We chat with the 2024 Comrades Marathon winner Piet Wiersma. His journey to this years race, how he overcame coming second last year, and his future plans!
Tag: ultra
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PUMA SIGNS TWO OCEANS ULTRA CHAMP
Cape Town, South Africa, March 2024ย
PUMA has signed a partnership with ultra-marathon champion Givemore Mudzinganyama.
Mudzinganyama, the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon defending champion, said he was inspired to partner with the brand by seeing PUMA international and local athletes achieving their goals: โFor example, Precious Mashele ran a 10km South African record last year. Iโm also loving the comfort and cushioning of the shoes.โ
Rae Trew-Browne, PUMA SAย Run Train Marketing Manager,ย saidย having an athlete of Givemore Mudzinganyama’s calibre joining the family showed how far the PUMA NITRO running footwear had progressed, in particular theย PUMA Deviate NITRO Elite 2 and the PUMA Fast-R2 NITRO Elite which will be Mudzinganyama choice of race shoes.
โWe are delighted to welcome Givemore to PUMA and look forward to working with him as he attempts to defend his 2023 Two Oceans Marathon title,” said Trew-Browne.
A member of the Entsika Athletics Club, Mudzinganyama trains at Zoolake under the watchful eye of coach Hendrik Ramaala.ย โI love to train with the Zoolake training group. Everyone is ambitious and has their own goals, so we are always challenging each other. Then after training we regroup, reflect, and talk about our future endeavours,โ he said.
Although capable of racing across many different distances, he prefers marathons and ultra-marathons. โI love these distances because they are influenced by many factors like nutrition during the event, endurance, fatigue, and mental focus as weโre running for many hours. Trying to perfect all these factors at once is always mind blowing and interesting,โ he said.
Asked about his past successes and future goals, Mudzinganyama said: โWinning and running well is always rewarding. Itโs a mental boost because you know that your training is working. Iโm happy with the past and the present and Iโm looking forward for good achievements in the near future.โ
Givemore Mudzinganyama PUMA Q&Aย
Q: What do you enjoy most about your sport?
A: When Iโm running I feel more free and relaxed. I feel in control of every thought in my mind and I also become ambitious and curious about my goals both relating to running and outside of running.ย I also like running because itโs a healthy lifestyle.
Q: What has running taught you?
A:That you need to be patient and you need to put together your fitness goals and physical abilities at an equilibrium level. Consistency is measured in weeks, months and years. When you put everything together success is on the way.
Q: Anything that has boosted your performance over the past year?
A:After I lost my job, I joined the Entsika Athletics Club and this has enabled me to fully commit to running and I havenโt missed a single training session at Zoolake with my coach Hendrik Ramaala.
Q:Tell us about winning the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon?
A: Winning and running well is always rewarding. Itโs a mental boost because you know that your training is working. Iโm happy with the past and the present and Iโm looking forward for good achievements in the near future.
Q: Your favourite place to train?
A:I love to train with the Zoolake training group. Everyone is ambitious and has their own goals, so we are always challenging each other. Then after training we regroup, reflect and talk about our future endeavours.
Q: Your favourite race?
A: For now I can say the Two Oceans Ultra. The puzzle worked really well last year so my thoughts are on trying to perfect the way I trained last year.
Q: Which are your favourite distances to race?
A:Iโm enjoying marathons and ultra-marathons. I love these distances because they are influenced by many factors like nutrition during the event, endurance, fatigue and mental focus as weโre running for many hours. Trying to perfect all these factors at once is always mind blowing and interesting.
Q: Tell us where your journey as a runner began?
A:I grew up loving many sports but during my school years I started doing athletics and I was always selected to represent my school. It became the gateway to travel to see different cities as we were from rural areas. It took self-commitment to drive me to keep on loving running, but I was also lucky to find mentors who have guided me with life lessons which have positively impacted my sporting career.
Q:What are your goals for 2024?
A: To run well at the Two Oceans Ultra and add another marathon or ultra-marathon later in the year, around September or October. In between Iโll try to enjoy some fast, short races to rejuvenate myself.
Q: What shoes do you compete in?
A:Iโm currently exploring the PUMA shoe range and so for I am loving the Deviate NITRO 2.
Q: Do your train in different shoes and if so why?
A: I train in different types of shoes. Itโs mainly determined by terrain conditions, the speed youโre running and the distance you want to cover. Longer easy runs will require higher comfort and cushioning. Faster runs will demand lighter and responsive shoes. Sometimes you need more grip on slippery and rough pathways.
Q: Why have you decided to partner with the brand?
A:I am inspired by PUMA international and local athletes achieving their goals. For example, Precious Mashele who ran a 10km South African record last year. Iโm also loving the comfort and cushioning of the shoes.
Q: Any key factors that have boosted your career?
A: Getting married in 2013. My partner is also an athlete, so our daily routine is dedicated to sports as we are constantly trying to find how we can improve.
