 10km & 5km, Jan Smuts House, Jan Smuts Avenue, Centurion, 7am, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Sunnypark Right to Run/Walk Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Sunnypark Mall, cnr Steve Biko & Robert Sobukwe Streets, Sunnyside, Pretoria, 7am, James Matshekga 082 566 1595
Saturday 24 March
Denel Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Denel Irene Campus, Centurion, 6am, Corrie Fourie, 083 629 2644
Sunday 25 March
Kosmosdal 8km & 5km Fun Run, Kosmosdal Checkers Shopping Centre, cnr Rietspruit Road & Morithi Street, Kosmosdal, Centurion, 6:30am, Patrick Sokhela 073 473 5999
Big Red Barn Marathon Trail Run 42km, 21km, 15km, 8km & 5km, Big Red Barn, 7 Nelson Road, Olifantsfontein, 7am, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Wednesday 28 March
Rietvlei Night Trail 10km & 5km, Rietvlei Dam, Pretoria, 7pm, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Saturday 31 March
Lynn Ridge Mall 10km & 5km Family Day Run, Lynnridge Mall, cnr Jacobson Drive & Lynnwood Road, Pretoria East, 7am, Daan du Toit 082 572 4169

VAAL TRIANGLE
Sunday 4 March
CapeGate Vaal Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Dick Fourie Stadium, Kliprivier Drive, Three Rivers, Vereeniging, 6am, Steve Jackson 083 304 0121
Wednesday 21 March
Vaal Mall Nite Race 15km, 10km & 5km, Vaal Mall, cnr Barrage Road & Rossini Boulevard, Vanderbijlpark, 6:30pm, Malie van der Walt 082 853 9144

WESTERN CAPE

BOLAND
Saturday 3 March
Auric BMW Run the Vines #1 17km, 10km, 5km & Henties Junior 3km, Ridgeback Wines, off R44, Windmeul, North Agter Paarl, 7:45am (17) & 8am (10 & 5), Lans Pepler 082 787 2472
Alumni Veldtrap met Woorde 12km & 6km Fun Run, Coetzenberg, Stellenbosch, 7am, www.veldtrap.co.za/index.php
Swartland Half Marathon,10km & 5km CANCELLED
Sunday 4 March
Ewe Rock Trail Run 10km & 5km, Lanner House School, Klue/Pegel Streets, Worcester, 9am, Warick Middleton 082 532 0826
River-Daze Trail Run 10km & 5km, Mofam River Lodge, near Elgin, 9am & 9:15am, Just Sports 082 722 2213
Wednesday 7 March
Wagon Trail Breweries Night Run #3 10km & 5km, Anura Wine Estate, near Klapmuts, 7pm, Lans Pepler 082 787 2472
Friday 9 March
Spier 8km & 4km Night Trail Series #1, Spier Wine Farm, Baden Powell Drive (R102), near Stellenbosch, 6:45pm, Race Organiser 021 789 0188
Wednesday 14 March
Correctional Services Nite 10km & 5km, Faure Street Stadium, Paarl, 6:15pm, Albert Poole 082 961 0723
Spier 8km & 4km Night Trail Series #2, Spier Wine Farm, Baden Powell Drive (R102), near Stellenbosch, 6:45pm, Race Organiser 021 789 0188
Saturday 17 March
XTN Family Farm Fig Festival Trail Run 17km, 10km, 5km & Junior 3km, Uitkijk, off R45 north-west of Wellington, 7:15am (17), 7:45am (10), 8am (5) & 8:15am (3), Lans Pepler 082 787 2472
REMAX Huis De Kuilen Trail Run 10km & 5km, Zevenwacht Wine Estate, Langverwacht Road, Kuils River, 8am & 8:10am, Race Organiser 083 300 3023
Neethlingshof Family Fun Run 10km & 5km, Neethlingshof Wine Estate, on M12 Stellenbosch Arterial Road, Stellenbosch, 9am & 9:15am, www.runventures.co.za
Saturday 17 – Sunday 18 March
Greyt Trail Run 57km 2-day Stage Run, (28km & 29km), Greyton, 7am, www.greytrun.co.za
Sunday 18 March
Falke Harvest Trail Run 11km & 6km, Morgenhof Wine Estate, on R44 between Stellenbosch & Klapmuts, 7:15am & 7:30am, Dirtopia 021 884 4752 (w)
Greyt Trail Run 21km, 12km & 5km, Greyton, 7am, www.greytrun.co.za
Wednesday 21 March
Spier 8km & 4km Night Trail Series #3, Spier Wine Farm, Baden Powell Drive (R102), near Stellenbosch, 6:45pm, Race Organiser 021 789 0188
Saturday 24 March
Kolsvlei 10km & 5km Trail Run, Kolsvlei Farm, near Piketberg, 7:30am, http://kolsvleimtb.co.za
Saturday 31 March
Great White Trail Run 21km, 12km & 5km, Lomond Wine Estate, near Gansbaai, 8:15am, 8:45am & 9:15am, Scuttle Events 079 717 6732

SOUTH WESTERN DISTRICTS
Saturday 3 March
Die Poort Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Uniondale Showgrounds, 8am, Kosie Zondagh 082 487 7157
Saturday 10 March
Tortoise Tuff Challenge 30km, 10km & 5km PLUS Goukamma 21km Trail Run, Sedgefield Primary School, cnr Swallow & Piet My Vrou Road, Sedgefield, 6am, Erica Roper 082 804 0348
Saturday 24 March
CANSA Relay 10km, Carpe Diem School, George, 7am, Johann Du Preez 084 501 0168
Saturday 31 March
Rondevlei Traverse Trail Run 16km & 5km, Lakeside Lodge & Spa, 5.5km from Sedgefield on N2 towards George, 8:30am & 9am, Amanda 072 949 3002
Ostrich Crawl 10km Trail Run Challenge, Wesbank Primary School Camp Site, Vrede Street, Oudtshoorn, 7am, www.cycleevents.co.za

WESTERN PROVINCE
Saturday 3 March
Century City 10km Express, Central Park, Century City, 7am, Tatum Sieni 082 825 6394
Groot Constantia Trailfun 10km & 5km, Groot Constantia Wine Estate, Constantia, 7:30am & 7:45am, Japie Swanepoel 082 443 3033
Sunday 4 March
Tygerberg 30km, Parow Athletic Track, De Grendel Road, Parow North, 6am, Leon Thelander 083 999 6450
Wednesday 7 March
Crazy Store Lighthouse Nite 10km, Rocklands Beach lawns, opposite SABC Building, Beach Road, Sea Point, 7pm, Top Events 021 511 7130 (w)
Saturday 10 March
Constantia Village K-Way 15km & 5km PLUS 15km Walk, Alphen Community Centre, Constantia Main Road, 6:15am & 6:45am PLUS 6:25am, Charlotte Kettlewell 021 761 8887 (2pm-5pm)
Saturday 17 March
Laguna Mall 10km & 5km, Laguna Mall, Langebaan, 8am, Shoneen Wendzich 083 399 2651
Sunday 18 March
Kloof Nek Classic Half Marathon CANCELLED
Wednesday 21 March
Tyger Run Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Tyger Valley Centre, cnr Bill Bezuidenhout & Willie van Schoor, Belville, 6am, 6:30am & 8am, Top Events 021 511 7130 (w)
Human Rights Trailfun 13km, 8.5km, 4km & 2.5km, Capaia Wines, Botterberg Road, near Philadelphia, 8am, Japie Swanepoel 082 443 3033
The Crazy Store Superhero Charity Dash CT2 5km & 2.5km, Mouille Point Lighthouse, Beach Road, Green Point, 10am, Hayley 073 411 5575
Saturday 24 March
Ravensmead 15km & 5km PLUS 10km Walk, Florida Park, Ravensmead, 7am & 7:30am PLUS 7:15am, Sean Davids 083 643 4883
WWF Earth Hour Trail Run 10km, Kirstenbosch Gardens, 7:30pm, Wildrunner Events 021 821 9898 (w)
Sunday 25 March
SPAR Women's 10km Challenge & 5km Cape Town, Bellville Athletics Stadium, 7:30am (10), 7:45am (10W) & 8am (5), WPA Office 021 418 3232 NEW DATE – WAS 15 APRIL
Muizenburg Monster 20km, 10km & 6km, Muizenberg Promenade (near Supertube), Beach Road, Muizenberg, 6am, 7:40am & 7:50am, Energy Events 021 424 4579
Friday 30 March
Old Mutual Two Oceans 24km & 12km Trail Run, Jameson Plaza, UCT Upper Campus, 7am, Race Office 087 740 5260
Old Mutual Two Oceans Fun Runs 5.6km, 2.1km, 250m & 56m, UCT Rugby Fields, Upper Campus, 11am, Race Office 087 740 5260
Saturday 31 March
Old Mutual Two Oceans Ultra Marathon 56km & Half Marathon, Main Road, Newlands, to UCT Rugby Fields, Upper Campus, 5:50am (21) & 6:30am (56), Race Office 087 740 5260

