Feature Ma
Image : Courtesy Moon Walk Communications
Multi-stage trail running events continue to grow in popularity throughout South Africa , but understandably , they are usually substantially more expensive than single-day running events , as the entry fee often covers accommodation , meals and transport . This means there are some runners who simply cannot afford these races , but thanks to sponsors like RCS Group , a few trail newcomers got to enjoy the spectacular beauty of the recent RCS SOX three-day trail run in the Garden Route area of the Southern Cape . – BY SEAN FALCONER
ith a CEO who is an avid runner and has completed the Old Mutual Two Oceans
WUltra-marathon , and with many other runners amongst its staff , it comes as no surprise to see that financial services provider , the RCS Group , has thrown its support behind running in a big way . The group sponsors the three-day SOX event , and also sponsors the Gugulethu Athletics Club in Cape Town .
As CEO Regan Adams explains , “ RCS has always had a strong connection with the running community , and we have a long-standing relationship with the Gugulethu Athletics Club , which encourages running in disadvantaged communities . We understand the importance of staying active and connecting with nature , and what better way to do this than with one of South Africa ’ s most beautiful trail runs ? We were therefore pleased to invite some of our Gugs members to Knysna and expand their running experience . That ’ s what we ’ re about , making things possible for people .”
SIGNED UP TO RUN
That saw RCS sponsor the entries and race participation of Peter Tsawayo , Coceka Qomiyana , Nceba Mabulu and Imran Paya , all going in the team section , and Phumeza Bobotyane running as a solo entry . Imran and Peter were already experienced trail runners , with an impressive record of trail race wins or podium finishes . Imran ( 40 ) has been running for nine years and boasts best times of a 2:36 marathon and 6:36 for the Comrades . Meanwhile , Peter ( 36 ) has been running for 16 years , and has bests of 29 minutes for 10km and 1:07 for the half marathon . When asked what the RCS sponsorship meant for them , Imran says , “ The sponsorship could have gone to someone else , but here I ’ m the one who was chosen to go . Words can ’ t justify how honoured and grateful I feel for that .”
On the other end of the experience spectrum , it was a first foray into trail running for Coceka ( 35 ) and Nceba ( 28 ). Coceka has been running for seven years and has done a 3:55 marathon , and she says running “ gives me a special moment to talk to myself .” After two years of running , Nceba can look back on a marathon PB of 3:37 and openly admits to being addicted to running , “ but it ’ s a healthy addiction that makes me feel strong . The thing I love best is that running has taught me that I can do things I never thought I could do !” They also expressed huge thanks for the RCS sponsorship : “ I always wanted to participate in a big trail run , and RCS has made it possible for me ,” says Nceba .
ENJOYING THE TRAILS
As regular contenders in both road and trail runs , it was no surprise to see Imran and Peter setting the pace on day one , and they led from start to finish in the 30km stage , completing it in two hours 45 minutes . With a healthy lead in the bag , they could take their foot off the pedal a bit on day two and conserve energy for the final day , so they took 2:50 for the next 30km – not that much slower , but running within themselves . They then led the entire 20km of stage three , coming home in 1:39 for an overall time of 7:14:15 for the 80km distance , and the 2017 SOX title .
“ I was very happy with my second SOX stage race , because it was very well organised , from our travelling to our accommodation , and we did well , even though we got lost a bit along the way . We could have run faster , but since we were in the lead after the first day , we took it easy the other two days . We enjoyed the run so much because we had prepared and trained hard for the three days , and our sponsor , RCS , gave us everything so we could enjoy every moment ,” says Peter .
A bit further back , Coceka and Nceba came home 14 th team overall , and sixth in the mixed category , with a combined time of 10:21:38 , having both thoroughly enjoyed their first trail experience , while Phumeza finished in 12:26:48 . “ I must say , it was a memorable experience ,” says Nceba . “ Running on three consecutive days of tough trails was not easy , and required good mental strength , but if given an opportunity , I ’ ll definitely run it again !” Echoing his thoughts , Coceka says , “ Running SOX was an experience of a lifetime . I feel like a new person after going deep into those forests , crossing those rivers , and climbing those hills , and I am stronger than before . Thanks to RCS for giving me the opportunity to run this amazing event !”
The Gugs runners at SOX , from left to right : Imran Paya , Coceka Qomiyana , Phumeza Bobotyane , Nceba Mabula and Peter Tswayo .
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