Q: When challenges hit you during a race, how do you make yourself push on?
A: I look back at some of the hard training efforts. At times I seek support from the fans cheering along the route.
Q: Advice for young aspiring athletes?
A: Find andย join a professional running group and grow within that community.
Pushing the limits in Lesotho
In mid-April 2022, ultra-trail runners Ryan Sandes and Ryno Griesel set out on one of their most ambitious expeditions yet, a full circumnavigation of the mountain kingdom of Lesotho. We caught up with them after their successful finish, having run 1100 kilometres with over 33,000 metres of ascent in 16 Days, 6 Hours and 56 Minutes. โ Moeketsi Mokoteli & The Red Bull Editors with Sean Falconer
The Running Mann: Searching for Pots, Chefs, Strooms
Now that I am finally back to enjoying one of my favourite hobbies, travelling the country to try run every marathon or ultra in South Africa, I recently found myself in Potchefstroom for the LetsGo Potch Marathon, and besides enjoying a good run with various running friends, I also delved deep down into the darker side of my sense of humour. โ By Stuart Mann
Mgabhiโs Ultra-Asia exploits to foot the bill for much-needed school shoes
Sheโs run seven marathons in seven days on seven continents and now Nontuthuko Mgabhi has set herself a new challenge: the 160km Ultra-Asia race from 6-9 March.
For Nontuthuko, itโs not about personal achievement or conquering the ultra-running world but rather a mission much closer to home โ rural schoolchildren. So far, the Richards Bay runner has raised over R3 million through her various athletic adventures to better the lives of kids living in poverty.
There were five new classrooms, an admin block and new toilets forย Khiphinkunzi Primary School inย Mtubatuba, food packages, face masks during the Covid pandemic, and now โ school shoes.
โKids from rural villages have to walk far to get to school because there arenโt many schools,โ explained Nontuthuko, who apart from training every day also works as General Manager of Human Resources at Richards Bay Coal Terminal.
She adds, โA school shoe, therefore, becomes a mode of transport, yet some families canโt afford them due to socio-economic factors. A school shoe competes with bread and butterโฆ. These children come from communities and schools that are underserved. A school shoe should not stand in their way. Every child should have a fair chance at success. So this is about reducing or removing barriers to finishing school.โ
Nontuthukoโs mission is to raise another R140,000 to provide 500 new pairs of school shoes to learners at five different schools in Mseleni on KwaZulu-Natalโs North Coast. Thatโs why sheโs been running 130-1340km per week in preparation and will board a plane to Vietnam on Saturday to take on the gruelling Ultra-Asia race.
The four-stage event includes a brutal 6000 meters of positive elevation and 7000 meters of negative elevation and requires runners to carry their own supplies. Each night they sleep over in local villagersโ houses.
โI do not run for the podium, I run for the joy of it and for social impact โ to make a small impact,โ explained Nontuthuko, adding โThis race is particularly special because during the event, we will spend the nights in traditional houses on stilts. This kind of experience keeps me grounded and aligns well with the causes I run for. I run for children from the deep rural villages, with special focus on the North Coast. Running a race where I will immerse myself in the villages is spiritually awakening. I love that!โ
Asked whether she is daunted by the task ahead, Nontuthuko reckoned: โYou need a strong mind, legs, and back. I am also in the right mood and mental state for it. I feel calm. Running for a cause has helped me to enjoy the process more, knowing I am running for something. This is how my initiative called: โGo Beyond for a Childโ was born. I run long and far for a child in need.
โRunning for a cause has ignited me. I have always loved adventure and have taken on daring challenges before, but since 2019, my love for adventure has grown immensely as I get to achieve a lot through my passion for running. I get the opportunity to give back and change lives, thanks to generous sponsors. They make it happen, they believe in me and the causes I run for,โ added Nontuthuko, making special mention of kit sponsor Salomon, MANI Industries, Hollywood Foundation and Bidvest Tank Terminals for their support of her previous challenge.
Those wanting to donate to the cause can do so online at:ย https://www.backabuddy.co.za/primary-school-childrenย or for more information email:ย nontu.mgabhi@icloud.com
Chasing 10 Shillings
In 1959, the late Roy Kirkness tackled the Comrades Marathon to try win a bet, with minimal training. The question is, are todayโs runners as tough as the runners in those early days? โ By Karien Jonckheere
Breaking News: Two Oceans Marathon Entries Opening!
The Two Oceans Marathon (TOM) is pleased to announce that entries for the 51st edition of the iconic Cape ultra and its accompanying half marathon will open on 11 February 2022 at 12pm (midday). The event will take place on Easter Weekend, with the Half Marathon taking place on Saturday 16 April, and the Ultra being run on Sunday 17 April.
This long-awaited announcement about entries will be welcome news to all the thousands of runners hoping to once again run the World ‘s Most Beautiful Marathon, after the race had to be cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown restrictions in South Africa. However, runners need to act fast, as entries will close again at 5pm on 20 February, and then all entries will go into the Ballot System, with successful entries to be drawn on 21 February.
