FEBRUARY
2019
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Biggest
Running Publication
We come to SAs b ggest and most comp ete runn ng and w
ca endar, conta n ng a road and tra runs, as we as othe
d sc p nes. Just remember to a ways check w th the organ
dr v ng to an event, as some deta s may have changed s n
to pr nt. – COMPILED BY SEAN FALCONER w th TOM CO
CHASING
Lee was put in an ambulance to be taken
to hospital, but all she could think about
was not being caught for working in the
USA illegally, since she didn’t have a work
permit. “I actually asked them to stop the
ambulance and said I would be fine, but
the ambulance crew insisted that I needed
to go to hospital, because it was a serious
wound.” While Lee was still waiting for
her X-rays to be developed and then to
be treated, two detectives arrived with the
mugger in handcuffs and leg chains and
asked her to identify him.
ADVENTURE
“So I will see how Two Oceans goes, but I will have
worked out with Lindsey what I need to do, and
then I will run a sensible race. If there is something
in the last few kays and there is a chance to win
it, as Caroline did, then I will go for it, but that is
not my main focus. Lindsey always says I need to
run certain times, and I am going to listen to him,
because I feel this year I have the opportunity to do
well at Comrades again.”
That careful planning also includes going back to what
12 ISSUE 115 FEBRUARY 2019 / www.modernathlete.co.za
12 ISSUE 115 FEBRUARY 2019 / www.modernathlete.co.za
“His name was Angel Pallo and he had
been released from Rikers Island, the
main jail in New York, just that morning.
He had a criminal record dating back to
1988 and had spent eight years in prison.
The detectives told me he had probably
Everest and run the multi-day Marathon Des Sables in the Sahara Desert, after surviving
being stabbed by a mugger in New York. Her life story reads like a fantastic adventure
novel, so it is quite appropriate that she recently launched her book, What happens
when you say Yes. – BY SEAN FALCONER
36
That careful planning also includes going back to what
36
W
d
o Run
disqualified.”
have become the winner when Natalya Volgina was
second place... which would have meant I would
1km further, I could have passed Tabtitha Tsatsa for
last few kilometres, and if the race had been just
catching everyone. I was hammering it over the
was lying ninth at Constantia Nek, but then I started
Two Oceans, in one of the best races of my career. I
with 7km to go. The following year, I finished third at
for the distance, and then getting tripped and falling
and he caught the attacker a few blocks
running makes her feel. Nevertheless, she has
Even now at 43, she says she still loves the way
me still more encouragement.”
Kenyan, with long legs and a short torso, which gave
long-distance runner. They also said I was built like a
69, which meant that I had lots of potential to be a
years old, I did a VO2max test and they said I scored
that she had serious running talent. “When I was 16
ran with her cousin. It also soon became apparent
instantly fell in love with running the first time she
Charne has been running since 1991 and says she
Looking Ahead
other races. You have to train and race smart.”
that to do well at Comrades, you can’t race all the
according to a strict plan. I learnt a big lesson in 2018,
Cape for the Peninsula Marathon, but I am running
I still won at Johnson Crane, and may go down to the
an eye on me to make sure I stick to what is planned.
some races this year to hold me back, and will keep
to 10 percent faster. Lindsey says he will join me in
because even if just training, you naturally go five
in races, and I think that was one of my mistakes,
“In 2018 I was trying to do my long training runs
actually holding back.
new course record of 2:44:52, but she says she is
win in the Johnson Crane Marathon, posting a
Dis-Chem Half, and followed that up with another
This year she has already finished second in the
well as the Sunrise Monster 32km and at Loskop.
Crane, Bestmed/Tuks and Deloitte marathons, as
she probably raced too much, winning the Johnson
place at the Om Die Dam 50km. Last year, however,
finish the Peninsula Marathon, but then took second
and finished fourth at Two Oceans. In 2017, she didn’t
Comrades win, she won the Johnson Crane Marathon
worked for her in the past. In the build-up to her 2016
no matter that my position is.”
Des Sables in the Sahara Desert
myself I did that, then I will be happy with the result,
Lee in action at the Marathon
to know that I gave it everything I have. If I can tell
matters to me when I cross the finish line is that I want
My rivals must do what they need to do, but all that
what I can control, and that is running my own race.
not work. Experience has taught me to focus only on
know what works for me, and of course, what does
as a barrier... but I do listen to my body more now. I
get, the stronger I seem to get, so I do not see my age
she is still fully focused on her running. “The older I
No matter what the future holds, for now Charne says
race.
6:25:55 in the 2016 Down Run, when she won the
record of positions 5, 2, 1, 3 and 5, and a best of
at Comrades, with an equally remarkable finishing
best of 3:40:16 in that 2013 debut) and five golds
Oceans (finishing in positions 2, 5, 4 and 3, with a
2018 she has earned four gold medals at Two
clearly suits her, and in the years from 2013 to
her Comrades debut, finishing fifth. Ultra-running
debut still fresh in her memory, Charne then made
With that really successful 2013 Two Oceans
Jürgen. –
lifestyles.
you get through it all,
HELPING
HANDS
their health, sanity
and peace
of mind, due to stressful situations or
We all run for away.”
different reasons, but there are some that literally run for
something new!”
like sports marketing. You’re never too old to try
I may look for something to study after Comrades,
though it’s been a long time since my varsity days,
me realise that I actually enjoy studying, so even
done some coaching courses with ASA, and it made
there, I would love to get involved. I’ve actually just
if there is an opportunity and they want me to help
Roberts are supporting the Vorentoe Academy, so
and enjoy giving back in that way. Also, Murray &
to work with kids. I’m already coaching junior athletes,
running coach, helping with children, because I love
fulltime. On the other hand, I can see myself as a
honest, I can’t see myself going back to teaching
as long as it fits into my training schedule, but to be
“If schools need me again this year, I will be available,
to help them out as a relief teacher.”
first time in years because several schools asked me
in 1998, but last year I actually updated my CV for the
day, then only taught for six months before turning pro
thinking ahead. I studied teaching way back in the
“You can’t run competitively forever, so I am already
next, when your competitive years at the top are over.
inevitably has to begin thinking of what will come
reached that part of a pro runner’s career when one
with me while the other went after the guy,
Smith, via e-mail
When the perspective
police arrived, one
officer
stayed
by gaining a positive
on life
again,
thanks to running. – Jürgen
NYC logo, and he’s got my backpack.
feel happiness creeping back into my life again. I feel it can only get better
a yellow sweater and a blue cap with the
for those thirty
minutes to an hour sessions underneath the street lights, I
my leg, I said ‘Yes, definitely, he’s wearing
now I run for Still
my trying
sanity.
I’ll probably
be competing
any time soon, but
to figure
out why I not
couldn’t
feel
asked
me if I even
would if recognise
the guy.
I started running
again,
it is at night
after a thirteen-hour shift. Only,
came to help me. He called the police and
“A passing cab driver stopped his car and
better, regularly, which obviously wouldn’t work.
weight and the
depression
snowballed
total
of three Dollars
in loot in it.” to trying to booze the situation
for sport, which
had become
accustomed
Nike I backpack
and ran
off. It had the to,
sum and now couldn’t. I gained
stabbed me,
and depression
as I lay there was
he took
my
turned to depression.
The
worsened
by wanting to train
all feeling
in my right leg.
