HISTORY HAS BEEN MADE AT THE NEDBANK RUNIFIED: BREAKING BARRIERS

What was set out as an opportunity to maintain momentum of elite running in 2021, saw 8 50km IAU World Record times being broken. Marine drive in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality proved to be a fast stretch of road as athletes took to the Nedbank Runified: Breaking Barriers 50km IAU World record attempt in Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality.

The men’s title, which has been held by Thompson Mangawana for over 30 years was broken by Ethiopian Ketema Negasa at 2:42:06. South Africa Irvette Van Zyl, who started the race as a pace runner, crossed the finish line at 3:04:23 to break the record and be the first South African female to break the 50km IAU World record.

When asked about Van Zyl’s victory, race director and National Manager of NRC Nick Bester race director knew what she was capable of and isn’t surprised at her achievements today. “The conditions were great and I felt good. At 30 kilometres, I was meant to go off but I felt good. After Nick gave me the signal, I pushed through to the finish line. If you asked me a year ago today, I wouldn’t have said that I would be here today due to my knee surgery but this is such a proud moment for me and I am grateful for this opportunity,” said three-time Soweto Marathon Winner, Irvette Van Zyl, who recently qualified for the upcoming Tokyo Olympic Games Marathon.

On her debut ultramarathon, Kenyan long-distance runner, Lillian Chemweno, who was breathing down Irvette’s neck, held second place and crossed the finish line at 03:05:00 breaking the second world record time of the day. Closing off the podium was Stelmach giving the Nedbank running club a 1-2-3 finish.

“After months of planning and all the hard-work, we came here today to break record, and that’s exactly what we did.” says race Director and NRC National Manager, Nick Bester. “We have ticked every box to make sure that all procedures and rules have been adhered to in order for our race to be official and IAU World records to stand.”

The success of today’s event has set a high benchmark of what the Nedbank Runified series stands for and what is to come. While World Best Performances are accepted at face value, the IAU World Records are submitted to the rigorous ratification process that includes certified course measurement, official timing, doping control and additional checks and standards. While times are still provisional, the success of today broke more than a world record time – it broke eight

GSPORT acknowledged Irvette Van Zyl from Nedbank Running Club

South Africa’s Irvette van Zyl, who started the race as a pace runner at the 50km ultramarathon, crossed the finish

line at 3:04:23 to break the record in Gqeberha, and become the first South African female to break the 50km IAU World Record.

“The conditions were great and I felt good. At 30 kilometres, I was meant to go off but I felt good. After Nick gave me the signal, I pushed through to the finish line. If you asked me a year ago today, I wouldn’t have said that I would be here today due to my knee surgery but this is such a proud moment for me, and I am grateful for this opportunity,” said three-time Soweto Marathon Winner, Irvette Van Zyl, who recently qualified for the upcoming Tokyo Olympic Games Marathon.

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Congratulatory messages for Comrades Marathon Centenary

Messages of well wishes and congratulations have been streaming in from all corners of the globe as the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) marked 100 years since the first Comrades Marathon was hosted on 24 May 1921.

The local road running spectacle which started out with 34 participants taking off on their maiden Comrades Marathon voyage from Pietermaritzburg to Durban in the 1921 race, has evolved into the world’s oldest, biggest and most famous ultramarathon, attracting over 27-thousand entrants and winning awards on the national and international stage over the years.

The Comrades Marathon also remains a Guinness World Record event for hosting the highest number of finishes in an ultramarathon, besides being Africa’s oldest footrace and the world’s oldest ultramarathon.

Yesterday’s gala event commemorating the Comrades Centenary saw some 200 guests descend on Comrades Marathon House in Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, which included the Mayors of both Msunduzi and eThekwini

Municipalities, newly elected ASA President James Moloi and other dignitaries, 22 former Comrades winners living in South Africa, male Comrades Quadruple Green Number holders who have completed 40 or more Comrades and female Triple Green Number runners who have completed 30 or more editions of The Ultimate Human Race, CMA Elders, former Chairpersons, current CMA Board and Staff members, members of the Race Organising Committee, current sponsors, representatives of the Official Comrades Charities and select media representing the country’s top media houses.

CMA Chairperson, Cheryl Winn, who did the welcome address, said, “The Comrades Marathon remains a living memorial to the suffering, loss of life, spirit, fortitude and camaraderie of the soldiers with whom its founder, Vic Clapham had shared the devastation of World War I. A significant aspect of the day is recalling the brave early pioneers - some of whom completed the distance unofficially when the race was restricted exclusively to white males; our winners, heroes and record-breakers who have consistently inspired us with ever-improving competitive performances. Today we also celebrate the so-called ‘ordinary runners’ for whom there is nothing at all that is ‘ordinary’ and who embody the spirit of grit, determination, camaraderie, hope and humanity upon which the Comrades Marathon was founded.”

