What happened over the festive season!

Bay to Bay 2009 photo's! Thanks Hussy.

































Route changes to Peninsula Marathon qualifier in Feb 2009

1. Puma ended it's sponsorship but a smaller sponsor has being found

2. Race is still on but the organisers are waiting for permissions wrt the new route. The route is being changed because of the road works, the construction in Green Point and the cost of marshals and traffic control on the old route

New route : Start at the Simonstown station, back to Fish hoek circle, then along Kommetjie road, left over Black Hill,turn right at Main Road back towards Simonstown, then right up Red Hill past Cape Point and back to the finish at the Naval Sports Grounds.

The half goes straight back to the finish leaving out the Redhill/Cape Point route

3. Those who were looking for a fast qualifier in Feb 2009 will have to do the Cango 42km instead. Thanks MHB for the route profile.







Liezel van der Westhuizen (SABC 3 presenter)

Liezel van der Westhuizen is a self-confessed sporty tomboy. She loves hanging out in her tracksuit and running shoes, but she doesn't miss up an opportunity to splash out on the good times.

This rising radio and TV personality beat over 200 people to make it onto the team of SABC 3 presenters, and she has been an instant hit with viewers.

Liezel currently hosts a lifestyle chat show called Lunch Box on SABC 3 on weekdays at 12, and she is also a presenter on Jacaranda 94.2 FM, but reading and swimming compete for the little leisure time she has to spend.

What is your favourite item of clothing?

My Salomon cross-trainers (does that count as a personal item of clothing?).

Do you play sport? What is your favourite sporting activity?

Yes, I love swimming and do long distance swims such as the Midmar Mile and RedHouse River Mile. I also enjoy playing golf, but I'm still pretty much a beginner (hacker). I've also taken up jogging; there is something so appealing about being out on the road on an early-morning run.

What are your favourite spectator sports?

I love watching sports, specially got DSTV so I could catch up on my sport viewing. I especially enjoy watching Rugby, cricket and F1.

Who are your favourite sports stars?

Natalie du Toit and Oscar Pistorius, they have both shown time and time again that, no matter what the circumstances are, that you can achieve your goals and dreams.

You have a beautifully trim figure; do you follow a specific fitness routine?

Yes, I go to the gym five times a week, where I normally swim a few laps, and then go to a spinning class. But I also just follow a healthy eating lifestyle.

Guguletu 2008 10km pictures! Thanks DWARP!

No Plexus marathon will be staged on Sunday 17th May 2009

The annual marathon for 2009 has been reduced to a Half Marathon (RCS), a 21KM League Walk (RCS), a 10KM run (RCS) and a fun run. (RCS) = Powerade League Race.

This is due to the earlier running of Comrades which has been moved forward in 2009 and 2010 and to accommodate the 2010 World Cup Soccer tournament in RSA.

Thanks Smurf for the Manor House Run 2008 pictures!

Linda’s Himalayan Endurance















Capetonian ultra-distance running junkie Linda Doke scooped second position in the women's category as 8th overall finisher of one of the world's most beautiful trail races, the Himalayan 100 Mile stage race, which took place in early November.

A total of 58 competitors representing 12 countries competed in this 18th running of the five-day event, which took place in and around the Singalila National Park in West Bengal, India. The race route, which bordered Nepal and lay in the shadow of four of the world's five highest mountains (Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu and Everest), took place at altitudes between 1 900m and 3 600m, and incorporated a total cumulative elevation of almost 20 000m.

The race is said to be one of the toughest 100 mile trail races on the global calendar, not for its technical difficulty or extreme weather conditions, but rather for the challenge it presents running at altitude, being the highest multiple-day mountain running event in the world.

"As ultras go, the Himalayan 100 Miler is certainly not in the same league as the more extreme stage races, like those in the Atacama, Gobi and Sahara Deserts, which are about 100km further and require the runners to be self-sufficient," says Doke. "But this race comes with its own set of challenges - like having to run at pace from 1 900m to 3 600m on Day One! The higher we climbed, the thinner the air became - it was like trying to snorkel using a straw!".

The Himalayan 100 Miler incorporated the Everest Challenge Marathon on day three of the race, with a sprinkling of additional runners jetting in especially for the single day event.
The overall winner of the five-day race was world mountain running champ Hubert Gantolier of Austria, in 14:58. New Zealand running star Sara Winter secured the women's title, in 17:31.

Doke says she chose to do this race for the unique experience of running in the beauty of the Himalayas. "The race took us across such varied landscapes, from lush forests to desolate, stark hillsides that are battered during the winter months by howling winds and icy temperatures.

"We ran through small villages and settlements that were so remote the inhabitants seldom see outsiders, and there are no roads for vehicles to pass through. This was definitely one of the most memorable races I've done."

How did you get into long distance running?

Rather rapidly, really - I started running in '94, doing 5km, three times a week. Before long I'd upped that to 12km, 21km, my first marathon, and then the next step was obvious: the Two Oceans 56km. I added Comrades to the mix in my third year, and found I loved long distance.