The overworked,
guy had
Quickly becoming
overstressed
and
my under-rested health
in my back, like a hammer blow, and I lost
responsibilities increased, so did the stress and work hours as well.
walking. Suddenly I felt an incredible pain
competitively. specific
As the building
monthly
salary together
with the added
or address,
so I continued
Before being of
promoted
at work,
I used
to compete
in sports quite
paper. It looked
like he
was looking
for a
saw a guy RUNNING
behind me, looking at a piece
SURVIVAL
“Something told me to turn around and I
when it happened.
wrapper. I agree that medals are not always an essential, and we could
the last few blocks home, around midnight,
or bag with
their the
other
medals,
often
caught
subway
home and
was without
walking even removing the plastic
races, or they
take
home
putting
in a them
long day
at all and
three simply
jobs, she toss them in a drawer, box
the evenings.
That
day in September,
after
for each run,
but many
experienced
racers
do not take medals at
waitressing work in an Italian restaurant in
earning a medal,
and some long-time runners who still want a medal
in a fashion store, followed by hostess and
for beginner
runners, who are incentivised to run by the prospect of
clients in the mornings, then work in sales
get less entries
do Park
not with
offer
medals. That may well be the case
training if in they
Central
individual
that believe
she would
do personal
Many race describing
organisers
that
medals are essential, that they will
that students normally do,” says Lee,
“I was 30 years old and doing jobs
Gaalen, via e-mail
about challenging
race organisers to offer these options? – Roberto van
enough to survive.
fee for each
less
item? jobs
If enough
demand
three
part-time
just trying
to earn was there, how would we go
the that
country,
so instead
she of
was
working
forego this of for
reason.
On top
that,
perhaps a decreased entry
actually
in Portland, waste,
on the other
passionate was
about
decreasing
and side
I believe many people would
she hadn’t realised that Nike headquarters
option of entering either without a medal or T-shirt? I am, as you are,
to legally work in the USA, and secondly,
I’m sure you’ve
this
before,
but why do races not offer the
hoped. had
Firstly,
she question
did not have
a permit
m Ab h m
in marketing with Nike in the Big Apple,
two months trying to land her dream job
she had been in New York for just over
adidas and Nike in South Africa, and now
She had worked in marketing for
seared into Lee den Hond’s memory.
he date 20 September 1999 is
T
Lipstick Runner
Peters, Gauteng Runners Facebook Page
12. When you have finished training, step off the track. – Courtesy of Victor
having just stopped from your run).
the outer lanes, or step off into the infield (in the case of just walking or
11. If you hear “track” or “on your left” or “on the inside,” either move to
10. The inside lanes are normally reserved for the faster runners.
9. Stay alert, don’t use earphones.
8. On completion of a run, move out of the inside lanes.
7. Be considerate of the needs of other track athletes.
track.
6. Do not hold ‘conferences’ on the
arrangements.
5. Observe local fast lane
4. Warm up only in the outer lanes.
left.
3. Passing is usually done on your
first, then place yourself accordingly.
2. Observe the pace of other runners
lanes.
run clockwise, run in the outermost
otherwise posted. If you decide to
counter-clockwise direction, unless
1. On most tracks you will run in a
aware of when training on a track.
Here are a few rules you should be
Walking on at 83
Hester Bekker
Steeplechase Champ
Flying Physio and
Simms
Cherise
TRACK ETIQUETTE
it could go a long way to this double saving. – Ed.
so if runners were given the option of not taking a medal when entering,
definitely cut down on race costs and race waste if we reduced medals,
of the Year ‘18
Trail Athletes
Drive to Run
Revitalised
Bosman
Charne
ISSUE 115 / February 2019
NEW FEATURE
LETTERS
CENTRAL GAUTENG Moon Lakeside Game Lodge, Plot 59 Beyers
Naude Drive, Muldersdrift, Time TBC,
Sunday 3 February
Modern Athlete Bobbies Half Marathon,
10km & 5km, Greenstone Shopping Centre,
Edenvale, 6am, Hein Gerber 079 525 0302, Wednesday 20 February
Wednesday 13 February
The Happy Wanders Night Trail Run 10km
& 5km, Wanderers Golf Club, Johannesburg,
Spectrum Sport 082 557 6884
Prison Break Trail Run 8km & 5km, Leeukop
Golf Club, cnr Candican & Kliping Roads,
Sunninghill, 7pm, Race Organiser 083 277
4700, Entries: http://www.bouttime.co.za/
Events/event.aspx?EventId=404
Thursday 21 February
6:30pm, Race Organiser 063 389 0681
Killarney Night Run 10km & 5km, Killarney
Coutry Club, 5th Street, Houghton Estate,
Johannesburg, 7pm, More info: www.
wannado.co.za, Entries: https://entrytickets.
net/killarneysummer
Ruimsig Run 10km & 5km, Ruimsig Golf
Run Zone Valentines Laser Light Night
Trail Run 8km & 5km, Randpark Golf Course,
Setperk Road, Randpark, Randburg, 7pm,
Club, Roodepoort, 7:30pm, In Reach Runs
011 053 1953, Entries: http://www.webtickets.
co.za/events/featured-races/jackal-run-
ruimsig-run/1487496033
Botes [email protected],
Entries:
Rock & Run 10km
& 5km, Trustco United
Doringkruin Night Race 10km,
5km &
http://www.bouttime.co.za/Events/event.
Sports Grounds, Frankie Fredericks Drive,
2.5km, Doringkruin Ned Herv aspx?EventId=398
Church,
Windhoek, 5pm, Contact: [email protected]
Boekenhout Road, Klerksdorp, 6:30pm, Marius
van Heerden 082 487 7290
Pirates Half Marathon, Central Gauteng, 17 February
Friday 15 February
Hot 91.9FM Valentine’s 10km Night
Race, Randburg Central Sports Complex,
cnr Republic Road & Silver Pine Avenue,
Randburg, 7pm, Michelle Knotzer 079 844
7156, Entries: https://www.entryninja.com/
events/event/39342-valentines-night-race-10km
h n
54
40
the 3000m Steeplechase
winning the SA Title in
Cherise celebrates
1
Cover image: Jetline Action Photo
www.modernathlete.co.za
Real Ironman of SA Triathlon
Red Barn, 7 Nelson Road, Olifantsfontein,
7am, Glizelle
083 264 3931,
ISSUE 115 FEBRUARY
2019 Langerman
/ www.modernathlete.co.za
58 ISSUE 115 FEBRUARY 2019 / www.modernathlete.co.za
Entries: https://www.entrytime.com/event-
details/?EventId=5814
Trail Run 8km & 5km, Randpark Golf Course,
ruimsig-run/1487496033
Run Zone Valentines Laser Light Night
hands!
co.za/events/featured-races/jackal-run-
6:30pm,
Race
Organiser
063 389 we
0681
name and who has represented
SA on
the
track. Then
know we are 011 in 053
good
1953, Entries: http://www.webtickets.
& 5km, Wanderers Golf Club, Johannesburg,
physio is not only an active athlete, but a national athlete, with two SA Club,
titles
to her 7:30pm, In Reach Runs
Roodepoort,
The Happy Wanders Night Trail Run 10km
Ruimsig
Run 10km & 5km, Ruimsig Golf
treated by somebody that knows
and understands
if that
Wednesday
13 February our sport. Even better
when we go to the physio, it stands to reason that we would prefer
being
net/killarneysummer
Entries: https://jeppemarathon.co.za
wannado.co.za,
the physio, to massage 6am,
sore
muscles,
treat
injuries
or undergo rehab.