The day’s festivities started off with the 1921 Comrades Marathon Tribute Run, a symbolic 2.2km re-enactment of the 1921 Comrades Marathon which saw 34 starters take off from the Pietermaritzburg City Hall and finish at Comrades House, with the likes of reigning Comrades Champ, Edward Mothibi, Shaun Mieklejohn, Nick Bester, Frances van Blerk, Tilda Tearle and other former winners participating.

Guest speakers included Blanche Moila, Kabelo Mabalane and 9-time winner Bruce Fordyce who wowed and entertained the guests with their own Comrades Marathon experiences and stories.

Msunduzi Mayor, Cllr Mzimkhulu Thebolla said, “It is notable that Pietermaritzburg has remained the home of the Comrades Marathon for 100 years. Additionally, our shared history takes us back to 1921 when the very first Comrades Marathon started outside the Pietermaritzburg City Hall and has maintained that tradition as the host city of either the Comrades Start or the Comrades Finish for the past century. To mark this remarkable milestone, in my capacity as the Mayor of the City of Pietermaritzburg, I wish to announce here today that as the Msunduzi Municipality, we have commenced to initiate the statutory process to rename the street upon which we are currently standing, which is the permanent home of Comrades Marathon House and Museum, from Connaught Road to forthwith be known as Comrades Marathon Road.”

eThekwini Mayor, Cllr Mxolisi Kaunda said in his address, “For 100 years, our country has had the pride of place to call The Ultimate Human Race our very own. The City of Durban has also had more to celebrate, by serving as either the Finish or the Start Host City for this greatest of road races since 1921. The Comrades Marathon is also revered for having an economic impact of over R600-million on the province of KwaZulu-Natal on an annual basis, exposing the City of Durban and the east coast of KwaZulu-Natal to international visitors in a huge way.”

Messages from other road running dignitaries included one from the President of the International Association of Ultrarunners, Nadeem Khan, which said, “

Historical milestones are rare in the world of sports. I can attest that your event is one of the most paramount ultrarunning events on the international calendar. You have tactfully balanced a mass participation event while still maintaining a very elite field to the competition. We, at the IAU, are delighted to have you as a Gold Labelled event. This is a great opportunity to celebrate and cherish those 100 years that have passed but also to look forward to another 100 years, as you continue to grow the event moving into the future. Congratulations!”

President of the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), Paco Borao said, “Congratulations to the Comrades Marathon Association and all its human force, congratulations to all entities involved and congratulations to all people involved in making this happen. Actions and initiatives like this are the best example showing worldwide that our running family is moving ahead despite the difficulties that we are all facing. Especially for us at AIMS, the bonds we have with the Comrades Marathon - the world’s oldest, largest and most famous ultramarathon are strong, since in May 2014 when the CMA hosted the 20th World Congress of AIMS in Durban which was a very big success and of which we all still have the best of memories of the organisation and the wonderful hospitality.”

The Comrades Centenary gala event included the unveiling of a Centenary monument reflecting both the soldiers associated with the origins of the race and the heroic health care workers depicting the battle being waged against the pandemic which precluded the staging of the 2020 and 2021 Comrades Marathons, entertainment by Kearsney College Choir College (who are also celebrating their centenary) and Zulu dance group Iziphiyano, formal addresses from dignitaries, less-formal speeches by special guests, popping of Graham Beck Cap Classique and the cutting of a giant birthday cake.

Winn has thanked all sponsors, partners and the world at large for supporting the Comrades Marathon, including its international brand ambassadors, influencers, runners and supporters, saying, “So many people and organisations have had a hand in the success that The Ultimate Human Race is today. We thank you all for making the Comrades Marathon one of the world’s greatest events.”

2015 Comrades gold medallist (7th Female) Emmerentia Rautenbach has finally collected her Comrades Gold medal from Nick Bester during this past week

TANKWA TRAIL - REIMAGINED 2021 EDITION

The Tankwa Trail is a 2-day stage trail run and is back with a new approach after it was discontinued in 2017 due to a devastating fire in the area. The first reimagined event took place from 30 April until 2 May 2021 at Kaleo Guest Farm outside Ceres and was hosted by Dryland Event Management.

The new approach is less serious, with the routes just the right amount of effort required to be able to enjoy the festivities at the race village afterward.

On Friday, 30 April, the event kicked off with a fun evening run, where runners had to glow themselves up with something fun and bright to warm up for the cold of the Koue Bokkeveld.
Saturday and Sunday saw runners heading out to beautiful flowing single tracks through thousand-year rock formations, over dam walls, wooden bridges, gorges and natural trails winding up and down the hills with views making you long for people you don’t even know.

The Nedbank Running Club dominated the trails overall, Simthembile Swarts taking 1st and Siyabonga Sakwe 2nd place in the Solo Men’s Category and Madele du Plessis taking 1st place in the Solo Women’s Category.

Off the trails the weekend was filled with outstanding hospitality, scrumptious meals, lazy naps, walks on the farm and time spent with family and friends.  Mr. Claus a local expert of the region presented a talk about interesting facts about the area and EPT Recovery helped runners stretch out sore muscles after the first stage. Saturday evening concluded live entertainment from the talented Pietman Geldenhuys.

