Nedbank running club set to paint the Cape town streets green

For the first time in 3 years, the Two Oceans Marathon makes a welcome return to the running calendar, having last taken place in 2019 and a stellar Nedbank running club team has once again been formed to take on the classic ultra, as well as half marathon.

A year of firsts, this year’s edition sponsored by sports retailer Totalsports will see the ultra-marathon take place on Sunday, with the half marathon setting off on its traditional Easter Saturday. “Most of our top runners recently ran the Nedbank Runified Breaking Barriers 50km last month so we don’t have the normal big squad here,” said Nedbank running club National team manager Nick Bester. “Having said that though, the team arriving in Cape Town is a strong team, with 2 former winners as well in the men’s squad and Irvette Van Zyl looking very ready in the women’s race.”

It was back in 2019 at the last edition of the event that Van Zyl made her debut at the ultra-marathon distance finishing 3rd. “It was a very painful memory,” recalls Van Zyl. “Everything went smooth until 39km and then it all went bad, but I was happy to experience that and I am definitely coming back for this weekend’s race a lot more experienced and prepared.”

That is certainly the case as Van Zyl returns to Cape Town as a world record holder over 50km, an accolade she achieved when winning last years Nedbank Breaking Barriers 50km. “Together with coach Bester we have made some changes to the time I ran my debut and I can say that training has gone really well and I’m looking forward to the race.”

Van Zyl will be joined by a host of strong teammates, led no doubt by Amelework Bosho who narrowly missed out on breaking Van Zyl’s World record last month when she took victory in the Nedbank Runified Breaking Barriers 50km.

In the men’s 56km, former winners Mabhutile Lebopo and Mike Fokoroni lead the team with their experience and could well show French youngster Guillame Ruel the way to victory. Ruel last month finished 5th at the Nedbank Breaking Barriers 50km in a new European and French record in the process, but it was his aggressive front running in that race that makes him a dark horse for Sunday. “I have definitely recovered well from the race and was happy to run 29:45 for 10km this past weekend,” said Ruel. One position ahead of Ruel last month was Lebopo who not only ran a world best for his age group, but has found a new step in his career.

At 46 years of age, Lebopo showed age is just a number with a come from behind finish to end 4th in a new 45 age group world best 50km in a time of 2:45:59. 2013 winner Fokoroni was 7th in the same event in a time of 2:49:58 and from his home in Zimbabwe, says he is looking forward to racing the streets of Cape Town again.

The unknown danger man to look out for is Onalenna Khonkhobe who is being coached by our development coach-Pio Mpolokeng who said “My boy is ready for this year’s Two Oceans marathon, and I inspect all his competitors and don’t see any one that can beat him on Sunday”

In the half marathon, Nedbank running club has an equally strong team with former winner Namakhoe Nkasi leading the charge. In the women’s race, Stella Marais leads a strong Nedbank running club team with local Cape Town athlete Anel Terblanche in the shape of her life and with a good chance of seeing herself on the podium come Saturday.

#TTOM2022 Covid-19 Protocols Expo and Race Pack Collection/Registration

Pre-book your COVID test - COVID-19 Protocols for TTOM 2022 Expo and Race Pack Collection 

Please present proof of vaccination when visiting the TTOM 2022 Expo, should you have been vaccinated. You can present your physical vaccination card or digital vaccination certificate.

Should you fail the temperature screening, and/or not have proof of vaccination, you will need to provide proof of a negative PCR test that was taken not more than 72 hours before. You may bring such proof with you, or have a rapid antigen test on site.

Testing will be available on-site, as provided for by Callouts, a mobile COVID-19 testing solution. Please pre-book your testing slot as per the link, below.

Callouts' testing and technical staff will be available from:

8.30 AM  – 6:30 PM on 13 April

8.30 AM  – 6:30 PM on 14 April

08:30 AM – 4:30 on 15 April to test runners and visitors.

Saturday hours: To be advised.

Testing for all non-vaccinated exhibitors will be between 7 AM and 8.30 AM on Wednesday, 13 April.

To book your covid test, please click here or use the below link:

https://cutt.ly/xFpge2l

All tests are for runners' and visitors' own cost and will be charged at R150, which will be paid for by you.

COVID-19 protocols once inside the Expo and Registration Area

Kindly wear your mask inside, and adhere to a social distance of at least one metre. Thank you!

Important change to #TTOM2022 Expo and Race Pack Collection

Kindly note that you are required to collect your race pack yourself. In line with our approved event framework, TTOM is required to track each runner’s COVID-19 status in the lead-up to Race Day and the screening at Expo is compulsory in this regard. Thank you.