So Entries: https://entrytickets.
Race
Organiser,
011 017
2700 (w),
Saheti
Civin
Drive, Senderwood,
ooner or later, most of 4km,
us who
are School,
active
in sport
need to spend Johannesburg,
time with 7pm, More info: www.
Jeppe Marathon & Half Marathon, 8km &
Sunday 10 February
Coutry Club, 5th Street, Houghton Estate,
Killarney Night Run 10km & 5km, Killarney
only ‘hurdle’ in her 2019 plans. – BY MANFRED SEIDLER
Thursday 21 February
7:30pm & 7:40pm, Heidi Muller 082 564 6468
to go after the SA Record
this year, and that won’t Events/event.aspx?EventId=404
be the
Randpark Golf Club, Setperk Str, Randpark,
4700, Entries:
Black
Diamond
Trail determined
8km & 4km,
steeplechase, Cherise
Sims
is Night
more
than
ever http://www.bouttime.co.za/
Wednesday 6 February
Sunninghill, 7pm, Race Organiser 083 277
With two SA titles to her name in the women’s 3000m
Golf Club, cnr Candican & Kliping Roads,
Run Zone Va en
Herman Cronje
Edenvale, 6am, Hein Gerber 079 525 0302,
10km & 5km, Greenstone Shopping Centre,
Modern Athlete Bobbies Half Marathon,
Sunday 3 February
CENTRAL GAUTENG
GAUTENG
Prison Break Trail Run 8km & 5km, Leeukop
Wednesday 20 February
Spectrum Sport 082 557 6884
Naude Drive, Muldersdrift, Time TBC,
Moon Lakeside Game Lodge, Plot 59 Beyers
Rockman Trail Run 15km & 8km, Cradle
Sunday 17 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
Sunday 17 February
Muddy Princes Johannesburg South,
5km Obstacle Run, Rietvlei Zoo Farm, 101
Swartkoppies Road, Johannesburg, Gauteng,
8am, More info: www.muddyprincess.
co.za, https://www.entryninja.com/events/
event/39922-muddy-princess-johannesburg
Sunday 17 February
aQuellé Mudman Series Eston,
Swim Tri: Full 700m/20km/5km & Half
350m/10km/2.5km, Paddle Tri: Full
2.5km/20km/5km & Half 1.25km/10km/2.5km,
Beaulieu Dam, Richmond, KwaZulu-Natal,
9:15am (Full) & 9:45am (Half), Charmaine
Botha 086 100 7624, Entries: https://www.
roag.co.za/online-entries.aspx?EventID=2309
ADVENTURE
RACING
No Races scheduled in this period
7pm Race O
Saturday 23 February
XTERRA Lite (Cross-Tri), 400m/14km/6.5km,
Grabouw Country Club, Eikenhof Dam,
Grabouw, Western Cape, 8am, Stillwater
Events 082 991 0045, Entries: https://www.
entryninja.com/events/event/32882-xterra-
grabouw-lite
THANKS,
TOM &
NEDBANK
This Race
Calendar has
been compiled
with the help
of Tom Cottrell,
author and
publisher of the Nedbank
Runner’s Guide to Road and Off-
road Races in South Africa . Now
in its 28 th edition, the Runner’s
Guide is an essential companion
for every racer in SA, providing
valuable info including venues,
start times, route descriptions and
everything else you may want to
know about a race.
Onli
Saturday 23 February
XTERRA Kids, 250m/5km/2.5km (12-15),
100m/3km/1.5km (9-11) & 60m/2km/600m
(6-8); Grabouw Country Club, Eikenhof Dam,
Grabouw, Western Cape, 1:30pm, Stillwater
Events 082 991 0045, Entries: https://www.
entryninja.com/events/event/32862-xterra-
grabouw-kids
SELEC
2
17 th
17 th
Cou y C ub 5 h S ee Ho
grabouw-kids
entryninja.com/events/event/32862-xterra-
Events 082 991 0045, Entries: https://www.
Grabouw, Western Cape, 1:30pm, Stillwater
(6-8); Grabouw Country Club, Eikenhof Dam,
100m/3km/1.5km (9-11) & 60m/2km/600m
XTERRA Kids, 250m/5km/2.5km (12-15),
Saturday 23 February
know about a race.
everything else you may want to
start times, route descriptions and
valuable info including venues,
for every racer in SA, providing
Guide is an essential companion
in its 28 th edition, the Runner’s
road Races in South Africa . Now
Runner’s Guide to Road and Off-
publisher of the Nedbank
author and
of Tom Cottrell,
with the help
been compiled
Calendar has
This Race
2
Johannesbu g 7pm Mo e
7am, Glizelle Langerman 083 264 3931,
Time TBC, Karen Chambers 083 474 9463
Red Barn, 7 Nelson Road, Olifantsfontein,
College (Summit), Johannesburg, Gauteng,
NORTHERN CAPE
21km, 15km, 10km, Gauteng
5km & 2km,
The Sprint
Big League #3, Pinnacle
Schools
Adventure Tails Fun
Run for
Monday
11 Lienke,
February
grabouw-lite
entryninja.com/events/event/32882-xterra-
Events 082 991 0045, Entries: https://www.
Grabouw, Western Cape, 8am, Stillwater
Grabouw Country Club, Eikenhof Dam,
XTERRA Lite (Cross-Tri), 400m/14km/6.5km,
Saturday 23 February
SELEC
wannado co za En es Onli
h w
TBC, 827
Karen
Chambers 083 474 9463
6am, Danie Kruger 082
0068
events/38382-kloofzicht-summer-run
Johannesburg,Gauteng, Time
High School, Cathie Harvest
Street, Park,
Bronkhorstspruit,
3317, Entries: https://enter.entryninja.com/
Gauteng
Schools
Sprint League #2, Golden
Bronkhorstspruit
32km
& 10km,
Erasmus
Muldersdrift, 7:30am, Race Organiser
082 887
Monday 4 February
Kloofzicht Lodge & Spa, Kromdraai
Road, 9 February
Saturday
Run Series #1 25km, 15km, 8km & 4km,
9:45am to 10:45am, Alex Pope 078 344 8470
details/?EventId=5813
Cool Ideas Klooftzicht Summer Trail
Bryanston, Johannesburg, Gauteng, Starts from
Entries: https://www.entrytime.com/event-
Sunday 3 February
Gauteng Urban Sprint #2, The Campus,
7pm, Shane Gouldie Sunday
082 332
9552,
3 February
roag.co.za/online-entries.aspx?EventID=2309
Botha 086 100 7624, Entries: https://www.