The events industry was hit hard due to government restrictions on sporting events and Dryland Event Management are grateful for all the support from local farmers and participants.  Visit www.tankwatrail.co.za and follow the official social media platforms for updates on next years’ event.

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PRIZE MONEY BOOST FOR TOP WOMEN ATHLETES

South Africa’s top women athletes have something to celebrate – the SPAR Grand Prix will be back this year.

There was no SPAR Grand Prix in 2020 because of the global pandemic.

Corona Virus protocols mean that the SPAR Grand Prix will be much smaller this year, but the top runners will receive generous cash prizes.  It will take place over six races in six cities, with prize money of a handsome R100 000 for each race.  The ultimate winner of the SPAR Grand Prix will receive R185 000.  The runner who comes second will win R75 000 and the third-placed runner will receive R45 000. The total prize money this year, for the six races and the SPAR Grand Prix, is more than one-million Rand.

SPAR was approached by Athletics South Africa (ASA) and the Department of Sport and Recreation to assist roadrunners who have been unable to earn money because of the Corona Virus pandemic. After consultations with ASA and the government, it was decided to limit each race to 250 runners, with no spectators allowed.  Entry is strictly by invitation, and the six races will be known as the SPAR Grand Prix 10km Invitational.   

The specific venues for the six host cities have still to be confirmed.  The races will be run over two 5km loops. Invitations will be issued to girls and women in all age categories, from junior to the over-70s.

Each race will be live-streamed and a highlights package will be broadcast on SABC TV.

There will be no SPAR Challenge series this year. Instead, women around the country will be encouraged to enter the SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge to be staged in Spring later this year and which will be announced shortly.

SPAR Group Marketing Executive Mike Prentice said the company was delighted to be able to host the SPAR Grand Prix again.

“The SPAR Grand Prix is one of our premier sponsorships,” said Prentice. “Many of our top women have benefited financially from the SPAR Grand Prix, which has made a significant difference to their lives.

“We were very happy to work with ASA and the Government and to reinstate the SPAR Grand Prix, which had to be cancelled last year.  We hope that in 2022, we can go back to the old format, with thousands of women and girls taking part in the six races. We hope that they will turn out in droves for the exciting new-look SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge later this year,” said Prentice.

The first SPAR Invitational Grand Prix will be in Durban on June 27. That will be followed by the Tshwane race on August 7 and the Pietermaritzburg Invitational on August 22. The Cape Town Invitational takes place on September 4 and the Johannesburg race will be run on October 3. The final race will be in Gqeberha on October 9.

“SPAR is a big friend of athletics and has been so for many years. When we approached them to assist, as a true friend does, they looked and found a solution,” said James Moloi, the President of Athletics South Africa. “Through SPAR’s involvement with this unique six part race, they have unearthed new gems, motivated those elite athletes seeking fame and fortune, and revived the hopes and drive of many female athletes.

“And despite having to cancel their ever popular SPAR Women’s Challenge series due to the pandemic, they have been creative in coming up with the hosting of a women’s only virtual challenge which is greatly appreciated by ASA and our 17 Member Provinces.

“COVID-19 has changed the order of life in our country and although it has had a negative effect on athletics events in general, virtual events like the SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge have given hope to serious and social athletes who love to run and walk, to compete or simply to keep fit and healthy. “We certainly welcome the news that SPAR will host a 2021 six race SPAR Grand Prix for the top women athletes who have been deprived of competition and income through prizemoney for the past 18 months,” said Moloi.

“This is very exciting news,” said three-time SPAR Grand Prix winner Rene Kalmer.

“It gives people a reason to train, knowing there is something like this on the horizon.  The past year has been very tough for runners because they haven’t been able to earn any money from running.  Some runners, and their families, depend on their income from running.

“SPAR is spending more than a million rand in prize money and I think they have to be congratulated for continuing to do their part in motivating runners and assisting them financially,” said Kalmer.

THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN launches National Series of events!

Stillwater Sports, the organizers of South Africa’s premier 3-Day Stage Trail Run, are excited to announce that the THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN will expand into a National Series of events with three events taking place in 2021 and five events taking place in 2022.

“SA’s trail running community welcomed the return of the iconic THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN that was hosted at the Houw Hoek Hotel in March this year,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Founder of the event.  “It’s the combination of sensational routes, passionate runners and amazing sponsors that makes the AFRICANX experience so special.  The vibe at this event is unparalleled.  As the new title sponsor of the AFRICANX TRAILRUN, THIRSTI has injected a new ‘thirst for life’ into the event.  Stillwater Sports together with THIRSTI (as the title sponsor) and First Ascent (as the apparel partner) are proud to announce that the THIRSTI AFRICANX TRAILRUN will expand into a National Series of sensational trail running events with three events taking place in 2021 and five events taking place in 2022.”

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