Archives for March, 2009
Posted on Mar 31, 2009 under Running |
Following the allegations on Friday 27 March 2009 by the Daily News that the Comrades Marathon may have to be scrapped this year, and the subsequent Official Press Release from the CMA the same day.
The CMA and KZNCU Management had fruitful discussions on Saturday 28 March 2009 in order to explore the various solutions for both parties, as how to best accommodate both events, namely the Comrades Marathon and the IPL fixtures. KZNCU will not be hosting a semi final and or final of the IPL tournament, the problem arose with regards to the regular IPL fixtures and the CMA requiring Sahara Kingsmead Stadium for a 3 week period for set up of the finish area prior to the 24 May 2009.
The outcome of the discussions was extremely positive. Both parties agreed to hold emergency talks with their respective clients and or suppliers on Monday 30 March 2009. The CMA is required to determine whether it would be possible to set up the finish area at the stadium within 3 days and what would be required of, and from the suppliers to make this possible. This would require a massive effort from the CMA suppliers, sponsors, contractors and volunteers. Discussions are currently underway with all role-players.
The CMA and KZNCU will be meeting during the course of this week to advise on their discussions, in order to determine a resolution whereby each party will be satisfied.
The manner in which this issue has been dealt with between CMA and KZNCU is testament to the excellent relationship that exists between the two organizations.
The media will be advised as to the outcome of the meetings as a matter of urgency.
Posted on Mar 29, 2009 under Running |
Running as part of a vacation has seen strong growth in recent years. Individuals wanting to complete marathons in different cities, states, or countries can do so with the numerous marathons offered all over the world. Companies operate tours that take traveling marathoners around the globe.
Marathons are not the only option for running on a vacation – both endurance races and shorter distance runs are also possible. Run the World operates interesting culture/running tours to international destinations, and allows a traveller to run, but still soak in a large part of culture, which is often missed on a marathon trip.
What are the running habits? Do you run your home track or do you enjoy more running and getting to know new areas? What are your plans for the months coming up? Please comment. We will shortly start to profile the best runs around the world and specially here in South Africa
Posted on Mar 24, 2009 under Comrades Marathon |
Grace de Oliveira an exceptional athlete and a true Comrades Marathon legend broke the news today to the CMA that she has retired from Ultra Distance running.
Grace DeOliveira (47), who has consistently finished and competed for top honours each Comrades Marathon since 1999, will not be competing in the 2009 Comrades Marathon. Grace has always done herself, her family, KZN, and South Africa proud, finishing 7 times in the top 10, and only 3 times out the top 10 woman. Grace had her best result in 1999 when she finished in second place in a time of 06:34:53. Grace has 7 Gold Medals and 3 silver. Grace has always been a top contender for Comrades.
Grace gave 10 years of her running career to the Comrades Marathon and Ultra Marathons. She is a highly competitive runner and stated that she “loves Comrades” but would prefer to concentrate on the shorter distances.
“At the start of the 2008 Comrades Marathon, I had already decided that this would be my last Comrades Marathon, and that I would do the best I could.” “I am very happy with my decision to retire from the Ultra distance running but will still be running the shorter races.”
Grace also urged all runners that had still not made up the minds to enter the 2009 race to do so by the 31 March 2009.
Grace has achieved the following Comrades Marathon results
Year Position Medal
1999 2 Gold
2000 3 Gold
2001 7 Gold
2002 6 Gold
2003 11 Silver
2004 8 Gold
2005 13 Silver
2006 10 Gold
2007 10 Gold
2008 13 Silver
Posted on Mar 06, 2009 under Two Oceans Marathon |
As part of their fundraising efforts, the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon will be auctioning half marathon entries and ultra entries, complete with A seedings, to participants with the highest bids.
There are 10 half marathon and 5 ultra marathon entries up for grabs and bidding will open at R750 on Friday, March 6 at 10h00, two days after entries close, providing those participants who missed the entry deadline with a chance to get an entry. Winning bids will also get a PUMA hamper consisting of running shoes and T-shirt. All funds raised will go towards helping the event’s official charity NOAH (Nurturing Orphans of AIDS for Humanity).