9:15am (Full) & 9:45am (Half), Charmaine
Beaulieu Dam, Richmond, KwaZulu-Natal,
2.5km/20km/5km & Half 1.25km/10km/2.5km,
350m/10km/2.5km, Paddle Tri: Full
Swim Tri: Full 700m/20km/5km & Half
aQuellé Mudman Series Eston,
Sunday 17 February
ne k a neysumme
NORTH WEST NORTH Els Boulevard & West Street, Centurion,
ORIENTEERING
& 5km, Copperleaf Golf Estate, Ernie
van Heerden 082 487 7290
Trail Adventure Jackal Night Run 10km
Boekenhout Road, Klerksdorp, 6:30pm, Marius
Wednesday 6 February
Windhoek, 5pm, Contact: [email protected]
2.5km, Doringkruin Ned Herv Church,
Sports Grounds, Frankie Fredericks Drive,
Doringkruin Night Race 10km,
5km &
entrytime.com/event-details/?EventId=5812
Rock & Run 10km & 5km, Trustco United
Wednesday 13 February
082 557 6884
Drive, Muldersdrift, Gauteng, Spectrum Sport
Lakeside Game Lodge, 59 Beyers Naude
5-8 150m/3km/150m (10am), Cradle Moon
500m/5km/500m (10:20am) & Rock Kids
Du 2km/22km/5km (7:40am), Rock Kids 9+
Tri 500m/22km/5km (7:30am), Du: Dash
Ultra Tri 1.8km/50km/15km (7am), Dash
Rockman X-Triathlon & Duathlon, Tri:
Sunday 17 February
NEDBANK
TOM &
THANKS,
No Races scheduled in this period
RACING
ADVENTURE
Ru ms g Run 10km & 5km
Gouldie 082 332 9552, Entries: https://www.
+264
(0)81 Shane
124 9471
Jan Smuts Avenue, Charles
Centurion,
7am,
Marius van Heerden 082 487 7290
Hills, Kupferberg Road, Windhoek, Time TBC,
Street, Wilkoppies, Klerksdorp, 15km,
5:30am,
10km & 5km, Smuts Irene River,
10km & 5km, Rietondale Park, Soutpansberg
FNB Captain’s Run 30km & 15km, Auas
& 5km, Wesvalia High School, Trail
Readman
Adventure Smuts Trail Run 21km,
Saturday 23 February
Intercare Classic Road Klerksdorp
Race Half Marathon,
Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km
Organiser 012 004 0915
Saturday 2 February Saturday 9 February
+264(0)81 240 3383
s N gh T a Run 10km
S
The Centre The
of SA Happy Wande
Running Mann
at Wande e s Go C ub Johannesbu g
& 5km
Race O gan se 063 389 0681
Running Back 6 to 30pm
Life
Sunday 10 February
Gajiga Run – The Final Bounce 5km,
(Inflatable obstacles), Riversands Farm
Village, Rose Road, Knopjeslaagte, Midrand,,
Gauteng, 8am, More info: www.gajiga.co.za,
Entries: https://entrytickets.net/riversands
K a ney N gh Run 10km
Time TBC, Karen Chambers 083 474 9463
& 10km, Pirates Club, Jacobus Smit Avenue,
Heronbridge School, Johannesburg, Gauteng,
Pirates Groot Gat Marathon, Half Marathon
Gauteng Schools Sprint League #4,
Saturday 23 February
Monday 18 February
082 499 5990
Road, Kimberley, 5:30am, Gerhard Kruger
10:30am, Peter Carides 071 688 2533
& 10km, Bishops Old Boys Club, Memorial
Johannesburg, Gauteng, Starts from 9am to
Vodacom Meerkat Marathon, details/?EventId=5814
Half Marathon
Gauteng Urban Sprint #3, St Davids College,
Entries: https://www.entrytime.com/event-
Saturday 2 February
Sunday 17 February
unbelievable experience.”
entrytime.com/event-details/?EventId=5817
332 I 9552,
Entries:
Kenyans and Ethiopians warm Gouldie
up, to 082
how
should
look https://www.
at racing. It was such an
off R21 & R25, Kempton Park, 7pm, Shane
It was quite overwhelming! But
I learnt so much, from watching how the
& 5km, Serengeti Golf and Wildlife Estate,
Holder, a record that was set about
two
weeks Night
prior Run
to the
Africa
Serengeti
Valentines
15km,
10km Championships...
than you... that’s already something. And one of them is in fact the World Record
events/event/39342-valentines-night-race-10km
line with six other athletes who
are Entries:
all between
30 seconds and a minute faster
7156,
https://www.entryninja.com/
Randburg,
7pm, to Michelle
Knotzer
844
running, but I have a lot to learn
and lots
improve
on. 079
Imagine
being on the start
cnr Republic
& Silver
Avenue,
learning the 3000m steeplechase
event. Road
I may
have Pine
won
the SA Title two years
Race, Randburg Central Sports Complex,
the African Championships, which she describes as quite an experience. “I am still
Hot 91.9FM Valentine’s 10km Night
in Mauritius in 2018 and then Friday
going 15
on February
to compete in the 3000m steeplechase at
represented South Africa at the
Southern Region Cross Country Championships
Graham 072 276 9635
Well, 25-year-old Cherise Sims
meets
all of
those Randburg,
specifications,
Setperk
Road,
Randpark,
7pm, having Pirates Half Marathon, Central Gauteng, 17 February
Runstacles 10km & 4km, Cape Town Ostrich
Ranch, Cape Town, Van Schoorsdrif Road,
Off N7, near Philadelphia, Western Cape,
8:30am, The Grind HQ 021 813 9282 (w),
Entries: https://www.entryninja.com/events/
event/42742-4km-10-obstacles
Thu sday 21 Feb ua y
21km, 15km, 10km, 5km & 2km, The Big
58
ISSUE 115 FEBRUARY 2019 / www.modernathlete.co.za
Matt Trautman
Wednesday 13 Feb ua y
Former Drug Addict
Time TBC, Karen Chambers 083 474 9463
Entries: https://www.entrytime.com/event-
High School, Cathie Monday
Street, Bronkhorstspruit,
082 499 5990
18 February
Saturday 23 February
6am, Danie Kruger 082
827 0068
Gauteng
Schools Sprint League #4,
Pirates Groot Gat Marathon, Half Marathon
Heronbridge School, Johannesburg, Gauteng,
Adventure Tails Fun Run for Lienke,
& 10km, Pirates Club, Jacobus Smit Avenue,
Time TBC, Karen Chambers 083 474 9463
GRIQUALAND WEST
The Grind HQ 021 813 9282 (w)
Saturday 9 February
Muddy Princess 5km Pretoria, Legends MX,
Rayton N4, east of Pretoria, More info: www.
muddyprincess.co.za, Entries: https://www.
entryninja.com/events/event/39902-muddy-
princess-pretoria
Even s even aspx?Even d
7pm, Shane Gouldie 082 332 9552,
Sunday 17 February
Saturday 2 February
details/?EventId=5813
Gauteng Urban Sprint #3, St Davids College,
Vodacom Meerkat Marathon, Half Marathon
Saturday
9 February
Johannesburg, Gauteng, Starts from 9am to
& 10km, Bishops Old Boys Club,
Memorial
10:30am,
Peter Carides
071 688 2533
Bronkhorstspruit
32km
& 10km,
Erasmus
Road, Kimberley, 5:30am, Gerhard
Kruger
Go33W1xJBUIuB3QEEb8rtv2_oaDsbAxV-PU
bclid=IwAR0d1ij7d5IkecE5xP3vwZoX-
Entries: https://entrytickets.net/pirates21?f-
6am, Race Organiser 011 568 0922 (w),
Cruden Bay & Braeside Road, Greenside,
Pirates Half Marathon, Pirates Club, cnr
Sunday 17 February
Saturday 2 February
Runstacles 10km & 4km, Cape Town Ostrich
Ranch, Cape Town, Van Schoorsdrif Road, Off
N7, near Philadelphia, Western Cape, 8:30am,
4700 En es h p www b w
Trail Adventure Jackal Night Run 10km
Monday
11 February
& 5km, Copperleaf Golf
Estate,
Ernie
Gauteng Schools Sprint League #3, Pinnacle
Els Boulevard & West Street, Centurion,
NORTHERN CAPE
College (Summit), Johannesburg, Gauteng,
ISSUE 115 FEBRUARY 2019 / www.modernathlete.co.za
Sunday 10 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 (9:30am) & Super Sprint
2.5km/10km/2.5km (12pm), V&A Waterfront,
Cape Town, Western Cape, More info:
[email protected], Entries:
https://www.triathlon.capetown/enter/
Sunn ngh
ORIENTEERING
Jan Smuts
Centurion,
7am, Shane
to 10:45am,
Alex Pope 078 344 8470
Run Series #1 25km, 15km, 8km
& 4km, Avenue, 9:45am
Kloofzicht Lodge & Spa, Kromdraai
Road,
Gouldie
082 332 9552,
Entries: https://www.