KWAZULU-NATAL

Saturday 3 March
Konica Minolta Battlefields 4-in-1 Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Hutten Park Primary School, Rietbok Avenue, Newcastle, 6am, Andre Vosloo 083 766 5550
Sappi Howick Trail Run 20km, 10km & 5km, 11 Karkloof Road, Karkloof, Howick, Natal Midlands, 7am, 7:30am & 7:45am, Gordon Beard 071 517 4349
1st for Women Sisters With Blisters with East Coast Radio 5km Walk, Chris Saunders Park, Centenary Boulevard, Umhlanga, 8am, Race Office 011 234 7860 (w)
Sunday 11 March
Zululand District Marathon 56km, 10km & 5km, KwaGqikazi FET College, Main Gate, Nongoma, 6am, Mphathiseni Manqele 083 432 9566
Peace in Africa Half Marathon & 10km, Kings Park Athletic Stadium, Durban, 6:30am, Siviwe Benya 083 545 8006
Blythedale Trail Run 20km, 13km & 6km, Blythedale Coastal Resort, Umvoti Street, Blythedale, 7am, 7:30am & 7:45am, Lauren Booth 082 791 7069
Valley Trails Train to Trail Run 20km, 10km & 5km, Carisbrooke Siding to Korongo Valley on the R56, 6:45am (20 & 10) & 8:15am (5), Sue du Plessis 071 226 4304
Friday 16 March
CHOCH Neon 5km Night Trail Run, Giba Gorge MTB Park, Stockville Road, Pinetown, 6pm, Helen O’Brien 086 111 2182
Sunday 18 March
Deloitte Challenge Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Lifestyle Centre, Ballito (42km), Sibaya Casino, North Durban (21km) & Virginia Soccer Club (10), to Durban Beach Front Amphitheatre, 6am (42), 6:45 (21) & 7 (10), Barry Holland 083 252 0691
Wednesday 21 March
Stella Royal 25km & 10km, Stella Sports Club, Helen Joseph Road, Glenwood, Durban, 5am, Alan Gibb 063 824 8614
Saturday 24 March
Gooderson Leisure Willem Boshoff Memorial Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Gooderson Natal Spa Resort, Paulpietersburg, 6am, Sean Roberts 083 980 0202
Drakensberg Northern Trail 40km, 20km, 10km & 6km, Oliviershoek, Sterkfontein Dam, on KZN/Free State border, 6am (42), 7:30am (20) & 8am (10 & 6), Lauren Booth 082 791 7069
Route Six2Two Trail Run, Sat: 21km & 12km, Sun: 14km & 8km, Oaksprings Farm, Mooi River, 7:45am, Tyrone Thomas 079 529 3746
Sunday 25 March
Umgeni Water Marathon, 32km & 15km, Midmar Dam Resort, Howick, 6am (42 & 32) & 6:15am (15), Les Burnard 082 336 7244

FREE STATE

Saturday 3 March
Surrender Hill Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Clarens Square, Clarens, 6am, Elmarie Kruger 082 908 1844
Rose Run 32km & 10km, Emoya Estate, Frans Kleynhans Road, Bloemfontein, 6am, Morne Burger 082 688 4226
Wednesday 7 March
Wild Olive Estate 7km Night Trail Run Series #2, Wild Olive Estate, Bloemfontein, 6pm, www.pureadventures.co.za
Saturday 10 March
ANCO Aldam Louis Massyn Ultra Marathon 50km, Marathon, 32km, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Aldam Estate, Allemanskraal Dam, Ventersburg, 6am (50, 42 & 32) & 7am (21, 10 & 5), Phillip McLaren 082 452 4569
Saturday 10 – Sunday 11 March
GI Joe Cobra Clash Trail Run 10km, (Run on both days), Tikwe River Lodge, Virginia, Free State, 8am, GI Joe Office 082 962 6565
Sunday 11 March
ANCO Aldam Louis Massyn 10km & 5km Trail Run, Aldam Estate, Allemanskraal Dam, Ventersburg, 7am, Phillip McLaren 082 452 4569
Friday 16 March
Sedibeng Water Night 15km, Sedibeng Water, 6pm, Melanie de Bruyn 073 183 3487
Thursday 22 March
3 Mountains Trail Festival 6km Night Trail, Clocolan Showgrounds, 6:10pm, Race Organiser 082 442 4988
Friday 23 March
3 Mountains Trail Festival Trail Run, Wildlife Trail, near Clocolan, 7:30am, Race Organiser 082 442 4988
Saturday 24 March
Old Mutual AC 10km & 5km, Naval Hill, Bloemfontein, 6am, Segametsi Thai 072 218 4212
Mwelase Butchery Lifestyle 15km, HTS Welkom, 7am, Sam Ditshoane 076 579 1442
3 Mountains Trail Festival Trail Run, Waterfall, near Clocolan, 7:30am, Race Organiser 082 442 4988
Sunday 25 March
3 Mountains Trail Festival Trail Run, Cave Trail to Clocolan Showgrounds, 7:30am, Race Organiser 082 442 4988
Saturday 31 – Sunday 1 April
Clarens Cosmos Challenge 2-day Stage Trail Run, (Stage 1: 24km & 18km, Stage 2: 17km), Bokpoort Farm, Clarens, 6:30am, Ruan Botes 063 686 7315
Sunday 1 April
Lush Half Marathon, 10km & 5km Trail Run, Linwood Farm, Clarens, 8am, Damon Forbes 083 230 4007

EASTERN CAPE

BORDER
Saturday 3 March
Kempston Ladies' 10km & 5km, Oxford Striders Club, Schultz Road, Nahoon, 5pm, Dillon Pretorius 073 799 6075
Saturday 10 March
Cabbage Patch 15km & 5km, Komga Showgrounds, 2:30pm, Bradley Malherbe 073 755 3012
Cancer Relay, Jan Smuts Stadium, Graham Road, Arcadia, East London, 5:30pm, Le-Anne Hempel 043 727 0120
Sunday 11 March
Gandhi Walk 5km, Oxford Striders, Beach Road, Nahoon, 9am, Stan Barbour 083 608 4353
Friday 16 March
Rotary 5km Charity Fun Run, Gonubie Sports Club, 6:30pm, Jayne Reeves 072 834 3789
Saturday 17 March
Buffalo Runners 10km & 5km, Health Avenue Gym to Lovedale FET College Grounds, Kingwilliamstown, 6am & 6:15am, Zakes Mndela 083 324 6871
Madeira Mountain Challenge 24km & 16km, Queenstown Harriers Clubhouse, Frost Street, 6am, Theo Ferreira 082 873 4597
Nedbank Half Marathon & 10km, East London, Details TBC
Wednesday 21 March
Human Rights Day 10km & 5km, Gompo Stadium, Bhengu Street, Gompo, East London, 7am, Alex Kambule 074 139 0550
Thursday 22 – Sunday 25 March
Transkei-Pondo Drifter 3-day Trail Run, (17km, 20km, 26km & 9km, with rest day 3), Drifter Adventure Camps, Pondoland, Transkei, 8am, Trisport 083 662 2022
Saturday 24 March
Mercedes Benz 15km, Westbank, 7am, Luvuyo Mgoduka 083 538 9929
Monday 26 – Thursday 29 March
Transkei-Pondo Drifter 4-day Trail Run North, (18km, 26km & 27km, with rest day 3), Drifters Adventure Camp, Mbotyi River Lodge, Pondoland, Transkei, 8am, Trisport 083 662 2022
Saturday 31 March
East London Pet Pals Dog Walk, Buccaneers, East London, 9am, Michelle Reed 083 800 5002

EASTERN PROVINCE
Friday 2 – Saturday 3 March
Addo Elephant Trail Run 100 Miler, 76km, 44km & 5km, (Fri: 100 Miler @ 2pm; Sat: 76km @ 5:30am, 44km @ 6:30am & 5km @9am), various starting points in Addo Elephant National Park, Kirkwood, all finishing at Zuurberg Mountian Village, Sheena O’Keeffe 072 293 4974
Saturday 3 March
Uitenhage Human Race 30km, 10km & 5km, Rosedale Sports Grounds, Seagull Crescent, Uitenhage, 6am, 7am & 7:30am, Michael Mbambani 079 149 6796
Saturday 10 March
Sportsman Warehouse 15km & 5km, William Moffet Centre, Port Elizabeth, 6:30am, Basil McLean 082 457 1949
Saturday 17 March
Lake Farm Charity Run 15km, 10km & 5km, Lake Farm Centre, Chelsea, Port Elizabeth, 7am, Graham Channon 078 184 9723
Saturday 24 March
Correctional Services 10km Classic & 5km, St Albans Farmers Market, 6:30am, Marius Ferreira 083 305 5141