What events have you done?

For years, living in Jhb I stuck to tar, not knowing there was a whole wonderful world of trail out there. So I've clocked up thirteen consecutive Two Oceans, and hope to run my tenth Comrades in 2009. While I still do road running, trail is now my passion, and for me the further the better!

The most exciting events I've done are the Tuffer Puffer (from the Waterfront to Cape Point, and back to the Waterfront, over the mountains, 160km), the Cape Odyssey, Mont Blanc marathon in France, Ironman and the Himalayan 100 Miler. And I'm hoping to add lots more to the list!

What does your training entail?

Training for long distance events requires a lot of dedication. Building endurance and stamina involves building up your weekly distance to about 100km a week, lots of hill work, and ideally some cross-training, whether working out in the gym, swimming, cycling - or all three. I built up a solid cross-training foundation when I did Ironman in 2006 and 2007, and although I no longer do triathlons, I still know the benefit of using those other disciplines to keep all round fit.

So don't talk about it, do it. And once you've started, you'll be hooked - it's the best way to boost your energy levels, manage stress, and inject health into your life. And the best part is, for those who love their food, running enables you to eat what you want!

Linda's Personal Bests:

Comrades 2005 - 8:07
Tuffer Puffer 2006 - 1st woman, 2nd overall finisher
Tuffer Puffer 2007 - 1st woman, 2nd overall (new women's record: 25hr20)
Cape Odyssey 2007 - 1st women's team, 4th team overall
Cape Odyssey 2008 - 1st women's team
Mont Blanc Marathon 2008 - 6th woman
Himalayan 100 Miler 2008 - 2nd woman, 8th overall finisher

Dangerpoint 21km 2008 photo's! Thanks DWARP.















More Bay to Bay 2009 photo's. Thanks Edgemead!












2008 in Review

Twilight Team Run 2008 photo's!

Thursday 04/12/2008

Twilight Team Run raises R500 000 for needy!

A howling south-easter down on the foreshore could not deter thousands of participants in the Community Chest Twilight Team Run who clutched on to their wigs, hats, skirts and cardboard outfits as they snaked through the city. Meghann Leo from the Community Chest said that the race had been "stunning" and that R524 700 was raised. Leo said 3 180 teams entered in 2008, which meant there were about 19 080 entrants."It was awesome, there were no glitches, everything went smoothly," she said. Bumblebees and ball gowns, cardboard-covered medieval knights, pirates and even Daily Voice page three girls were spotted as the participants moved from Table Bay Boulevard, through Long and Adderley Streets and back, around dusk on Tuesday.

Those pushing children in prams and carrying cooler bags with snacks and drinks proceeded with caution. Team spirit was palpable as people held on to each other for support recoiling against strong gusts of wind. There was confusion about the winner of the best dressed team, so that award will be announced later. The prize is the Good Hope FM trophy and a 178-litre deep freeze for each of the six team members. Bystanders played loud music and honked vuvuzelas to cheer on participants. Some brave members did the 5km walk in stiletto heels for the sake of complementing their outfits. Many had to hold on tightly to their mobile boom boxes, trolleys filled with liquor and cardboard cut-outs as they moved around the circle at Hans Strijdom Avenue. Others trailed off in Long Street where inviting pubs and restaurants were buzzing. It was the 26th Twilight Team Run. It was first held in 1982 to raise funds for victims of the Laingsburg flood.

Thanks Marcellus, Fatig & Cornel for the photo's!

Photos taken of the crowd!

Friday 05/12/2008

Stumbled upon these photo's while reading up about the upcoming Tru-Cape Kogelberg Big Blue 2008/9 Summer Series. You'll recognise the ladies team that won!

Winelands 2008 photo's!

Monday 24/11/2008

We had the biggest turnout of forumites in a long while!

Had great support out on the road and at the finish from friends, runners and clubmates! Thanks Hussy for photo's!

Thanks Bennie for the 2nd photo!











Runners are confused about the start venue as the newspapers, Runnersworld and WPA still indicate the Westgate Mall and not Rocklands Sports Complex as the start venue. Athletes wanted to know why the Titans brochure was not available at the race Saturday but it seems as if WPA has to approve it first even though the course measurers were already spotted down Lentegeur hospital for the 11-13km markings could be pointed out to me.

Tuesday 25/11/2008

Bellville AC uploaded their Winelands pictures!











Friday 28/11/2008

Bought a pair of Nike Pegasus 2007 on special for R699 as my current pair was starting to hurt my feet!

Landmarks 2008 photo's!

Monday 17/11/2008

NT opted to take photo's instead of run Landmarks yesterday!

This is the first time I've heard Niel (Ratso) admit defeat. His a Celtic Harrier runner undergoing cancer treatment and will be missing Winelands (sub 5 pacesetter) because the medicines they injected him last week physically weakened him. We are keeping you in our prayers and those who know you will be running in your honour Saturday!