Monday 4 February
Muldersdrift, 7:30am, Race Organiser
082 887
entrytime.com/event-details/?EventId=5812
Gauteng Schools Sprint League #2, Golden
3317, Entries: https://enter.entryninja.com/
Harvest Park, Johannesburg,Gauteng, Time
Wednesday 6 February
events/38382-kloofzicht-summer-run
TBC, Karen Chambers 083 474 9463
GRIQUALAND WEST
ISSUE 115 FEBRUARY 2019 / www.modernathlete.co.za
ISSUE 115 FEBRUARY 2019 / www.modernathlete.co.za
Kaia Manzi Trail Run 10km & 5km, Kaia
Manzi Resort, Bronkhorstspruit, 6:30am, Race
Saturday 2 February NORTH WEST NORTH Organiser 012 004 0915
Sunday 3 February
Intercare Classic Road Race Half Marathon,
Trail Adventure Smuts Trail Run 21km,
Gauteng Urban Sprint #2, The Campus,
3 February
10km & 5km, Rietondale Sunday
Park, Soutpansberg
15km,
Smuts Irene
River,
Johannesburg,
Gauteng, Starts from
Cool Ideas Klooftzicht Summer
Trail 10km & 5km, Bryanston,
Graham 072 276 9635
Saturday 9 February
Free State Triathlon/Duathlon, Standard
1.5km/40km/10km, Sprint 750m/20km/5km,
Super Sprint 400m/10km/2.5km, Maselspoort,
Free State, 8:30am, 8:35am & 9am, Christa
073 718 5427, More info: www.roag.co.za
Expo Centre, NASREC Time TBC, Organiser
087 150 3144
Go C ub cn Cand can &
Nature Reserve, Arden Road, Modderfontein,
Wednesday 13 February
7am, Leigh Barnsley 060 874 1039, Entries:
https://enter.entryninja.com/events/39422
GAUTENG NORTH
Wagendrift Challenge, Tri: Full
1km/10km/5km & Half 500m/5km/2.5km, Bi:
Full: 1km/5km & Half 500m/2.5km, Wagendrift
Dam, Estcourt, KwaZulu-Natal, Contact TBC
Saturday 2 February
Toyota Warrior Soweto 11km, 8km & 4km,
P son B eak T a Run 8k
Saturday 23 February
& 5km, Wesvalia High School, Hennops
Readman Big 5 Challenge #1 Trail Run
FNB Captain’s Run 30km & 15km, Auas
Flight Centre Foundation
Trail Wilkoppies,
Run
Street,
Klerksdorp, 30km,
5:30am,
22km, 10km Hills,
& 4km,
Hennops
Kupferberg
Road, Windhoek, Time TBC,
Challenge 12km, 6km & Marius
2km, van
Modderfontein
Heerden 082 487 7290
Trails, on R511, Pretoria,
6:30am,
Ruan
Charles
+264 (0)81
124 9471
Matt Trautman
Sunday 10 Feb ua y
SA
NAMIBIA
Adventure Tails River Run 10km, 5km &
Sunday 24 February
2km, Smuts Irene River,
Jan Smuts
Avenue,
Saturday
9 February
Township Marathon, Half Marathon, 10 km
Rossing
Marathon,
Half
Marathon, 10km
Centurion, 7am, Glizelle
Langerman
083
264
& 5km, Eldorado Park Stadium,
Cumming
& 5km, Venita Stadium, Welwitschia Street,
CENTRAL
NORTH WEST 3931, Entries: https://www.entrytime.com/
Swakopmund, Time TBC, Frank Slabbert
Road, Eldorado Park, 6am, Joe Morris 082
event-details/?EventId=5811
+264(0)81 240 3383
Saturday 9 February
443 3777, Entries: https://www.entrytime.com/
Sunday 3 10km
February
Klerksdorp Marathon, Half Marathon,
event-details/?EventId=5758
NORTH WEST
Kaia Manzi Rugged OffRoad Triathlon, Long
1.5km/26km/10km, Short 400m/12km/5km,
12-15: 200m/6km/2km, 9-11: 75m/2.5km/1km,
6-8: 50m/1.25km/550m, Kaia Manzi Resort,
Bronkhorstspruit, Gauteng, Time TBC, Race
Organiser 012 004 0915
Wednesday 20 Feb ua y
NEIGHBOURING
COUNTRIES
7pm, Marieke Schoeman 082 497 6607
entrytime.com/event-details/?EventId=5821
Sunday 17 February
Pirates Half Marathon, Pirates Club, cnr
Cruden Bay & Braeside Road, Greenside,
6am, Race Organiser 011 568 0922 (w),
Entries: https://entrytickets.net/pirates21?f-
bclid=IwAR0d1ij7d5IkecE5xP3vwZoX-
Go33W1xJBUIuB3QEEb8rtv2_oaDsbAxV-PU
nm n
NORTH WEST CAPE
Saturday 3 February
Zelco Motors Spitskop Marathon, Half
Marathon & 10km, Spitskop Nature Reserve,
Upington, 5:30am, Carel Burger 082 622 7109
Saturday Contour
23 February
Fairtree Capital Simonsberg
Two
Saturday 23 February
Memorial Marathon & Half
Day Trail
Run, Boland, John
9 & Nugent
10 February
TWK Assegaai Marathon,
Half Marathon
Marathon & 10km, Desert Palace Hotel &
& 10km, Piet Retief Rugby Club, Piet Retief/
Casino, 5:30am, Russell Nugent 082 302 5512
eMkhondo, 6am (42 & 21) & 6:15am (10),
Anne Nieuwenhuizen 082 440 2294
entrytime.com/event-details/?EventId=5817
R
Kimberley, 6am, Douw Kruger douw@seesa.
co.za, Entries: http://www.webtickets.co.za/
events/sport/groot-gat-marathon/1487811814
Road, Rietondale, 6am, Hank Bezhuidenhout
Friday 22 February
Wednesday
27 February
Kyalami Night Run 10km
& 5km, Kyalami
083 256 0241 (3pm-5pm), Entries: https://
Hoogenhout Nite 10km & 4.9km, Hoërskool
Golf Club, Spur Road, Midrand, 7pm, Shane
entries.timeme.co.za/events/39382-intercare-
Hoogenhout Stadium, Wicht Street, Bethal,
Gouldie 082 332 9552, Entries: https://www.
classic-road-race
Serengeti Valentines Night Run 15km, 10km
& 5km, Serengeti Golf and Wildlife Estate,
off R21 & R25, Kempton Park, 7pm, Shane
Gouldie 082 332 9552, Entries: https://www.