021 203 5911 – PLEASE SAVE THIS UPDATED #TTOM2022 EMERGENCY MEDICAL NUMBER

TOTALSPORTS TWO OCEANS MARATHON 2022 ROAD CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS

The following roads will be closed/have limited access on Easter Sunday 17th April 2022:

For more information regarding road closures along the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon 2022 routes, go to www.twooceansmarathon.org.za/event_race_day/road-closures.

Notes:

• Delays can be expected for the duration of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon. Please leave early and be patient.
• We appeal to motorists to avoid using roads leading to the race route.
• Please comply with the directions given by traffic officers and marshals.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your understanding and support.

The Two Oceans Marathon isn't just about our runners; it also showcases the natural beauty of the Mother City and the generous spirit of her citizens. We invite you to become a part of the world's most beautiful marathon by cheering the runners on along the route

Running regards and may you have a blessed Easter

Kind regards
Debra Barnes and the TTOM Team

All your Race Day hydration and medical info

All Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon hydration will be in cups to eliminate plastic waste

The Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon (TTOM) has taken massive strides in its efforts to eliminate plastic waste from its spectacular route, contributing to the City of Cape Town’s status as one of South Africa’s most environmentally sustainable cities

For more information Click here

Nedbank running club juniors excel at South Africa Championships

After some brilliant performances by Nedbank running club athletes at the South African schools Track & Field Championships last week, the stars of the future from the Nedbank running club continued shining bright at the South African u16, u18 and u20 Track & Field Championships which were held in Potchefstroom.

In total, 10 medals were won by Nedbank running club athletes with Jason Bowers leading the charge with his gold medal in the 5000m and a day later took bronze in the 3000m in the u20 category. Ethan Olivier also had a great championship picking up gold in the u18 triple jump followed by a bronze in the long jump. Central Gauteng’s Armand van der Walt blitzed to a 10.44 100m in the boys u18 final which saw him pick up the bronze medal. Other medal winners from Nedbank running club included Tanika Smith with a bronze in the girls u20 triple jump, Marli Dimond and Pabalo Radebe finishing in the silver and bronze medal positions in the u18 800m, Mieke Smit picking up bronze in the girls u18 3000m and Kgotso Ramathe getting a bronze in the u20 400m hurdles.

Nedbank running club national team manager Nick Bester was very happy with the athletes’ performances. “It was a very good showing by our Nedbank RC juniors who are showing that the country has a bright future ahead in athletics,” said Bester. “In the girls u18 800m I was very impressed with the way Marli and Pabalo ran with Pabalo just missing out on a World junior championships qualifier by only a second.”

In Standerton at the Gold 4-in-1 event, Nedbank running clubs Chrizell Roberts made light work on what was a training run ahead of the upcoming Two Oceans Marathon with an easy victory in the marathon, running a time of 3:08:54.

The next big event on the calendar is the upcoming Totalsports Two Oceans 56km and half marathon which takes place over 16 and 17 April over the Easter weekend. Nedbank running club have a strong team assembled for both the half marathon and 56km and will be profiling some of our big stars between now and race day. The event will also be broadcast live on SuperSport with the half marathon on Saturday and the 56km on Sunday.

We look forward to welcoming many of you to our green gazebos after the race to share the road storys from the day! For those that won’t be in Cape Town for the event, support your athletes by watching the live TV broadcast and tagging Nedbank running club in your well wishes messages over our Twitter, Facebook and Instagram platforms.

Have you joined the Futurelife Easter Egg Hunt yet?  Each day until Friday, Futurelife are publishing a riddle on their social pages. Solve the riddle then find that associated product at www.futurelife.com.

Scroll over the product you’ve selected and then click the egg to reveal a special discount or offer. Plus enter your details to stand a chance to win 1 of 5 amazing prizes when the main prize draw takes place on Tuesday 19 April.

Ts & Cs apply.

Riddles are shared daily on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Join in the fun until this Friday 15 April.

Intermediate Comrades qualifying times at the Totalsports Two Oceans

Marathon

The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) has confirmed that athletes can use their intermediate distance times at the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon (TTOM) as qualifiers for this year’s Comrades Marathon in August.

The Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon will be run on Sunday, 17 April 2022.

In terms of qualifying, runners need to pass through the:

-    42.2km mark in sub 4 hours and 50 minutes, or the
-    50km mark in sub 5 hours and 50 minutes or finish the
-    56km race in sub 6 hours and 45 minutes.

CMA Race Director, Rowyn James said, “Participants in the 2022 Comrades Marathon will need to upload their qualifying times and other qualifying details to their EasyReg profile on the Comrades website by 12 July.”

James adds, “We wish all of our athletes well in their training and qualifying races as they prepare for the 47th Comrades Down Run on Sunday, 28 August 2022.”

The 95th Comrades Marathon will be the 47th Down Run on Sunday, 28 August 2022, starting at the Pietermaritzburg City Hall at 05h30 and ending 12 hours later at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, covering a 90,2km distance.