Ratso wrote:

Eish - the way things are standing at the moment I might have to give this one a miss too. The word "Depressed" doesn't quite capture my mood right now - I am worried this is the beginning of the end of my running and the end of the rest is sure to follow soon after. I am fully expecting an exponential decline once I can't run anymore.

Ratso wrote a more positive response to the panic he caused Monday :-)

Wednesday 19/11/2008

Temporary Licences for the Old Mutual Two Oceans 56km ultra marathon

In an effort to make the exciting sport of road running more appealing and accessible to the masses, a bold decision has been taken in order to explore new opportunities in what has become a stereotypical vision to the sport, particularly on the ultra running scene. This is certainly something that is required in a sport that is under pressure for a piece of the pie from other sporting codes and further entrenches the mood for the new emerging market of runners and how they perceive the current sporting structures and systems. More importantly, it is to captivate and keep them in the sport, instead of losing them to another sporting code.

As per the ASA rule 13.4 (see attached) the decision regarding temporary licences rests solely with the host province. No rule exists that states temporary licences cannot be issued for any distance greater than 42km. Therefore, it could be argued that in terms of the ASA rule, if the event is sanctioned then temporary licences should be available and that WP would be acting contrary to ASA rules by NOT making them available. Fortunately, WPA has been pro-active in this regard and at the council meeting in October they approved the request to make temporary licences available for the 56km.

For example, this year we were faced with a scenario where two security guards wanted to run the 56km. They do not earn a substantial salary and 75% of their monthly salary would have gone towards joining a club, purchasing the club colours and then paying the race entry fee. We feel we are not in a position to discriminate against them by excluding them from a sport and an event that they really want to participate in, but don’t have the financial capacity to do so. In addition, this also goes against ASA’s mandate to make the sport accessible to ALL.

The Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon actively contributes to the sport by introducing approximately 6 500 temporary runners to the 21km each year. The question that needs to be asked of the clubs is: “What are they doing to captivate and include these runners into their respective club structures?” and what are the clubs doing for or offering their members to ensure retention and sustainability?

All clubs who present their respective races, be it over 15/21/32/42km make provision for temporary licences, so why should the Two Oceans Marathon be excluded based on the statement “that’s how it’s always been done in the past”, considering no ASA rule exists to substantiate this claim?

This decision is certainly NOT an attempt to make additional money, as might be believed to be the case. In any effect, entrance fees should never make up more than 10% of the overall race budget with all temporary licence fees going to the host province and the race organisers do not benefit financially at all. If this were the case then the race would certainly not have shifted the qualifying period, thereby effectively “shooting themselves in the foot”.

Conversely, Two Oceans Marathon does realise and acknowledge the role that clubs do play in the sport, and for this reason shifted the qualifying period for the 2009 event to start from 1 September 2008. What this effectively means is that we are driving runners to run road races, which in many instances are the main source of revenue for the clubs’ sustainability. In the past runners could use their Two Oceans Marathon from the previous year as their qualifier and then possibly not run another race again until the following Two Oceans Marathon.

The landscape of the running market is evolving dramatically and to ensure sustainability, a concerted effort to keep abreast with these changes is of vital importance. Ten to fifteen years ago, it was considered an absolute must to run an ultra, unfortunately that is not the case today. Too many other sports such as triathlon, trail running, adventure racing, extreme sports etc. are stealing our market share and the time has now come to look outside the box and move with the times. The future of the sport is with the recreational runner or non-club member, with the club runner market appearing to stagnate.

I hope that this explanation gives the required clarity on mapping the way forward. I would also like to add that this is a trial for 2009 and the position will be reviewed for 2010. It must be noted that this decision was approved by WPA, who is the custodian of the sport, and to whom we are affiliated. Two Oceans Marathon is not mandated to make this decision on its own accord. As the decision rests with WPA any representation should be lodged with them and not with the race.

Running regards

Rowyn JamesRace Director: Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon

GavinW wrote:

My concern is that the club system will suffer as a fair amount of runners only join clubs so that they can run Oceans and Comrades. Sure some will join anyway if they are active enough to warrant not purchasing a temp licence, but if clubs start losing members it will become increasinly hard for those clubs to stage quality races with fewer members and either races will dissapear from the calendar(not nesesarilly a bad thing) or become not as well organised (a bad thing) Just my 2c worth

SeanF wrote:

Another point that I raised in my debate with Mike, and one I have mixed feelings about. I reckon many of those members who join clubs just to get a licence number to run the big ultra's are unlikely to volunteer to help at their club's races to begin with, so this may not actually affect the number or quality of races on the calendar - although I could be wrong here.

ChrisG wrote:

The sale of Temps is a trial for 2009 and will be reviewed thereafter. The more FACTS (as opposed to opinions) clubs can present about membership patterns the more informed that review will be. Sale of Temps is a decision by the WPA council so ultimately it is the clubs that hold the power. So happens that they voted in favour of selling Temps for 2009.