Manzi Resort, Bronkhorstspruit,
Race
Swakopmund, 6:30am,
Time TBC,
Frank Slabbert
event/39922-muddy-princess-johannesburg
co.za, https://www.entryninja.com/events/
8am, More info: www.muddyprincess.
Swartkoppies Road, Johannesburg, Gauteng,
5km Obstacle Run, Rietvlei Zoo Farm, 101
Muddy Princes Johannesburg South,
Sunday 17 February
C ub Roodepoo
10km Venita
& 5km,
Kaia Welwitschia Street,
GAUTENG NORTH CENTRAL NORTH WEST Kaia Manzi Trail Run
& 5km,
Stadium,
Rossing Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km
NORTH WEST
aspx?EventId=398
Saturday 9 February
https://enter.entryninja.com/events/39422
http://www.bouttime.co.za/Events/event.
7am, Leigh Barnsley 060 874 1039, Entries:
Botes [email protected],
Entries:
NAMIBIA
Nature Reserve, Arden Road,
Modderfontein,
7pm, Marieke
Schoeman 082 497 6607
Trails, on R511, Pretoria, 6:30am, Ruan
Challenge 12km, 6km & 2km, Modderfontein
COUNTRIES
NEIGHBOURING
Hoogenhout Stadium, Wicht Street, Bethal,
https://www.triathlon.capetown/enter/
[email protected], Entries:
Cape Town, Western Cape, More info:
2.5km/10km/2.5km (12pm), V&A Waterfront,
5km/20km/2.5km (9:30am) & Super Sprint
Standard 10km/40km/5km (7am), Sprint
(7am) & Sprint 500m/20km/5km (9am), Du:
Town, Tri: Standard 750m/40km/10km
7 30pm
Entries: https://entrytickets.net/riversands
011 053 1953 En es h p
30km, 22km, 10km & 4km, Hennops
Hoogenhout
Flight Centre Foundation
Trail Run Nite 10km & 4.9km, Hoërskool
Hennops Big 5 Challenge #1 Trail Run
Wednesday 27 February
event-details/?EventId=5758
Sunday 3 February
Anne Nieuwenhuizen 082 440 2294
443 3777, Entries: https://www.entrytime.com/
eMkhondo, 6am (42 & 21) & 6:15am
(10),
event-details/?EventId=5811
Casino, 5:30am, Russell Nugent 082 302 5512
Road, Eldorado Park, 6am, Joe Morris 082
& 10km, Piet Retief Rugby Club,
Piet Entries:
Retief/ https://www.entrytime.com/
3931,
Marathon & 10km, Desert Palace Hotel &
& 5km, Eldorado Park Stadium, Cumming
TWK Assegaai Marathon, Half Marathon
Centurion, 7am, Glizelle
083 264
John Langerman
Nugent Memorial
Marathon & Half
Township Marathon, Half Marathon, 10 km
Saturday 23 February
Saturday
23 February
2km, Smuts Irene River,
Jan Smuts
Avenue,
Sunday 24 February
073 573 2501
Adventure Tails River
Run 10km,
5km
& Burger 082 622 7109
Upington,
5:30am,
Carel
entrytime.com/event-details/?EventId=5821
Witbank/eMalahleni, 7pm, Abie Smit
Marathon & 10km, Spitskop Nature Reserve,
classic-road-race
Gouldie 082 332 9552, Entries:
https://www.
Panorama
Primary School, Gordon
Road,
Zelco Motors Spitskop Marathon, Half
entries.timeme.co.za/events/39382-intercare-
Golf Club, Spur Road, Midrand,
7pm,
Shane Night 10km
McCarthy
Panorama
& 4.9km,
Saturday 3 February
Wednesday
20
February
083 256 0241 (3pm-5pm), Entries: https://
Kyalami Night Run 10km & 5km, Kyalami
Discovery Triathlon World Cup Cape
Sunday 10 February
073 718 5427, More info: www.roag.co.za
Free State, 8:30am, 8:35am & 9am, Christa
Gauteng, 8am, More info: www.gajiga.co.za,
Village, Rose Road, Knopjeslaagte, Midrand,,
(Inflatable obstacles), Riversands Farm
Gajiga Run – The Final Bounce 5km,
Sunday 10 February
event/42742-4km-10-obstacles
Entries: https://www.entryninja.com/events/
8:30am, The Grind HQ 021 813 9282 (w),
Off N7, near Philadelphia, Western Cape,
Ranch, Cape Town, Van Schoorsdrif Road,
Runstacles 10km & 4km, Cape Town Ostrich
co za even s ea u ed ace
Super Sprint 400m/10km/2.5km, Maselspoort,
1.5km/40km/10km, Sprint 750m/20km/5km,
Free State Triathlon/Duathlon, Standard
Saturday 9 February
Dam, Estcourt, KwaZulu-Natal, Contact TBC
Full: 1km/5km & Half 500m/2.5km, Wagendrift
princess-pretoria
entryninja.com/events/event/39902-muddy-
muddyprincess.co.za, Entries: https://www.
Rayton N4, east of Pretoria, More info: www.
Muddy Princess 5km Pretoria, Legends MX,
Saturday 9 February
nes Lase L gh N gh
u ms g un 1487496033
T a Run 8km & 5km Randpa k Go Cou se
FEBRUARY 2019
P52
Se pe k Road Randpa k Randbu g 7pm
P rates Ha f Marat
Friends
G aham 072 276 9635
Are Your
The Hills
Racing!
F day 15 Feb ua y
Fa
bulou
And Sahara
Ultra
Ho
91 9FM Va en ne s 10km
N s
gh Febr uary
Conquers Everest
Race Randbu g Cen a Spo s Comp ex
Stabbing Survivor
cn Repub c Road & S ve P ne Avenue
Randbu g 7pm M che e Kno ze 079 844
7156 En es h ps www en yn n a com
even s even 39342 va en nes n gh ace 10km
Friday 22 February
Hank WEST
Bezhuidenhout
event-details/?EventId=5789 Road, Rietondale, 6am,
NORTH
CAPE
806 1352, Entries: https://www.entrytime.com/
21 & 10) & 6:10am (4.5),, July Mavuso 082
events/sport/groot-gat-marathon/1487811814
Nelson Mandela Drive, Secunda, 6am (42,
co.za, Entries: http://www.webtickets.co.za/
Day Trail Run, Boland, Kimberley,
9 & 10 6am,
February
10km & 4.9km, Sasol Recreational Club,
Douw Kruger douw@seesa.