FAR NORTH

LIMPOPO
Saturday 3 March
Marakele Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Marakele Nature Reserve, Thabazimbi, 6am, Maryke Carstens 084 416 3584
ATKV Relay, T Junction Eiland Road Letsitele, Time TBC, Rene Coetzee 083 254 6532
Saturday 10 March
Tzaneen Tuffy 4-in-1 Marathon, Half Marathon, 12km & 5km, The Coach House Hotel & Spa, Tzaneen, 6am, Paul Zaayman 083 460 4204
Wednesday 28 March
Polokwane Night Trail Series #3 10km & 5km, Polokwane Golf Club, Voortrekker Street, Polokwane, 7pm, Contact TBC
Saturday 31 March
Tonteldoos Cosmos Crusade Trail Run 18km, 11km & 6km, Bush Boys Adventure Farm, north-west of Tonteldoos, 8am, 8:05am & 8:10am, Supertramp Events 082 424 9177

MPUMALANGA
Saturday 3 March
Uniwisp Fast 3-in-1 Marathon, Half Marathon & 10km, Sabie/Lydenburg Road, to Mbombela Stadium, Bafana Road, Mataffin, Nelspruit/Mbombela, 6am, Yolanda Steenkamp 084 607 6314
Buffalo Gorge Trail Series 18km, 10km, 6.5km & 2.5km, Buffalo Gorge Eco Adventure Centre, Buffelskloof Farm, Middelburg, 7:30am, Ryk Diepraam 083 528 9586
Wednesday 7 March
Eskom Spur Night 10km & 4.9km, Misty Creek Spur, Paul Sauer Street, Benfleur, Amalahleni, 7pm, Paul Bester 082 966 7767
Saturday 10 March
PWC Kosmos 3-in-1 Marathon, Half Marathon & 10km, Lake Umuzi Waterfront, Kiewiet Street, Secunda, 6am, 1pm & 5pm, Race Office 076 285 8581
Highland Gate Trail Run 17km, 11km & 6km, Highland Gate Golf & Trout Estate, Dullstroom, 7:30am, 7:40am & 7:50am, Debbie Agenbag 083 294 5260
Wednesday 14 March
Coaldust Nite 10km & 5km, Elkana Educational Centre, 2 Aasvoël Street, Reyno Ridge, Emalahleni, 7pm, Abie Smit 072 573 2501
Saturday 17 March
Bateleur Estate Memorial Half Marathon, 10km & 4km, Bateleur Estate, The Rest Road, Mbombela, 6:30am, Beth 079 881 3582
Wednesday 21 March
Standerton Goldi 4-in-1 Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Standerton Show Grounds, Standerton, 6am, Heidi van der Merwe 072 391 0722
Saturday 24 March
Elkana Pay Per Kay 12-hour Circuit Race, Elkana Educational Centre, 2 Aasvoel Street, Reyno Ridge, Witbank/eMalaheni, 6am, Abie Smit 072 573 2501
Lydenburg Heritage 10km Trail Run, Gustav Klingbiel Nature Reserve, Lydenburg, 8:15am, Sandy Korb 083 799 4458
Great East 3-in-1 Race Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km CANCELLED
Saturday 31 March
Lifemap Easter Run 10km & 4.9km, University of Mpumalanga, Siyabuswa, 6:30am, Rinnie Tlometsane 076 925 2896

NORTH WEST

CENTRAL NORTH WEST
Sunday 11 March
Carletonville Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Carletonville Sport Complex, Paul Kruger Street, Carletonville, 7am, Musa Zulu 078 229 0522

NORTH WEST NORTH
Saturday 17 March
Old Mutual Om-Die-Dam Ultra 50km, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Hartbeespoort Holiday Resort, Old Rustenburg Road, Hartbeespoort, Brits, 6am, Jaco Venter 083 222 9448

NORTHERN CAPE

GRIQUALAND WEST
Saturday 3 March
Diamond Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Kimberley Running Club, Moore Road, Kimberley, 6am, David Janse van Vuuren 083 443 8198
Saturday 10 March
RWFL Lion Roars 12km & 5km Trail Run #1, Marrick Safari Game Lodge, 12km outside Kimberley on the Douglas Road, 7am, Willem Uys 071 070 8574
Saturday 17 March
Ou Brug 15km & 5km Trail Run, Hope Town, 7am, Stephanie Schutte 082 390 8154

NORTH WEST CAPE
Saturday 3 March
John Nugent Memorial Half Marathon & 10km, Desert Palace Hotel & Casino, Olifantshoek Road, Upington, 6am, Carel Burger 082 622 7109

NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES

LESOTHO
Saturday 10 – Sunday 11 March
The 3222 Stage Trail Run, (25km & 15km or 10km & 6km), Afriski, Time TBC, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552

NAMIBIA
Friday 2 – Saturday 3 March
Dusk & Dawn Stage Trail Run, (16km & 26km, 8km & 16km or 4km & 8km), Farm Windhoek Trails, Otjivero Str, Kleine Kuppe, near Windhoek, Fri: 6pm & Sat: 8am, farmwhkfitness@gmail.com
Wednesday 21 March
ORC Independence Run 27km, 13.5km & 2×13.5km Relay, Okahandja Country Lodge, 6:30am, Peter-Jac De Klerk +264 (0)81 296 5128

ORIENTEERING
Monday 5 March
Gauteng Schools League #5, Golden Harvest, Midrand, Karen Chambers 083 474-9463
Sunday 11 March
Gauteng Urban Sprint #4, The Coves, Hartbeespoort, North West, ROC: Ian Bratt 082 887 6611
Monday 12 March
Gauteng Schools League #6, Johannesburg Zoo, Karen Chambers 083 474-9463
Sunday 25 March
Gauteng Relay Event, St Stithians, Johannesburg, RACO: Paul Wimberley 011 787 1317 (h)

MULTISPORT

Sunday 4 March
MiWay Durban ULTRA Triathlon, Ultra 1.9km/90km/21km run & Sprint 600m/20km/5km run, Sunkist Beach People’s Park, Snell Parade, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, 7am (Sprint) & 7:30am (ultra), B-Active Sports 031 764 1885 (W)
Cowhouse Cross Duathlon #1, Bull 10km/30km/2km, Steer 5km/15km/2km, Heifer 2km/5km/500m & Calf 250m/500m/100m, Cowhouse Market, Ridge Road, Pretoria East, Gauteng, 7am, Go Sport Events 082 453 0096
aQuelle Epworth Mudman, Full: 700m swim or 2.5km paddle/20km MTB/5km trail run & Half: 350m swim or 1.25km paddle/10km MTB/2.5km trail run, Albert Falls Dam, Msinzi, KwaZulu-Natal, 9:15am & 9:45am, www.roag.co.za
Monday 2 April
Easter Festival MTB Duathlon, 40km/10km & 20km/5km, Rietvlei Zoo Farm Johannesburg South, Gauteng, 7am, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Saturday 17 March
SA Triathlon Champs Day 1, Super Sprint 400m/10km/2.5km (wave starts from 12pm) & Sprint 750m/20km/5km (wave starts 1:30pm to 1:52pm), Maselspoort, Bloemfontein, Free State, Christa Roestoff 073 718 5427
Sunday 18 March
SA Triathlon Champs Day 2, Standard 1.5km/40km/10km (Age Group 8:45am, African Cup Elite 12pm), Maselspoort, Bloemfontein, Free State, Christa Roestoff 073 718 5427
aQuelle Cordwalles Mudman, Full: 700m swim or 2.5km paddle/20km MTB/5km trail run & Half: 350m swim or 1.25km paddle/10km MTB/2.5km trail run, Orient Park, Midmar, KwaZulu-Natal, 8am & 9am, Elize Nel 083 310 6617
The Wik Offroad Triathlon, 1km/24km/10km & 500m/15km/5km, Stanford Lake College, Limpopo, 8am, Cycle Events 087 820 4210