According to Frank Brooks, sponsorship manager for Old Mutual: “We were looking for a novel way to raise money for the event’s official charity NOAH. The auction provides a select few people with a chance to start up front with the top runners and support a worthy cause at the same time.”
A section 21 company, NOAH started in 2000 in response to the realisation that South Africa faced a future filled with a staggering number of orphaned children from the impact of AIDS. It is estimated that there are more than 1.7 million orphaned and vulnerable children and this is expected to reach 2.5 million by 2015 because of HIV/AIDS.
Last year the event raised R212 596 for NOAH and these funds were used to establish and support the many Arks that the charity has developed to meet the needs of those orphaned by the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
This auction is open to all those participants who have already entered and those who missed the entry deadline and are looking for an entry. Those participants who have already entered will have their current seeding upgraded to an A seeding. The bidding opens at R750 at www.oldmutual.co.za/twooceansmarathon and will close on Monday, March 9 at 17h00. Winners will be announced on a daily basis following the previous day’s auction. Winners will be announced on the website.
Posted on Mar 03, 2009 under Two Oceans Marathon |
The Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon race office has received confirmation from the Western Cape Provincial Government that Chapman’s Peak will be open for the race on Saturday, April 11. 2009. The decision was made late last week following a meeting between race organisers and provincial government.
Said race director Rowyn James: “This certainly is welcome news for us and the City of Cape Town as the traditional route over the scenic drive is a major attraction for upcountry and international visitors, as well as the locals and means that the event has potential to attract record fields across all the distances.”
Entries are already up, particularly for the half marathon, which has 65 more entrants compared to last year at the same time and the race office is expecting to reach the maximum 11 000 entry mark before the closing date of March 4. Ultra entries traditionally come in at a slower rate as many of the runners still need to run their qualifying events during February and early March.
This year sees the event celebrate its 40th birthday as well as 10 years with Old Mutual as the title sponsor. Over the years, this truly Capetonian event has earned the reputation as the world’s most beautiful marathon. The 26 runners who lined up to face the challenge back in 1970 probably had no idea they were starting something that has become a national institution and a favourite with local, upcountry, and international athletes.
The event attracts in the region of 26 000 participants across the ultra, half marathon and the fun runs, with 60 of the field coming from outside the Western Cape or overseas. It provides participants with a mixture of breathtaking scenery, a gruelling test of fitness for both the elite and recreational runner, and an unrivalled race organisation and atmosphere.
Posted on Mar 02, 2009 under Running |
Over 600 children took part in the first of the Old Mutual Two Oceans Fun Run Challenges on Saturday, February 7, at Downville Primary in Manenberg. This was the second year the event was held in Manenberg and the schools with the most participants were Downville, Red River and Rio Grande Primary.
The 4 km fun run, organised by Farnese and Top Form Athletic Clubs, was won by Redah Abrahams in the boys event and Rowena Wilson in the girls event – both pupils at Downville Primary. The top fifteen boys and girls win free entry to the main fun runs on Good Friday, April 10, as well as transport to and from the event.
The fun run challenges are a collaboration between Western Province Athletics, local running clubs and the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon to promote the main fun runs on Good Friday, to develop race organising skills and to encourage and increase participation. These events will also be used to identify and develop the talent that exists in the local schools. The remaining challenges are scheduled for February 21 in Mitchells Plain, March 7 in Blue Downs and March 14 in Khayelitsha.
Entries for the Old Mutual Two Oceans fun runs will be handed out at the challenges. The main fun runs on Easter Friday are open to everyone and runners’ friends, family members and supporters, especially the children, are all welcome to join in the fun and experience the event spirit. There is loads of fun for the whole family and participants can choose from a 56 m Nappy Dash for kids under 3 years, a 300 m Toddlers’ Trot for kids aged 4 to 6 years, a 2.5 km and a 5 km. Entry forms for the main fun runs will be available at the Expo at the Good Hope Centre and on the UCT rugby fields on Friday, April 10
For more information contact 021-699 0615, email funrun@twooceansmarathon.org.za or visit www.twooceansmarathon.org.za or www.wpa.org.za