to print. – COMPILED BY SEAN FALCONER with TOM COTTRELL
driving to an event, as some details may have changed since going
disciplines. Just remember to always check with the organisers before
calendar, containing all road and trail runs, as well as other running-related
Welcome to SA’s biggest and most complete running and walking race
Fairtree Capital Simonsberg Contour Two
Discovery Triathlon World Cup Cape Town, Multisport, 10 February
1km/10km/5km & Half 500m/5km/2.5km, Bi:
Wagendrift Challenge, Tri: Full
Organiser 012 004 0915
Bronkhorstspruit, Gauteng, Time TBC, Race
6-8: 50m/1.25km/550m, Kaia Manzi Resort,
12-15: 200m/6km/2km, 9-11: 75m/2.5km/1km,
1.5km/26km/10km, Short 400m/12km/5km,
Kaia Manzi Rugged OffRoad Triathlon, Long
Sunday 3 February
086 100 7624
(Full) & 2:30pm (Half), Charmaine Botha
Hermannsburg School, KwaZulu-Natal, 2pm
2.5km/20km/5km & Half 1.25km/10km/2.5km,
350m/10km/2.5km, Paddle Tri: Full
Swim Tri: Full 700m/20km/5km & Half
aQuellé Mudman Series Hermannsburg,
The Grind HQ 021 813 9282 (w)
N7, near Philadelphia, Western Cape, 8:30am,
Ranch, Cape Town, Van Schoorsdrif Road, Off
Runstacles 10km & 4km, Cape Town Ostrich
Saturday 2 February
087 150 3144
Expo Centre, NASREC Time TBC, Organiser
Toyota Warrior Soweto 11km, 8km & 4km,
Saturday 2 February
OBSTACLE RACING
Saturday 2 February
MULTISPORT
Karen Chambers 083 474 9463
Park, Johannesburg, Gauteng, Time TBC,
Gauteng Schools Sprint League #5, Delta
Monday 25 February
event/32902-xterra-grabouw-full
Entries: https://www.entryninja.com/events/
Cape, 8am, Stillwater Events 082 991 0045,
Club, Eikenhof Dam, Grabouw, Western
1.5km/25.6km/12.4km; Grabouw Country
XTERRA Full (Cross-Tri),
Sunday 24 February
RACE CALENDAR
Lee Den Hond
RACE CALENDAR
SA’s Biggest Running Publication
Click here to subscribe
Pirates Half Marathon | 16 February 2020
Wednesday 20 February
McCarthy Panorama Night 10km & 4.9km,
Panorama Primary School, Gordon Road,
Witbank/eMalahleni, 7pm, Abie Smit
073 573 2501
6 Feb ua y
S N gh T a 8km & 4km
B ack D amond
M Randpa k Go C ub Se pe k S Randpa k
A
7 30pm & 7 40pm He d Mu e 082 564 6468
Race Calendar with
hyperlinks to online entries
18
Rockman Trail Run 15km & 8km, Cradle
Entries: https://jeppemarathon.co.za
Fo m D ug Wednesday
Add
Runn ng B
o
40
flows smoothly. – Ed.
As with basic rules of the road, if everybody follows them, the traffic
athletes getting in the way of other runners or causing painful collisions.
wrong on the track – and not just newcomers! I’ve seen seasoned track
These ‘rules’ seem so obvious, but it is amazing how often athletes get it
print. (Note that letters may be shortened due to space limitations.)
preferably be no more than 300 words long, and pics must be high-resolution to be usable in
good story to tell? Then send it to [email protected], and add a pic if you can. Letters
Got something on your mind that you want to share, a burning question you want answered, or a
Sur
vivor should
TRAIL RUNNING
10km & 4.9km, Sasol Recreational Club,
Nelson Mandela Drive, Secunda, 6am (42,
21 & 10) & 6:10am (4.5),, July Mavuso 082
806 1352, Entries: https://www.entrytime.com/
event-details/?EventId=5789
Jeppe Ma a hon & Ha Ma a hon 8km &
Su o Spe
– ou o e Th W n p 4km
e You Sahe Schoo C v n D ve Sende wood
Survivor Special – Four stories That Will Inspire
You! Race O gan se 011 017 2700 w
6am
En es h ps eppema a hon co za
Naiema Abrahams
monthly Have
digi-mag
Your SAY
ENTRY
OPTIONS
TO
WASTE
but things
had not worked out
as she LESSEN
had
EDITOR’S PICK
Discovery Triathlon World Cup Cape Town, Multisport, 10 February
GAUTENG
Sunday 10 February
Jeppe Marathon & Half Marathon, 8km &
4km, Saheti School, Civin Drive, Senderwood,
6am, Race Organiser, 011 017 2700 (w),
Herman Cron e
83
Planning for Success
asked her to identify him.
mugger in handcuffs and leg chains and
be treated, two detectives arrived with the
her X-rays to be developed and then to
wound.” While Lee was still waiting for
to go to hospital, because it was a serious
the ambulance crew insisted that I needed
ambulance and said I would be fine, but
permit. “I actually asked them to stop the
USA illegally, since she didn’t have a work
was not being caught for working in the
Ed. to hospital, but all she could think about
Lee was
in an
ambulance
to be taken
I hope
that put the
running
continues
to help
Sunday 3 February
FEBRUARY 2019
54
The detectives told me he had probably
1988 and had spent eight years in prison.
He had a criminal record dating back to
main
jail FEBRUARY
in New York,
just that
morning.
ISSUE
115
2019
/ www.modernathlete.co.za
been released from Rikers Island, the
“His name was Angel Pallo and he had
086 100 7624
GAUTENG
Wednesday 6 February
Black Diamond Night Trail 8km & 4km,
Randpark Golf Club, Setperk Str, Randpark,
7:30pm & 7:40pm, Heidi Muller 082 564 6468
FREE
CHASING
Comrades.”
big week on top of it broke me, and that affected my
hadn’t actually raced too hard at Loskop, but the
week at altitude in Graskop the very next week. I
record for veterans, then had my biggest training
won the Loskop 50km in 3:22 and broke the course
to Comrades. Last year I learnt my lesson when I
nice to win Two Oceans, but this year it’s too close
Comrades is her main focus this year. “It would be
five positions in the race, she says no, because
at Two Oceans, to round off her collection of top
When asked if she would like to go after the win
2.5km/20km/5km & Half 1.25km/10km/2.5km,
Hermannsburg School, KwaZulu-Natal, 2pm
(Full) & 2:30pm (Half), Charmaine Botha
Sunday 3 Feb ua y
A Y Mode n A h e e Bobb es Ha Ma a hon
10km & 5km G eens one Shopp ng Cen e
Edenva e 6am He n Ge be 079 525 0302
ng Ph o nd
p h
Ch mp
ng on
Run 15km
Moon Lakes de Game Lod
Naude D ve Mu de sd
Spec um Spo 082 557 6
OBSTACLE RACING
Swim Tri: Full 700m/20km/5km & Half
350m/10km/2.5km, Paddle Tri: Full
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
L pst ck Runner
N
ISSUE 115 FEBRUARY 2019 / www.modernathlete.co.za
ADVENTURE
S bb ng Su
o
Conqu
E
And S h CENTRAL
U
Hester Bekker
ISSUE 115 FEBRUARY 2019 / www.modernathlete.co.za
this year”
hungry again
start
line. I’m
FALCONER
when you say Yes. – BY SEAN
novel, so it is quite appropriate
will that
get she to recently
that launched her book, What happens
being stabbed by a mugger in New York. Her life story reads like a fantastic adventure
6
for Marathon
success, Des you
Everest and run the multi-day
Sables in the Sahara Desert, after surviving
Lee den Hond has run ultra-marathons,
done multiple Ironmans, climbed Mount
hungry enough
“if you’re
well at Comrades again.”
because I feel this year I have the opportunity to do
run certain times, and I am going to listen to him,
not my main focus. Lindsey always says I need to
it, as Caroline did, then I will go for it, but that is
in the last few kays and there is a chance to win
then I will run a sensible race. If there is something
worked out with Lindsey what I need to do, and
“So I will see how Two Oceans goes, but I will have
F
S
event/32902-xterra-grabouw-full
Saturday 2 February
aQuellé Mudman Series Hermannsburg,
Cher se
S mms
HELPING HANDS
Sunday 24 February
XTERRA Full (Cross-Tri),
1.5km/25.6km/12.4km; Grabouw Country
Club, Eikenhof Dam, Grabouw, Western
Cape, 8am, Stillwater Events 082 991 0045,
Entries: https://www.entryninja.com/events/
MULTISPORT
A
Y
“A passing cab driver stopped his car and
came to help me. He called the police and
asked me if I would recognise the guy.