OBSTACLE RACING
Saturday 3 March
The Beast Challenge #14, Savage Beast 12km (50 obstacles), Wild Beast 8km (32) & Tame Beast 5km (22), The Wedge 4×4 trail, Beyers Naude Drive, Muldersdrift, Gauteng, From 8am, Race Office 012 667 2074 (w)
Runstacles 4km, Cape Town Ostrich Ranch, Van Schoorsdrif Road, off N7, Philadelphia, Western Cape, 8:30am, The Grind HQ 021 813 9282 (w)
Sunday 4 March
Jump City Urban Challenge 10km, Constitution Hill to Mad Giant, 1 Fox Street, Johannesburg, Gauteng, 6:30am, Race Organiser 011 022 0427 (W)
Friday 9 March
Waterra Night Race #1 5km, Pieter Booysen UKZN Sports Grounds, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, 6:30pm, www.waterra.co.za
Saturday 10 March
Runstacles 4km, Cape Town Ostrich Ranch, Van Schoorsdrif Road, off N7, Philadelphia, Western Cape, 8:30am, The Grind HQ 021 813 9282 (w)
Saturday 10 – Sunday 11 March
GI Joe Cobra Clash 12km & 6km, Tikwe River Lodge, Virginia, Free State, 8am, GI Joe Office 082 962 6565
Sunday 11 March
Muddy Princess Joburg South 5km, (women only), Rietvlei Zoo Farm, 101 Swartkoppies Road, Johannesburg, Gauteng, 8am, info@muddyprincess.co.za
Saturday 17 March
Runstacles 4km, Cape Town Ostrich Ranch, Van Schoorsdrif Road, off N7, Philadelphia, Western Cape, 8:30am, The Grind HQ 021 813 9282 (w)
Gajiga Run 5km #3, (Inflatable obstacles), Bakgat Fees, Middelburg, 8am, More info: www.gajiga.co.za
Saturday 17 – Sunday 18 March
Toyota Warrior #3, Black Ops 15km, Commando 10km & Rookie 5km PLUS Brats 500m, Tierpoort Adventure Farm, Preotira East, Gauteng, Various start times, Race Organiser 086 199 0001
Saturday 24 March
Muddy Princess Nelspruit 5km, (women only), Kwanyoni Lodge, Alkmaar N4, near Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, 8am, info@muddyprincess.co.za
Runstacles 4km, Cape Town Ostrich Ranch, Van Schoorsdrif Road, off N7, Philadelphia, Western Cape, 8:30am, The Grind HQ 021 813 9282 (w)
Saturday 31 March
Runstacles 4km, Cape Town Ostrich Ranch, Van Schoorsdrif Road, off N7, Philadelphia, Western Cape, 8:30am, The Grind HQ 021 813 9282 (w)

ADVENTURE RACING

Saturday 3 – Sunday 4 March
Expedition Africa Full Moon Adventure 120km, Swaziland, Time TBC, Heidi Muller 082 564 6468
Sunday 18 March
Kinetic Adventure 25km, Avianto, Muldersdrift, Gauteng, Time TBC, Heidi Muller 082 564 6468

 

TRACK AND FIELD

Trail runner and blogger Fareed Behardien use his Leave The Couch blogs and Leave The Couch Together Trail Runs to inspire people to get up and let that bum-print on the couch fill back up, and help them to develop a new love of nature and adventure. – BY PJ MOSES

Fareed Behardien is an adventurous soul who loves playing outside. His blogs about his trail escapades won him the coveted SA Blogger of the Year Award in 2016, and he followed this up by also making a splash in the world of film, when his collaboration with young filmmaker Ziyaad Solomon, to produce the short film Mowbray to Mowbray Ridge, won the Cape Union Mart Adventure Video Contest in the same year.

Things were falling into place, but life often tests us when we least expect it, and so 2017 proved a tough year for Fareed on a personal level. He says he lost some of his mojo as a result, but hitting the trails got him back on track. “The mountain helped put everything into perspective for me. I’ve learned many lessons from running trails and exploring life outside, and that helped me through a very difficult year. I kept telling myself, no matter how tough life seems in the dark moments, I will get through it. This is what all runners learn, especially trail runners, and can use in their daily lives.”

RUNNING DISCOVERED
Fareed wasn’t always the get-up-and-go outside type, admitting to being more of a ‘mathlete’ than athlete at school. He ran cross country for fun and played rugby, but never really had the skill or the desire to push for a first team place. He did enough just to be active and enjoy the vibe around the team. “I then went to UCT and gymmed to stay in shape, but it was more a matter of bicep curls to interest the girls,” he jokes. After varsity he left Cape Town for Johannesburg to focus on his career, and there he started playing rugby again, supplementing his rugby training with some running. This was not easy for a 100kg man, though, and during his first attempt at a 10km race he says he “hit the wall spectacularly” at the 6km mark, but still managed to finish after a long 4km walk!

Coming back to Cape Town was the spark his new active lifestyle needed, and with the help of friends and family he discovered a newfound love of being outside. He left the couch behind for good, braving his first trail race in 2014 at the Mont Rochelle race in Franschhoek. That 8km race proved to be a life-altering event for him. “The mountain doesn’t lie, it shows you the truth of who you are. I thought I was finally fit again, until I did that trail race. It humbled me, but inspired and motivated me at the same time.”

Fareed’s daughter Rahma also helps to keep him grounded and focused on what is good in his life. She loves the mountain as much as her Daddy and often joins him on hikes in Newlands Forest, where she jumps over rocks and goes full tilt downhill. “When I was 10 years old a family friend introduced us to the mountain by organising hikes, and now when I’m running and exploring the mountain trails, I think back with a grateful heart to the memory of Uncle Kevin. We really are the sum of our experiences and of the people we meet. I want Rahma to keep enjoying the trails and live as free as possible. I want that for everybody. My life has improved since I started trail running, and I enjoy seeing people from different walks of life going out there and enjoying similar experiences.”

NEW MOUNTAINS TO CLIMB
Even though Fareed has successfully completed quite a few trail ultras over the last few years, with two Ultra Trail Cape Town and two Bat Run finishes under his belt, this year he has his eyes on a still more goals. “I have decided to finally take on my first road ultra at Two Oceans, even though it is so far out of my comfort zone that I really have no idea what to expect. I have never spent that long on the road before. I think the vibe is something I am most looking forward to, the long tar uphills not so much.”

“I’ve learnt to accept the struggle as part of the journey and that you must embrace the struggle to enjoy the stoke. Trail is not just the great leveler, but also a fantastic teacher, and it shows you that even though it may be tough sometimes, you have it inside of you to get through it. I don’t think you can be arrogant as a trail runner, unless you are a fool. The mountain can be a dangerous place and you need to respect it. As Ryan Sandes says, you never conquer a mountain, it just allows you to stand on it, and this helps me to remember how blessed I am to live this wonderful life.”

You can read Fareed’s blogs at http://leavethecouch.com

Images: Courtesy Fareed Berhadien

 

Teaching your body and mind to go through the pain barrier is part of the secret to running success, if you are chasing faster times. – BY RAY ORCHISON, REGISTERED COACH

A few years back I entered and trained for my first international marathon and felt confident that I could run a 2:48 PB. Unfortunately, after five days of doing the tourist thing, I lined up at the start with extremely fatigued calves, but I still set out at my initially planned race pace. Everything felt surprisingly good… until the 8km mark, when the fatigue caused by exercise I was not used to resulted in me tearing my soleus muscle.

At first I thought it was just a spasm, but after two stops to try and massage the spasm out, I began to wonder how I would get back to the start without any cash and surrounded by people who spoke only German. At that point I decided that I had not done all the training and flown halfway across the world to quit, so I pushed the pain out of my mind and eventually finished in 2:57. However, the instant I finished, my body and mind were flooded with unbearable pain, making it near impossible for me to walk!

All in the Mind
I learnt an invaluable lesson during that marathon: We can endure far more pain then we think – and I’m not talking about doing stupid things like pushing through a marathon with a torn soleus, I’m talking about that familiar pain when we are pushing our own personal boundaries. Athletes who want that PB badly enough and are willing to push themselves through the pain of lactic acid and other metabolic waste build-up, are the ones who will ultimately achieve that PB.

Tim Noakes refers to the ‘Central Governor’ in our brain, which keeps an eye on all the systems and functions of the body and protects us from physically harming ourselves, using a built-in early warning system to stop us long before we reach our breaking point. Signals of pain are sent to the brain to slow us down or stop us, so that our bodies can return to what I call the comfort zone… but there are unfortunately no PB’s to be found in the comfort zone. Therefore, in order to achieve our best, we have to go beyond the comfort zone in progressive, planned training, because the human body has an amazing capacity to adapt to gradual increases in physiological stress, which teaches both the mind and body to handle pain.

However, I do not believe that teaching your body and mind to deal with pain requires only hard, muscle-breaking workouts. The sessions that have had the biggest impact in my own training are the ones I’ve stuck to as planned. Just getting through a hard session after a long hard day, when I’ve just wanted to collapse on the couch in front of the TV, has gone a long way to help me push through moments of doubt and hurt when that PB is slipping from my grasp.