Due to the expected demand, the Ballot System will be used for both the Ultra and Half Marathon, in line with international best practice. At different stages of the balloting process, the draw for successful entries will be weighted in favour of various categories of runners, including Blue Number Club members, Yellow Numbers (those doing their 10th, 20th, etc) and club runners (versus non-licenced runners). Runners entering via the ballot only pay once their name has been successfully drawn in the ballot, and please note that runners may only enter one event, either the Ultra or the Half Marathon.
Ballot Draw Dates
All draws take place 21 February 2022, at the following times:
- Ultra Marathon Draw 1: 10am
- Ultra Marathon Draw 2: 2pm
- Half Marathon Draw 1: 10am
- Half Marathon Draw 2: 2pm
International and African runners do not enter via the ballot system, and can pay for and secure their entries straight away once entries open on 11 February. These entries will close when capacity is reached.
After general entries close on 20 February, the only way to get into the 2022 Two Oceans Marathon or Half Marathon will be via a Charity Entry, procured through one of the official charity organisations affiliated to the event, and these entries will open on 22 February at 10am. (Entry fees for Charity Entries will be uploaded once final charity partners have been confirmed.)
How To Enter
Go to the race’s homepage at www.twooceansmarathon.org.za when entries open and click โEnter Here.โ Create a profile if you do not yet have one on the system and then follow the prompts. If you already have a profile, log in and do the entry process.
Entry Fees
The 2022 entry fees have been ratified by the TOM Board and approved by Western Province Athletics. Take note that all South African runners for the Ultra need to be licensed and belong to a running club.
Entry Type
Ultra
Ultra T-Shirt included
Half Marathon
Half T-shirt is R195
Licensed SA Runners
R700
R375
| Unlicensed SA Runnersย | ย |
N/A
ย
R435ย (R375 + R60 for temp licence)
Africa Runners
R860
R690
| International Athletes |
R2575
R1800
Ultra Marathon Qualifiers
For health reasons, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, qualifying for the TOM Ultra is mandatory, and TOM strongly encourages runners to complete a physical road race as their qualifier. However, any officially timed and measured marathon or longer distance, whether in the form of an officially organised physical or virtual race, run afterย 1 July 2021, can be used as your qualifier. In the case of a virtual marathon, an official time would be as generated by a smartwatch, a timing app on a smartphone, or a timing platform. Unfortunately, you cannot simply run on your own and time yourself, your qualifying time must have been generated during a virtual event, and the Race Office will be conducting spot checks to verify qualifier information submitted.
For the Ultra Marathon, the qualifying time for a standard marathon distance (42.2km) is 5 hours. For qualifying times run on distances greater than a standard marathon, please go toย www.twooceansmarathon.org.za/event_route_info/seeding
Half Marathon Seeding
In the Half Marathon, qualifying times are used to seed you so that faster runners line up at the front, with slower runners further back. We strongly advise that you to provide a seeding time, otherwise you will unfortunately start towards the back. Seeding is based on a previous 10km, 15km or 21.1km run after ๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐:ย www.twooceansmarathon.org.za/event_race_day/seeding-2/
Startline Seeding
Due to COVID-19 regulations, the race will likely to be using multiple batches of 500 runners, starting two minutes apart, and runners will be seeded accordingly. It is not possible to give exact seeding tables as yet, but your seeding time will be used to place you in a batch appropriate to your running speed, and you will be advised of your batch closer to race day.
COVID-19 Protocols Relevant to Entering
On the advice of the TOM medical team, the below COVID-19 protocols will be observed. Kindly note that these may change with new development in the COVID-19 pandemic and the medical science related to it, as well as Disaster Management Act regulations:
- You will have to upload proof of vaccination. If you are not vaccinated, you must present proof of a negative PCR/antigen test within 48 hours prior to attending any physical event, including Expo and your actual Race, at your own cost.
- Please log in to your profile not more than 48 hours prior to any physical TOM event, including Expo/Race Pack Collection, to complete your COVID-19 pre-screening online. (We will send you reminders.)
Should you answer โyesโ to any COVID-19 risk factor during pre-screening, or fail the temperature check at Expo and Race Pack Collection, you will need to present proof of a negative COVID-19 test, at your own cost, taken not more than 48 hours prior to the physical event in question. Failure to do so will, unfortunately, result in you forfeiting your entry. Therefore, please remember to keep updating your profile and contact information.
In the Event of Race Cancellationโฆ
In the event of the TOM 2022 being cancelled due to COVID-19, all runners who have paid will have their entries deferred to the next running of the Two Oceans Marathon.
For more information on entries or other race information, please read our FAQs at https://www.twooceansmarathon.org.za/event-info/faqs/ or contact us at 021 2000 459 (general queries) or 087 133 2285 (race-related queries), or email info@twooceansmarathon.org.za.