Still trying to figure out why I couldn’t feel
my leg, I said ‘Yes, definitely, he’s wearing
a yellow sweater and a blue cap with the
NYC logo, and he’s got my backpack.
When the police arrived, one officer stayed
with me while the other went after the guy,
and he caught the attacker a few blocks
away.”
“if you’re
hungry enough
for success, you
will get to that
start line. I’m
hungry again
this year”
Lee den Hond has run ultra-marathons, done multiple Ironmans, climbed Mount
Charne
Bosman
R
D
“Something told me to turn around and I
saw a guy behind me, looking at a piece
of paper. It looked like he was looking for a
specific building or address, so I continued
walking. Suddenly I felt an incredible pain
in my back, like a hammer blow, and I lost
all feeling in my right leg. The guy had
stabbed me, and as I lay there he took my
Nike backpack and ran off. It had the sum
total of three Dollars in loot in it.”
Lee in action at the Marathon
Des Sables in the Sahara Desert
Planning for Success
When asked if she would like to go after the win
at Two Oceans, to round off her collection of top
five positions in the race, she says no, because
Comrades is her main focus this year. “It would be
nice to win Two Oceans, but this year it’s too close
to Comrades. Last year I learnt my lesson when I
won the Loskop 50km in 3:22 and broke the course
record for veterans, then had my biggest training
week at altitude in Graskop the very next week. I
hadn’t actually raced too hard at Loskop, but the
big week on top of it broke me, and that affected my
Comrades.”
W
Monday 25 February
Gauteng Schools Sprint League #5, Delta
Park, Johannesburg, Gauteng, Time TBC,
Karen Chambers 083 474 9463
“I was 30 years old and doing jobs
that students normally do,” says Lee,
describing that she would do personal
training in Central Park with individual
clients in the mornings, then work in sales
in a fashion store, followed by hostess and
waitressing work in an Italian restaurant in
the evenings. That day in September, after
putting in a long day at all three jobs, she
caught the subway home and was walking
the last few blocks home, around midnight,
when it happened.
RACE CALENDAR
Even now at 43, she says she still loves the way
running makes her feel. Nevertheless, she has
No matter what the future holds, for now Charne says
she is still fully focused on her running. “The older I
get, the stronger I seem to get, so I do not see my age
as a barrier... but I do listen to my body more now. I
know what works for me, and of course, what does
not work. Experience has taught me to focus only on
what I can control, and that is running my own race.
My rivals must do what they need to do, but all that
matters to me when I cross the finish line is that I want
to know that I gave it everything I have. If I can tell
myself I did that, then I will be happy with the result,
no matter that my position is.”
Fabulous February
Racing!
Lee Den Hond
Rockman T a
GAUTENG
Charne has been running since 1991 and says she
instantly fell in love with running the first time she
ran with her cousin. It also soon became apparent
that she had serious running talent. “When I was 16
years old, I did a VO2max test and they said I scored
69, which meant that I had lots of potential to be a
long-distance runner. They also said I was built like a
Kenyan, with long legs and a short torso, which gave
me still more encouragement.”
ED OR S P
With that really successful 2013 Two Oceans
debut still fresh in her memory, Charne then made
her Comrades debut, finishing fifth. Ultra-running
clearly suits her, and in the years from 2013 to
2018 she has earned four gold medals at Two
Oceans (finishing in positions 2, 5, 4 and 3, with a
best of 3:40:16 in that 2013 debut) and five golds
at Comrades, with an equally remarkable finishing
record of positions 5, 2, 1, 3 and 5, and a best of
6:25:55 in the 2016 Down Run, when she won the
race.
Looking Ahead
“If schools need me again this year, I will be available,
as long as it fits into my training schedule, but to be
honest, I can’t see myself going back to teaching
fulltime. On the other hand, I can see myself as a
running coach, helping with children, because I love
to work with kids. I’m already coaching junior athletes,
and enjoy giving back in that way. Also, Murray &
Roberts are supporting the Vorentoe Academy, so
if there is an opportunity and they want me to help
there, I would love to get involved. I’ve actually just
done some coaching courses with ASA, and it made
me realise that I actually enjoy studying, so even
though it’s been a long time since my varsity days,
I may look for something to study after Comrades,
like sports marketing. You’re never too old to try
something new!”
RACE CALENDAR
T
for the distance, and then getting tripped and falling
with 7km to go. The following year, I finished third at
Two Oceans, in one of the best races of my career. I
was lying ninth at Constantia Nek, but then I started
catching everyone. I was hammering it over the
last few kilometres, and if the race had been just
1km further, I could have passed Tabtitha Tsatsa for
second place... which would have meant I would
have become the winner when Natalya Volgina was
disqualified.”
“In 2018 I was trying to do my long training runs
in races, and I think that was one of my mistakes,
because even if just training, you naturally go five
to 10 percent faster. Lindsey says he will join me in
some races this year to hold me back, and will keep
an eye on me to make sure I stick to what is planned.
I still won at Johnson Crane, and may go down to the
Cape for the Peninsula Marathon, but I am running
according to a strict plan. I learnt a big lesson in 2018,
that to do well at Comrades, you can’t race all the
other races. You have to train and race smart.”
Have Your SAY
he date 20 September 1999 is
seared into Lee den Hond’s memory.
She had worked in marketing for
adidas and Nike in South Africa, and now
she had been in New York for just over
two months trying to land her dream job
in marketing with Nike in the Big Apple,
but things had not worked out as she had
hoped. Firstly, she did not have a permit
to legally work in the USA, and secondly,
she hadn’t realised that Nike headquarters
was actually in Portland, on the other side
of the country, so instead she was working
three part-time jobs just trying to earn
enough to survive.
reached that part of a pro runner’s career when one
inevitably has to begin thinking of what will come
next, when your competitive years at the top are over.
“You can’t run competitively forever, so I am already
thinking ahead. I studied teaching way back in the
day, then only taught for six months before turning pro
in 1998, but last year I actually updated my CV for the
first time in years because several schools asked me
to help them out as a relief teacher.”
worked for her in the past. In the build-up to her 2016
Comrades win, she won the Johnson Crane Marathon
and finished fourth at Two Oceans. In 2017, she didn’t
finish the Peninsula Marathon, but then took second
place at the Om Die Dam 50km. Last year, however,
she probably raced too much, winning the Johnson
Crane, Bestmed/Tuks and Deloitte marathons, as
well as the Sunrise Monster 32km and at Loskop.
This year she has already finished second in the
Dis-Chem Half, and followed that up with another
win in the Johnson Crane Marathon, posting a
new course record of 2:44:52, but she says she is
actually holding back.
TRACK &
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