Image: Fotolia

Welcome to SA’s biggest and most complete running and walking race calendar, containing all road and trail runs, as well as other running-related disciplines. Just remember to always check with the organisers before driving to an event, as some details may have changed since going to print. – COMPILED BY SEAN FALCONER with TOM COTTRELL

GAUTENG

CENTRAL GAUTENG
Friday 2 February
Duck Night Run 10km & 5km, Kyalami Golf Club, Spur Road, Midrand, 7pm, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Sunday 4 February
Modern Athlete Bobbies Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Greenstone Shopping Centre, Edenvale, 6am, Lt. Col Hein Gerber 079 525 0302
Wednesday 7 February
McCarthy VW Roodepoort Nite 15km & 5km, Khosa Sports Club, cnr Shannon Road & Frederick Cooper Drive, Monument, Krugersdorp, 7pm, Shaun Ulyate 083 274 2995
Kinetic Night Trail 8km & 4km, Randpark Golf Club, Setperk Street, Randpark, 7:30pm & 7:40pm, Heidi Muller 082 564 6468
Friday 9 February
Serengeti Night Run 15km, 10km & 5km, Serengeti Golf & Wildlife Estate, off R21 & R25, Kempton Park, 7pm, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Sunday 11 February
Pick n Pay Marathon, Half Marathon, 8km & 4km, Saheti School, Civin Drive, Senderwood, 6am, Bruce King 082 808 4301
Friday 16 February
Randburg Harriers Valentine’s Nite 10km, Randburg Central Sports Complex, cnr Republic Road & Malibongwe Avenue, Randburg, 7pm, Liesel 083 687 6543
Sunday 18 February
Pirates Half Marathon, Pirates Club, cnr Cruden Bay & Braeside Road, Greenside, 6am, Hennie Booysen 082 801 0924
Sunday 25 February
Township Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km & 4.5km, Eldorado Park Stadium, Cumming Road, Eldorado Park, 6am (42, 21 & 10) & 6:30am (4), Joe Morris 082 443 3777

GAUTENG NORTH
Saturday 3 February
Bidvest McCarthy Toyota Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Rietondale Park, Pretoria, 6am, 6:20am & 6:25am, Hank Bezuidenhout 083 256 0241
TAF Trail Run 15km, 10km & 5km, Tierpoort Adventure Farm, Rooikat Street, Tierpoort, east of Pretoria, 7am, 7:30am & 8am, info@bouttime.co.za
Sunday 4 February
The White Lion Trail Run 15km, 10km & 5km, The Farm Inn, Silverlakes Road, Silverlakes, Pretoria, 7am, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Wednesday 7 February
The Farm Inn 10km & 5km Night Trail Run, The Farm Inn, Silverlakes Road, Silverlakes, Pretoria, 7pm, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Sunday 11 February
Bronkhorstspruit 32km, 10km & 4km, Erasmus High School, Cathie Street, Bronkhorstspruit, 6am, 6:15am & 6:30am, Danie Kruger 082 827 0068
Wednesday 14 February
My SPAR Lantern Night 10km & 5km, Agricultural Research Council Irene Campus, 600m from Nellmapius Entrance, Irene, 7pm, Race Organiser 082 951 2581
Tortoise & Hare Night Trail Run 8km & 5km, The Big Red Barn, 7 Nelson Road, Olifantsfontein, Pretoria North, 7pm, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Saturday 17 February
Bestmed Tuks Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km, 5km & 1km, University Of Pretoria Sports Campus, South Street, Hatfield, Pretoria, 5:30am, 6am, 6:30am, 6:40am & 8am Jet Moses 072 259 4282
Sunday 18 February
The Leopard Trail Run 30km, 15km & 5km, Its-Anners Guest House, Leeuwgedacht Conservancy, Welgedacht, Dinokeng, North Pretoria, 6:30am (30) & 7am (15 & 5), Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Wednesday 21 February
Zwartkop Night Race #4 10km & 5km, Zwartkops Country Club, Old Johannesburg Road, Centurion, 6pm, info@bouttime.co.za
Sunday 25 February
Deloitte Pretoria Marathon, Half Marathon & 10km, PHSOB Club, Hofmeyr Park, cnr Kings Highway & Queens Crescent, Lynwood, Pretoria, 6am (42 & 21) & 6:15am (10), Rory 072 023 1177
Hedianga Beast Trail Run 15km, 10km & 5km, Hedianga Farm, Achilles Way, Pretoria East, 7am, 7:15am & 7:30am, Debbie Agenbag 083 294 5260
The Barn Family Day 30km, 15km, 8km & 5km Trail Run, The Big Red Barn, 7 Nelson Road, Olifantsfontein, Pretoria North, 7am, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552
Wednesday 28 February
Jackal Night Run 10km & 5km, Copperleaf Golf & Leisure Club, Ernie Els Boulevard, Centurion, 7pm, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552

VAAL TRIANGLE
Wednesday 7 February
Palms Valentine's 15km, 10km & 5km, Palms Centre, Louis Trichardt Boulevard, Vanderbijlpark, 6:30pm, Salome Naude 083 635 8573
Saturday 17 February
Gijima for CANSA 10km & 5km, Old Vaaltonians Sports Club, Abraham Kriel Street, Vanderbijlpark, 7am, Lorraine Patrick 083-3040860

WESTERN CAPE

BOLAND
Saturday 10 February
27 For Freedom 27km, 10km & 5km, Drakenstein Correctional Facility, on R301 between Paarl & Franschhoek, 6:30am, 7am & 9am, Top Events 021 511 7130 (W)
Friday 9 February
Spier Twilight Trail Run 10km & 5km, Spier Estate, on R310 near Stellenbosch, 6pm & 6:05pm, Ugene Nel 082 658 3078
Saturday 10 February
Hope for Mia Cara Trail Run 10km & 5km, Simonsig Wine Farm, Kromme Rhee Pad, 7:30am & 7:45am, Justsports 082 722 2213
Saturday 10 – Sunday 11 February
Fairtree Simonsberg Contour 2-Day Trail Run, (Day 1: 25km & 15km, Day 2: 25km, 15km & 7km), Dirtopia Centre, Delvera Farm, on R44 between Stellenbosch and Klapmuts, Sat: 7am & 7:15am, Sun: 7:15am, 7:30am & 7:45am, Dirtopia Events 021 884 4752 (w)
Wednesday 14 February
Mountain Mill Valentine's Night 10km & 5km, Mountain Mill Shopping Centre, Worcester, 6:15pm & 6:20pm, Henrico Hunter 073 724 3983
Friday 16 – Sunday 18 February
Tankwa 3-Day Trail Run CANCELLED
Wednesday 21 February
Gino's Nite 10km & 5km, Coetzenberg Sport Grounds, Stellenbosch, 6pm, Athletics Office 021 808 4684 (w)
Saturday 24 February
Fedhealth XTERRA Trail Run 12.5km & 6km, Grabouw Country Club, Eikenhof Dam, Grabouw, 7am, Stillwater Events 082 991 0045
Sunday 25 February
Spur Elgin Valley XL 25.5km & Spur Cape Summer Trail Series #4 15.7km & 7.3km, Oak Valley Estate, Elgin-Grabouw, 6:30am, 7:30am & 7:51am, Wildrunner Events 021 821 9898 (w)
French Flair Trail Run 11km & 6km, L'Avenir Farm, on R44 between Stellenbosch and Klapmuts, 7:15am & 7:30am, Dirtopia Events 021 884 4752 (w)

SOUTH WESTERN DISTRICTS
Friday 2 February
Hope Church Night 10km, 5km & 3km Trail Run, Botanical Gardens, Caledon Street, George, 6:30pm, Race Organiser 082 549 4272
Saturday 3 February
De Dekke Spar Marathon, 10km & 4km, De Dekke Spar, Great Brak River, 5:30am, 6am & 6:15am, Ernest Viviers 079 521 0713
Saturday 10 February
Beaufort West Municipality Half Marathon, Venue TBA, 7am, Jan Viljoen 083 276 4561
Thursday 22 February
Klein Karoo Business Relay, Oudtshoorn, 6pm, Dave van der Walt 082 773 4901
Friday 23 February
Cango 5km Fun Run & Night Trail Run 9.6km, Military Sport Clubhouse, Oudtshoorn Military Base, 6pm & 8pm, Richard Hughes 082 563 4573
Saturday 24 February
Cango Marathon & Half Marathon, Cango Caves (42) and Advanced Training Wing, Park Road, Oudtshoorn Military Base (21) to Oudtshoorn Military Base Sport Grounds, 6am, Richard Hughes 082 563 4573
Saturday 24 – Sunday 25 February
PAWS Trail Run, (10km & 5km each day, with dogs on leads), Gourikwa Nature Reserve, 15 Buffelshoek, Gouritsmond, 7:30am, Janine Swart 083 662 2022