Opening of Comrades Second Entry Window Period

Athletes wishing to be part of this year’s Comrades Down Run will be able to secure their spot in a week’s time when the second entry window period for the 95th Comrades Marathon opens on Wednesday, 20 April 2022 at 10am. The process will run until 16 May 2022.

Entry fees are as follows:
•    South Africa                                     : R1200.00
•    Rest of Africa                                   : R2000.00
•    International                                   : R4500.00

Entry is free to all runners who have completed the Comrades Marathon 25 times or more.

•    ASA rules only allow for online entries and will be done via the Comrades Marathon website: www.comrades.com
•    No hand delivered or postal entries are acceptable.

CMA Race Director, Rowyn James says, “We had 11307 runners entering the race during the first entry window period lasting 8 days. There has been considerable enquiries and demand from athletes, both locally and internationally, to secure an entry for this year’s Down Run.”

James adds, “The Comrades Race Organising Committee is already busy with the planning of the 95th Comrades which will finish at the internationally acclaimed Moses Mabhida Stadium for the second time. Qualifying for the 2022 Comrades Marathon is applicable as of 1 September 2021 till 12 July 2022. The qualifying criteria for this year’s Comrades Marathon remains unchanged requiring completion of a standard 42.2km marathon in under 4 hours and 50 minutes, or a 56km ultra-marathon in under 6 hours and 45 minutes.”

The Substitution Process will run over the month of June. More details will be revealed closer to the time.

The 95th Comrades Marathon will be the 47th Down Run on Sunday, 28 August 2022, starting at the Pietermaritzburg City Hall at 05h30 and ending 12 hours later at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, covering a 90,2km distance.

The Motherwell Freedom run will celebrate it’s tenth edition on Saturday, 23 April.

The event is the initiative of Michael Mbambani, coach and founder of Ikhamva athletics club, who with the support of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, organised the first Freedom Run on 2 April, 2011.

“The race will start and finish at the Raymond Mhlaba Sport Centre in Motherwell with a strong winner’s purse of R7000, free T-shirts for the first 300 entrants and gold medals for all finishers within the cut-off time,” said Mbambani.

“We are looking forward to a fantastic race and expect a fast and exciting finish,” he added.

The Freedom 10km race has enjoyed a number of fast and nail-biting finishes. Well known sports commentator, Alec Riddle, described the 2019 race as one of the best finishes he had witnessed when Melikhaya Frans broke away from the front bunch at the 7km mark and was chased by David Manja of Nedbank, Central Gauteng Athletics Club.

Frans kept up a fantastic pace of 2.46min per km to beat Manja to the finish one second ahead, in 29.08, and scoop the prize purse and the added prestige of the EP 10km Champion.

Due to covid 19 limitations the race was not held in 2020 or 2021 so many top athletes are looking forward to the 2022 edition which will be presented in partnership with Eastern Province Athletics and the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality.

The Freedom Run has a rich history of winners over its nine editions:

2011: Male winner: George Ntshiliza 30.12, Female winner: Ntombesintu Mfunzi 35.32

2012: Male winner: Lungisa Mdeldela 29.01, Female winner: Nomvuyisi Seti 34.26

2013: Male winner: Lungile Gongqa 29.50, Female winner: Zintle Xiniwe  35.40

2014: Male winner: Anthony Godongwana 29.18, Female winner: Zintle Xiniwe 34.20

2015: Male winner: Xolisa Tyali 29.21, Female winner: Zintle Xiniwe 34.45

2016: Male winner: Elroy Gelant 28.50, Female winner: Zintle Xiniwe 34.42

2017: Male winner: Namakoe Nkhasi 28.40, Female winner: Lebogang Phalula 33.51

2018: Male winner: Namakoe Nkhasi 28.32, Female winner: Glenrose Xaba 33.21

2019: Male winner: Melikhaya Frans 29.08, Female winner: Mkhonderw Rudo 34.20

The Freedom Run has grown from 176 entries in 2011 to 1200 in 2019, and organisers are expecting a strong turnout of runners to start at 07h00 from the Raymond Mhlaba Sport Centre in Motherwell.

The 10km is an EPA participation league event which will attract many local clubs and a number of high-profile national athletes who are keen to compete on this new fast route.

Athletes can enter at Brian Bands or online on www.webtickets.co.za until pre-entries close on 20 April 2022. Entry fees are R100 for 10km, and athletes over 60 years will receive a 50% discount. Temporary licenses will cost R40. 

Collection of race numbers (pre-entries) and late entries will be accepted from 16h00 until 19h00 on Friday 22 April 2022 at the EP Athletics office, Westbourne Oval, Westbourne Road. Race numbers can be collected on the morning of the event, however there will be no late entries on race day.

The cut off time for the 10km is 100 minutes.