WESTERN PROVINCE
Saturday 3 February
Spartan Harriers Firgrove Challenge Half Marathon, 10km & 6km PLUS Philip Rabinowitz 10km Walk, Cape Academy for Mathematics, Science & Technology, cnr Firgrove Way & Spaanschemat Road, Constantia, 5:45am, 5:50am & 7am PLUS 6:10am, Michael Adams 083 296 5953
Sunday 4 February
Lace up for Cancer Walk 10km & 5km, Castle of Good Hope, Cape Town, 7am, Shaun 082 066 3353
Wednesday 7 February
Sanlam 10km & 5km, Sanlam Head Office, Voortrekker Road, Bellville, 6pm, Robert Keynel 082 474 0399
Spur Cape Summer Trail Series #3 11.9km & 7.5km, Meerendal Wine Estate, off M48 Vissershok Road, Durbanville, 7:30pm & 7:51pm, Wildrunner Events 021 821 9898 (w)
Saturday 10 February
TopForm 10km & 5km PLUS 10km Walk, Turfhall Softball Park, Off Jan Smuts Avenue, Athlone, 6:30am & 7am PLUS 6:40am, Alistair Kannemeyer 083 403 3145
Saturday 17 February
WPA Interclubs & Race Walking Grand Prix 1 20km, 10km, 5km, 3km & 1km, Youngsfield Military Base, Wetton, 7am (20), 8am (10) & 10am (rest), Stefano Kruger 076 948 8483
Sunday 18 February
Cape Peninsula Marathon & Half Marathon, Main Road, Green Point (42) & Bergvliet Sports Club, Children’s Way (21) to Simon’s Town Naval Base, 5:15am & 7am, Hilton Kearns 082 475 6974
Wednesday 21 February
Sunset Time Trial 4x3km Team Relay, Green Point Cricket Club, Green Point, 6:15pm, Gert Wilkins 073 308 3127
Saturday 24 February
Old Mutual 10km & 5.6km, Old Mutual Sports Grounds, Jan Smuts Drive, Pinelands, 6am, Ismail Ahmed 082 453 8314
Sunday 25 February
ABAX Investments Milkwood Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Soetwater Recreation Area, Lighthouse Road, Kommetjie, 6:30am, 7:10am & 7:30am, Richard Sutton 082 643 6186
Sunshine D – Polar Ice Cream 10km Big Walk, Green Point Track, Fritz Sonnenberg Road, 7:30am, Race Office 021 637 1607 (w)

KWAZULU-NATAL
Sunday 4 February
DG Panel & Paint Challenge 32km & 16km, Barnes Road Grounds, Capel Road, Sydenham, 5am, Anita Johannes 084 254 2468
Valley View Trail 20km, 12km & 5km, Valley View Farm, at Josephine Bridge, Umkomaas Valley (on R56 between Richmond & Ixopo), 7am, 7:30am & 7:45am, Lauren Booth 082 791 7069
Sunday 11 February
NOSA Hillcrest Marathon & Half Marathon, Cnr Hospital Road/Old Main Road, to Hillcrest Villagers Club, 5 Crooked Lane, Hillcrest, 5am, Peter Burton 083 798 3132
Nongoma Mayoral Race 28km, 10km & 5km, KwaGqikazi FET College Main Gate, Nongoma, 7am, Mphathiseni Manquele 083 432 9566
Hilton College 22km, 12km & 7km, Ducasse Pool, Hilton College School, Hilton, 7am, 7:30am & 7:45am, Lauren Booth 082 791 7069
Saturday 17 February
Emtshezi 10km, Venue TBA, 6am, Clement Sithole 082 877 4890
Sunday 18 February
Zabalaza Half Marathon & 10km, Cato Ridge Country Club, 6am, Bongani Ndlovu 073 225 4146
Friday 23 – Sunday 25 February
Old Mutual 3 Cranes Challenge 3-Day Trail Run, (32, 42 & 25km), Bushwillow Camp, Karkloof Valley, near Howick, 6am, Race Organiser 083 387 3939
Saturday 24 February
Witness Medihelp Maritzburg City Trail Run 16km & 7km, Golden Horse Casino, Pietermaritzburg, 7:30am, John Hall 082 491 7679
Witness Medihelp Maritzburg City Marafun 4.2km, 2.1km & Kiddies/Toddler runs, Gold Circle Scottsville Race Course, New England Road, Pietermaritzburg, 2pm, John Hall 082 491 7679
Sunday 25 February
Witness Medihelp Maritzburg City Marathon, Half marathon & 10km, Golden Horse Casino, Pietermaritzburg, 5:30am (42 & 21) & 9am (10), John Hall 082 491 7679
Harry Gwala District Marthon, Half Marathon & 10km, Ibisi Police Station, Umzimkhulu, 6am, Themba Gumede 072 948 8779

FREE STATE
Saturday 3 February
Sasol Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km & 4.9km, DP de Villiers Stadium, HF Verwoerd Street, Sasolburg, 6am (42, 21 & 10) & 6:30am (4.9), Race office 078 501 7638
Friday 9 February
Harmony Striders Virginia Valentine Nite 10km & 4km, Welkom Square, Long Road, Welkom, 6:30pm, Deon Lodder 082 921 3330
Saturday 10 February
Kloppers Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Bloemfontein Achilles Sports Centre, Att Horak Avenue, Bloemfontein, 5:30am, Beverley Olivier 071 895 3183
Wednesday 14 February
Valentine's Fun Race 5km, UFS X-Country Track, Bloemfontein, 6pm, Rufus Botha 072 629 1546
Saturday 16 February
Business Relay 4x4km, UFS X-Country Track, Bloemfontein, Time TBA, Arina Engelbrecht 083 644 9980
Saturday 17 February
Reitz Bielie Mielie Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Rejandaz Lodge, Reitz, 6am, Kierie van Zyl 078 120 7677
Friday 23 February
Dare Devil Run Bloemfontein 5km, Venue TBC, 5:30pm, Sydney London 072 258 6902
Saturday 24 February
SWASAP Ultra Marathon 52, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Bloemfontein Achilles Sports Centre, Att Horak Avenue, Bloemfontein, 5:30am (52), 6am (21), 6:30am (10) & 7am (5), Beverley Olivier 071 895 3183

EASTERN CAPE

BORDER
Saturday 3 February
BUCO Tomato Trot 15km & 5km, Lilyfontein Primary School, East London, 3:30pm & 4pm, Caroline Kruger 084 460 6454
Saturday 10 February
Down Syndrome 5Km Fun Run, Venue & Time TBA, Zane Deere 043 743 3733
Sunday 11 February
Caltex Border Masters Half Marathon, Near Winterstrand Road, via R72, to Buffalo Club, Buffalo Park Drive, East London, 6am, Sandy Mountfort 082 376 5755
Thursday 15 – Saturday 17 February
RB Africa Wild Coast Challenge, (110km over three days), Mazeppa Bay Hotel to Nahoon Beach, East London, 8am, Dominique 043 735 2165 (w)
Sunday 18 February
Buffalo Marathon & Half Marathon, N6 about 3km from Macleantown on Stutterheim side, to Buffalo Club, Buffalo Park Drive, East London (21km starts at halfway mark of 42km route, near Python Park), 5:30am & 6am, 081 487 4984
Saturday 24 February
Discovery Surfers' Challenge 17.5km & 5km PLUS 10km Walk, Kwelera River at Yellow Sands, 21km from East London, to Nahoon Beach, 2pm (run) & 2:40pm (walk), Neville Wilkins 082 413 1150

EASTERN PROVINCE
Saturday 3 February
Mall-E Bay Ultra Marathon 50km, Half Marathon & 5km, Pollok Beach, Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth, 5am, Mark Huppelschoten 082 654 7555
Saturday 10 February
Die Burger / Metlife Mall Valentine's 10km & 5km, Metlife Mall, Samantha Way, Kabega Park, 6am, Graham Channon 078 184 9723
Saturday 17 February
Oorie Berg Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Omega School, Kareedouw, 7am, Loynes Jenkerson 082 6446 422
Saturday 24 February
Kromberg & Schubert 15km & 5km, Despatch Central Sports Grounds, 6:30am, Margie du Toit 082 547 5413

FAR NORTH

LIMPOPO
Saturday 3 February
Soutpansberg Mountain Race 32km, 21km, 10km & 5km, Makhado Tourism Information Centre, Makhado/Louis Trichardt, 6:30am, Hennie Coetzee 082 929 8154
Saturday 10 February
Oasis Potties 5-in-1 Marathon, 32km, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Mokopane Primary School, Beyer Street, Mokopane, 6am, Cheraye Engelbrecht 0792 492 8420
Saturday 17 February
Capricorn District Municipality Mayors 4-in-1 Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, C Rugby Field, Peter Mokaba Stadium, Dorp Street, Polokwane, 6am, Corrie Calitz 072 149 2674
Saturday 24 February
Maroela Festival Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Bollanoto Information Centre, before Kruger Park Gate, Phalaborwa, 6am, Kobie Marais 082 561 5429
Pietersburg Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Pietersburg, 6am, Colinda Potgieter 082 898 8341

MPUMALANGA
Saturday 3 February
Glencore / Izimbiwa Coal 5-in-1 Marathon, 32km, Half Marathon, 10km & 4.9km, Izimbimbiwa Central Office, Keiskamma Drive (off R575), Middelburg, 6am (42 & 32), 6:10am (21, 15 & 10) & 6:20am (4.9), Race Office 072 593 7346
Buffalo Gorge Trail Series 18km, 10km, 6.5km & 2.5km, Buffalo Gorge Eco Adventure Centre, Buffelskloof Farm, Middelburg, 7:30am, Ryk Diepraam 083 528 9586
Wednesday 7 February
Stefanutti Stocks Valentine's Night 10km & 4.9km, Sasol Recreation Club, Nelson Mandela Drive, Secunda, 7pm, Wynand van der Westhuizen 071 858 4228
Saturday 10 February
Sasol Secunda Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km & 4.5km, Sasol Recreational Club, Nelson Mandela Drive, Secunda, 6am (42, 21 & 10) & 6:10am (4.5), July Mavuso 082 806 1352
Wednesday 14 February
Power of Love Night 10km & 5km, Mbombela Stadium, Bafana Street, Mataffin, Nelspruit, 6pm, Yolanda Steenkamp 084 607 6314
Dennies Night 10km & 4.9km, Dennesig Primary School, CR Swart Street, Dennesig, Middelburg, 7pm, Teuns Luus 083 630 8729
Saturday 17 February
TWK Assegaai 3-in-1 Marathon, Half Marathon & 10km, Piet Retief Rugby Club, Piet Retief/eMkhondo, 6am (42 & 21) & 6:15am (10), Anné Nieuwenhuizen 082 440 2294
Wednesday 21 February
McCarthy Panorama Night 10km & 4.9km, Panorama Laërskool, Gordon Road, Witbank/eMalahleni, 7pm, Ansuette 082 887 5238
Saturday 24 February
Gijima Nkomazi Marathon, Half Marathon & 10km, Mbuzini, 5am, Lordrick Mathonsi 072 846 7212
Wednesday 28 February
Hoogenhout Nite 10km & 4.9km, Hoërskool Hoogenhout Stadium, Wicht Street, Bethal, 7pm, Betty Longland 083 321 4057

NORTH WEST

CENTRAL NORTH WEST
Saturday 10 February
Klerksdorp Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Wesvalia High School, Readman Street, Wilkoppies, Klerksdorp, 5:30am, Marius van Heerden 082 487 7290
Wednesday 14 February
Doringkruin Night Race 10km, 5km & 2.5km, Doringkruin Ned Herv Church, Boekenhout Road, Klerksdorp, 6:30pm, Marius van Heerden 082 487 7290

NORTH WEST NORTH
No events scheduled in this period

NORTHERN CAPE

GRIQUALAND WEST
Saturday 3 February
Vodacom Meerkat Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Bishops Old Boys Club, Memorial Road, Kimberley, 5:30am, Ockie Vermeulen 073 001 2277
Saturday 24 February
Pirates Groot Gat Marathon, Kleingat Half Marathon & Kortgat 10km, Pirates Club, Jacobus Smit Avenue, Kimberley, 6am, Mark Hunt 082 462 4066

NORTH WEST CAPE
Saturday 3 February
Dulux Spitskop Marathon, Half Marathon & 10km, Spitskop Nature Reserve, Upington, 5:30am, Carel Burger 082 622 7109

NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES

NAMIBIA
Saturday 3 February
Joseph & Snyman Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, United Club, Esther Brand Str, Olympia, Windhoek, Time TBC, Charles +264 (0)81 124 9471
Saturday 10 February
Rossing Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Venita Stadium, Welwitschia Street, Swakopmund, Time TBC, Frank Slabbert +264(0)81 240 3383
Saturday 24 February
Captain’s Run 30km & 15km, Auas Hills, Kupferberg Road, Windhoek, Time TBC, Charles +264 (0)81 124 9471
Rock & Run 10km & 5km, Trustco United Sports Grounds, Frankie Fredericks Drive, Windhoek, 5pm, Contact: robert@iway.na

ORIENTEERING
Monday 5 February
Gauteng Schools Sprint League #1, Jeppe Boys, Johannesburg, Karen Chambers 083 474 9463
Sunday 11 February
Gauteng Urban Sprint #2, Wits Campus, Johannesburg, WITSOC: https://witsorienteering.wordpress.com
Monday 12 February
Gauteng Schools Sprint League #2, Summit College, Johannesburg, Karen Chambers 083 474 9463
Friday 16 February
Rally 8km Run #5, Teams of 2-3, Groot Constantia, Constantia Main Road, Cape Town, Western Cape, Starts 5pm to 6:30pm, Ugene Nel 082 658 3078
Sunday 18 February
Gauteng Urban Sprint #3, The Campus, Johannesburg, ROC: Ian Bratt 082 887 6611
Monday 19 February
Gauteng Schools Sprint League #3, Heronbridge School, Johannesburg, Karen Chambers 083 474 9463
Monday 26 February
Gauteng Schools Sprint League #4, Delta Park, Johannesburg, Karen Chambers 083 474 9463

MULTISPORT
Saturday 3 February
Free State Triathlon/Duathlon, Standard 1.5km/40km/10km, Sprint 750m/20km/5km, Super Sprint 400m/10km/2.5km, Maselspoort, Free State, 9am, Christa 073 718 5427
aQuellé Mudman Series Hermannsburg, Swim Tri: Full 700m/20km/5km & Half 350m/10km/2.5km, Paddle Tri: Full 2.5km/20km/5km & Half 1.25km/10km/2.5km, Hermannsburg School, 2pm (Full) & 2:30pm (Half), Charmaine Botha 086 100 7624
Sunday 11 February
Discovery Triathlon World Cup Cape Town, Tri: Standard 750m/40km/10km (7am) & Sprint 500m/20km/5km (9am), Du: Standard 10km/40km/5km (7am), Sprint 5km/20km/2.5km (7:30am) & Super Sprint 2.5km/10km/2.5km (12pm), V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, Western Cape, Info: info@triathlon.capetown
Saturday 17 February
Tri Campus TT, 200m/6km/2km (u15), 300m/12km/3km (u19) & 400m/18km/4km (19+), UFS Campus, Bloemfontein, Free State, 7am, 8am & 9am, Info: tricampustt@gmail.com
North West Triathlon & Duathlon League #6, Tri: 1.5km/40km/10km, 750m/20km/5km & 400m/10km/2.5km, Du: 10km/40km/5km, 5km/20km/2.5km & 2.5km/10km/1.25km, Vaal River Boat Club, Orkney, North West Province, 8am, Yolanda 082 787 5496
Sunday 18 February
Rockman X-Triathlon & Duathlon, Tri: Ultra Tri 1.8km/50km/15km (7am), Dash Tri 500m/22km/5km (7:30am), Du: Dash Du 2km/22km/5km (7:40am), Rock Kids 9+ 500m/5km/500m (10:20am) & Rock Kids 5-8 150m/3km/150m (10am), Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge, 59 Beyers Naude Drive, Muldersdrift, Gauteng, Spectrum Sport 082 557 6884
Friday 23 – Sunday 25 February
Fedhealth XTERRA Grabouw (Cross-Tri), Fri 4pm: Kids 250m/5km/2.5km (12-15), 100m/3km/1.5km (9-11) & 60m/2km/600m (6-8); Sat 8am: Full 1.5km/25.6km/12.4km; Sun 7:30am: Lite 400m/14km/6.5km, Grabouw Country Club, Eikenhof Dam, Grabouw, Stillwater Events 082 991 0045

OBSTACLE RACING
Saturday 3 February
The Grind 1706, Deep Grind 5km (30+ obstacles), Rapid Grind 5km (30+) & Little Grind (10), Cape Town Ostrich Ranch, Van Schoorsdrift Road, off N7 just north of Durbanville, Western Cape, 8am, The Grind HQ 021 813 9282 (w) NEW DATE – WAS 2 DECEMBER
Saturday 10 February
Runstacles 10km & 4km, Cape Town Ostrich Ranch, Van Schoorsdrif Road, off N7, Philadelphia, Western Cape, 8:30am, The Grind HQ 021 813 9282 (w)
Sunday 11 February
Muddy Princess Pinetown 5km, (women only), Giba Gorge, Stockville Road, Woodmead, Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal, 8am, info@muddyprincess.co.za
Saturday 17 February
Toyota Warrior #2 Free State, Black Ops 15km (30 obstacles), Commando 10km (22), Rookie 5km (15) & Warrior Bratz 500m (8, unlimited laps); Venue TBC, Bloemfontein, Free State, From 8am, Race Office 086 199 0001
Gajiga Run 5km #2, (Inflatable obstacles), Johannesburg Zoo, Gauteng, 8am, More info: www.gajiga.co.za
Runstacles 10km & 4km, Cape Town Ostrich Ranch, Van Schoorsdrif Road, off N7, Philadelphia, Western Cape, 8:30am, The Grind HQ 021 813 9282 (w)
Saturday 24 February
Runstacles 10km & 4km, Cape Town Ostrich Ranch, Van Schoorsdrif Road, off N7, Philadelphia, Western Cape, 8:30am, The Grind HQ 021 813 9282 (w)

ADVENTURE RACING
No events scheduled in this period

TRACK AND FIELD

GAUTENG NORTH
Saturday 3 February
AGN League #3, Pilditch Stadium, Pretoria, Time TBA, AGN 012 327 4930 (w)
Saturday 10 February
AGN League #5, Tuks Athletics Stadium, Pretoria, Time TBA, AGN 012 327 4930 (w)
Wedneday 14 February
TUKS Top 10, Tuks Athletics Stadium, Pretoria, Time TBA, AGN 012 327 4930 (w)
Saturday 17 February
AGN League #6 & Tshwane North District, Pilditch Stadium, Pretoria, Time TBA, AGN 012 327 4930 (w)
Friday 23 – Saturday 24 February
AGN Senior Championships, Tuks Athletics Stadium, Pretoria, Time TBA, AGN 012 327 4930 (w)

BOLAND
Saturday 3 February
Dux New Years Series #5, Dal Josaphat Stadium, Paarl, Time TBA, Louis Nienaber 083 375 3673
Wedneday 7 February
League #1, Dal Josaphat Stadium, Paarl, Time TBA, Brandon Du Plessis 074 339 1772
Saturday 10 February
Dux New Years Series #6, Dal Josaphat Stadium, Paarl, Time TBA, Louis Nienaber 083 375 3673
Tuesday 13 February
Paarl HS Traditional, Dal Josaphat Stadium, Paarl, Time TBA, Sean September 084 621 3066
Thursday 15 February
Wellington HS Traditional, Dal Josaphat Stadium, Paarl, Time TBA, Melanie Dirkse 082 573 3755
Wedneday 21 February
League #2, Dal Josaphat Stadium, Paarl, Time TBA, Brandon Du Plessis 074 339 1772

SOUTH WESTERN DISTRICTS
Saturday 3 February
ASWD Track & Field League #4, Venue & Time TBA, ASWD 044 873 0023
Saturday 17 February
ASWD Track & Field League #6 PLUS SWD & Eden Primary Schools Champs, Venue & Time TBA, ASWD 044 873 0023
Saturday 24 February
ASWD Track & Field Champs PLUS SWD & Eden High Schools Champs, Venue & Time TBA, ASWD 044 873 0023

WESTERN PROVINCE
Saturday 3 February
WPA Junior Meeting, Parow Athletic Track, 9am, Mariana Meyer 082 777 4050
Saturday 10 February
WPA League #2, Green Point Track, Cape Town, 11am, Mariana Meyer 082 777 4050
Saturday 17 February
WPA Masters Meeting #3, Green Point Track, Cape Town, 12:30pm, Mariana Meyer 082 777 4050
Saturday 24 February
WPA League #3, Parow Athletic Track, 8:30am, Mariana Meyer 082 777 4050

KWAZULU-NATAL
Saturday 3 February
KZNA League (Full program), Pietermaritzburg Athletics Stadium, Time TBA, KZNA 031 312 9374 (w)
Saturday 10 February
KZN PUMA School of Speed Series #3, Kings Park Athletics Stadium, Durban, Time TBA, KZNA 031 312 9374 (w)
Friday 23 – Saturday 24 February
KZNA Senior Track & Field Championships, Pietermaritzburg Athletics Stadium, Time TBA, KZNA 031 312 9374 (w)

FREE STATE
Saturday 10 February
Kovsie Throw & Jump Meeting, Pelliespark, Bloemfontein, 8am, Kesa Molotsane 079 175 0023
Wedneday 14 February
Pamoja AC Schools Development T&F League, Venue TBA, 2pm, Leonard Jingose 084 372 7818
Saturday 17 February
Kovsie Throw & Jump Meeting, Pelliespark, Bloemfontein, 8am, Kesa Molotsane 079 175 0023
Monday 19 February
Kovsies Inter-residence League, Pelliespark, Bloemfontein, 5:30pm, Kesa Molotsane 079 175 0023
Friday 23 February
HTS Louis Botha H/S Invitational, Free State Athletics Stadium, Bloemfontein, 8:30am, Lorenzo Joseph 084 399 2933
Saturday 24 February
Kloppers AFS Invitational, MAS, 9am, Kobus Steyn 073 063 5397
Monday 26 February
Kovsies Inter-residence League, Pelliespark, Bloemfontein, 5:30pm, Kesa Molotsane 079 175 0023
Wedneday 28 February
Pamoja AC Schools Development T&F League, Venue TBA, 2pm, Leonard Jingose 084 372 7818

EASTERN PROVINCE
Saturday 3 February
Bestmed Madibaz EP T&F League, Madibaz Stadium, Port Elizabeth, 9am, Nellis Bothma 082 5751 818
Wedneday 14 February
EP League #5, Venue TBA, Time TBA, Godfrey Goliath 083 7654 471
Wedneday 21 February
EP League #6, Venue TBA, Time TBA, Godfrey Goliath 083 7654 471

LIMPOPO
Saturday 3 February
Mile races, Lephalale, 8am, Louis van Rooyen TBA
Saturday 10 February
League #2, Venue TBA, 8am, KA Maponyane 084 761 1534
Friday 23 February
Invitation Meeting, Musina, 8am, Wessie vd Westhuizen 015 534 0706
Saturday 24 February
Waterberg Invitational, Lephalale, 8am, S Cornelius 014 763 2106
Moletjie Meeting, Peter Mokaba Stadium, 8am, Jeremia Mokaba 073 245 9446
Wedneday 28 February
Waterberg Invitational, Lephalale, 8am, S Cornelius 014 763 2106

MPUMALANGA
Wedneday 14 February
Top 10 Meeting, Hoërskool Hoogenhout Stadium, Wicht Street, Bethal, Time & Contact TBA

NORTH WEST NORTH
Saturday 3 February
Track and Field League #3, Venue & Time TBA, Aubrey Moitlobo 076 295 8625
Saturday 24 February
Track and Field League #4, Venue & Time TBA, Aubrey Moitlobo 076 295 8625

GRIQUALAND WEST
Saturday 3 February
Diamantveld Invitational, De Beers Stadium, Kimberley, 8am, Jaco Smit 082 958 7786
Saturday 10 February
Top 20 Meeting, Hartswater High School, Hartswater, 8am, Carina Kernekamp 083 590 3178

NORTH WEST CAPE
Friday 23 February
Parrow Meeting, Parrow, Time TBA, Gavin Abrahams 071 637 2634
Friday 23 – Saturday 24 February
Provincial Champs, De Beers Stadium, Kimberley, 9am, Raymond Esterhuizen 082 082 8949

The main ultra-marathon season will soon be here, and you may be plotting an ultra PB in the coming months. Here’s what you need to know now in order to go after that new PB.

In SA, there are many ultras on the calendar, with distances going from just over the marathon distance of 42.2km all the way up to several hundred kilometres. We also have 24-hour races, multi-day or multi-stage events, and informal races limited only by the imagination, with runners taking on challenges like 50 marathons in 50 days, running across the country, or the Sahara, or even 10 Comrades in 10 days.

The ultra is there to challenge us, both mentally and physically – and anyone who thinks that an ultra is simply going to roll over and hand out PB’s is horribly mistaken! So here are some essential tips to follow when chasing that new ultra best.

1. Get your head in the game: This doesn’t require hours on the couch talking to your shrink. Start by committing 100% to your goal. Make sure it’s realistic but challenging, and start believing that you can achieve it.

2. Planning is crucial: The difficulty with an ultra is that because of the toll it places on the body and the amount of recovery required post-race, you only have one bite at the cherry. If you build up and train to run a fast 10km and things don’t work out on race day, picking another race the following week is not a problem, but if things don’t quite go according to plan in an ultra, you can’t simply choose to run another one soon thereafter. This makes planning a crucial part of success, and you’ll need to answer these questions when doing your planning:
• What do I need to do to achieve my goal?
• Do I have enough time to build up injury-free?
• Which races am I going to do between now and then that will help me reach my goal?
• What are the entry criteria for my target race? (Because these days many races sell out early!)
• What do I need to do differently this year?

3. Adapt: Training is all about adapting the body physically, metabolically and biomechanically in order to achieve your goals. Make sure that you’re training for your goal race and nothing else. If you’re training for an ultra, then you need to be running at paces that will best prepare you for it, and not training at paces that are preparing you for a marathon, or worse, something even shorter and faster.

4. Get going: Once you’ve chosen your target ultra for the PB attempt, stick to your training programme and make it happen. Only you can train for and achieve that PB, nobody can do it for you, so go get it.