Stephen Mokoka

Despite the gale force South Easterly winds a record of 13 765 runners enjoyed finishing the Old Mutual Two Oceans half-marathon at the University of Cape Town fields.

The 6 and 6.10 starts appears to have favoured the 21,1 km participants as the wind increased in strength when they had already turned after 6 km back towards the Table Mountain range.

The growing international interest reflected in the outstanding win by youthful 23 year old Ethiopian Biru Meseret Mengistu.

Her outstanding winning time of 1 hour 12 minutes 43 seconds reducing the record set on the new course last year by 2 minutes 19 seconds and only 47 seconds behind the record on the old course which excluded the tough Edinburgh Drive climb after 2 km into the race.

Last year’s winner Rene Kalmer improved her record too by 8 seconds with 3 time bridesmaid Irvette van Blerk running a superb 62 seconds faster than last year but dropping to third.

Clearly the wind was not an inhibiting factor but the emergence of another classy Ethiopian raised the level of performance to the top level on a tough course.

The men ran according to form with Stephen Mokoka winning in 1 hour 3 minutes 36 seconds smashing last year’s record by 78 seconds.

A mere 9 seconds covered the first three with twice-winner (2010 & 2011) Lusapho April maintaining his excellent record of consistency finishing 2 nd.

2012 runner-up Joel Mmone took a huge 76 seconds off his time of last year and as with Irvette van Blerk dropped from 2 nd to 3 rd.

These performances would indicate a significant improvement on 2012 which is confirmed in the top 7 men all finishing below last year’s winning time and record on the new course.

report by Peter Wrensch

Mokoka takes Two Oceans Half is a post from: Time-to-Run Cape Town

Two Oceans Marathon Expo

Bigger and better: 2013 Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon Expo opens its doors at CTICC

More than 50 000 visitors are expected to walk through the doors of the 2013 Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon Expo at its brand new home at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) between 27 and 29 March 2013. The Expo has moved to the CTICC for the first time in the history of the event.

All runners need to collect their race numbers for the Two Oceans Trail Run, International Friendship Run, Half and Ultra-Marathon events at the Expo which is open to the public and is free of charge. All participants need to bring their RaceTec chip to register.  Runners who register on Wednesday and Thursday stand a chance to win one of ten free entries per day to any Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon event for 2014 and be entered into a lucky draw to win a trip for two to the Victoria Falls Marathon in July 2013.

Bigger and better seems to be the theme for the 2013 Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon with the Ultra Marathon securing over 10 000 entries, making it the biggest field in the event’s 44 year history.  With the move to the CTICC, the Expo promises to appeal to more than just runners as more than 100 lifestyle exhibitors will be present including top sporting brands, apparel, supplements, outdoor adventure sports and sporting tours.

Title sponsor Old Mutual will be inviting visitors to meet their Virtual Coach, Norrie Williamson for some last minute race tips, or check cholesterol and general health with trained professionals. Runners who need foot massages before the big day or supporters who would like personalised posters are encouraged to visit the Old Mutual stand.

Robert Mafuna, the Marketing Executive Group Sponsorship & Events at Old Mutual says, “Old Mutual looks forward to meeting all participants and supporters and wish all the runners a fantastic run. Their participation in this event ensures that we continue to “Do Great Things” together.”

New technical sponsor, adidas, will be showcasing their range of technical running gear including the revolutionary new cushioning technology, BOOST™.  The stand will feature a comfortable lounge area where runners can meet adidas brand ambassadors such as Janez Vermeiren, Liezel van der Westhuizen and Nigel Pierce. Technical reps will conduct free foot scans, and runners can share their goals on the custom-built adidas commitment wall.

Parking is available in the following areas, Wednesday 27 March to Friday 29 March:

·         CTICC on-site parking in P1 or P3 (Visitors are advised to exchange their parking entry ticket for a discounted parking ticket at the CTICC parking desk at the exit of the Expo – R30 per day.)
·         V&A Waterfront – open parking area at the entrance to the V&A Waterfront off Coen Steytler Ave opposite the Caltex Garage with a shuttle service running to and from the CTICC.  (Cost R10 on entry to the parking area.)
·         Table-Bay Boulevard parking – under the elevated freeways, accessed from DF Malan Street  (Cost R15 on entry to the parking area.)

Additional parking only open on Friday, 29 March:

·         CTICC using the Convention Towers  parking area – accessible via P3 (Visitors are advised to exchange their parking entry ticket for a discounted parking ticket at the CTICC parking desk at the exit of the Expo – R30 per day.)
·         On street parking and open parking areas in the vicinity of the CTICC (Visitors to follow pedestrian routes and cross roads with care obeying all traffic officers and marshals.)

The Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon Expo will open from 10:00 – 19:00 on Wednesday, 27 March and Thursday, 28 March. On Friday, 29 March it will open from 09:00 – 17:00. For more information, please visit www.twooceansmarathon.org.za.

Two Oceans Marathon Expo 2013 is a post from: Time-to-Run Cape Town

TOMI Charity

The Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon provides runners a great day out and is also a fantastic way to give back to the community. The Two Oceans Marathon Initiative (TOMI) is the event’s official fundraising initiative that provides much needed support to select groups of charities that meet various criteria. The 2013 beneficiaries of TOMI were announced by the Two Oceans Marathon Association Board on 20 February 2013 and include SANParks Honorary Rangers, Western Province Athletics and The Cape Academy of Maths, Science and Technology.

Lester Cameron, Chairman of the Two Oceans Marathon Association, says: “Over R265 000 has already been raised and we look forward to seeing this number increase over the next few weeks.” He  goes on to explain that TOMI’s priorities lie with ensuring that the education and sporting needs of children are met, education facilities are provided and upgraded, and environmental issues, involving parks, flora and fauna are included. “We are confident that the charities chosen this year will allocate their funds to benefiting and uplifting their respective communities.”

The combination of marathon and mountain is an exciting collaboration between TOMI, SANParks and the Honorary Rangers and will provide support for a key Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) project. The SANParks Honorary Rangers in the Table Mountain region comprise of 35 volunteers who support TMNP by fundraising and working on a variety of conservation projects. Their project for 2013 is to create an Endangered Species Garden at Orpen Road in Tokai Park, which will highlight about 30 different threatened species. The garden will be easily accessible to everyone with paths wide enough for families and groups (such as school environment clubs, walkers and joggers).

The donation to Western Province Athletics (WPA) will fund a much-needed Club Development Programme. This programme will promote the development of people by instilling a sense of competence, belonging and pride, enabling them to reach their full potential. Due to the diversity of WPA members, continuously changing EXCO members and their daily commitments, many members across the province are facing a tough task and lack the proper guidance and necessary education to successfully manage, empower and grow their clubs. This programme reflects the WPA’s commitment to not only promoting the sport of athletics but to positively contribute to developing and transforming our society by improving the functioning and support of WPA affiliated clubs.

The Cape Academy of Maths, Science and Technology was started in 2004 by the Western Cape Education Department with the explicit objective to provide high-quality Further Education and Training (FET) to socio-economically deprived learners in Grades 10-12 with a bias to rural areas. The Academy currently has 405 learners from different areas in the Western, Eastern and Northern Cape in a residential school in Tokai. Funds donated by TOMI will be utilized to pay for school fees, hostel accommodation, stationery, school uniforms, medical & dental care and travel expenses.

If you would like to donate to TOMI, please visit www.twooceansmarathon.org.za/about-us/event-charity-tomi or EFT to the following bank details:

Bank: Nedbank
Branch Code: 198765
Account Number: 1077006233
Account Holder: Two Oceans Marathon Association

Two Oceans 2013 Charity Beneficiaries is a post from: Time-to-Run Cape Town

Peninsula Marathon 2011

Top runners in this weekend’s Cape Peninsula Marathon can win cash incentives if they produce fast times as race organisers Celtic Harriers in association with Top Events announced today that an additional R15 000 will be given to the first male running sub 2:13, with R10 000 if sub 2:15 is achieved.  The first woman to run sub 2:40 will to earn R15 000 and a sub 2:42 will offer R10 000, over and above the regular prize money.

The course records for this flat, point-to-point 42.2km marathon that starts in Main Road Green Point and finishes in Simon’s Town are 2:11:47 held by Ernest Tjela (1987) and 2:37:19 held by Monica Drogemoller (1990).

The race takes place on Sunday 17 February and close to 4 500 entries have been received across the marathon and the 21.1km half marathon.

The marathon starts in Green Point Main Road at 05h15, while the half marathon starts from the Bergvliet Sports Club at 07h00.  Both routes offer runners a fast, flat and scenic run through to the finish at the Naval Sports Grounds in Simon’s Town.

Runners are reminded to collect their race numbers from the venue they selected when they entered – either Sportsmans Warehouse in Rondebosch or Tygervalley or at New Balance in Moche Road, Diep River on Saturday 16 February from 10h00 to 17h00.  No late entries will be taken but runners can do upgrades, downgrades or substitutions at any of these venues for an additional fee of R20.

The following roads will be closed or experience some congestion during the event:

·         Main Road, Green Point – From York Road to Three Anchor Bay Road from 05h15 to 05h45.
·         Main Road Muizenberg – From Atlantic Road to the turn off to Boyes Drive, Kalk Bay.  Traffic will only be permitted towards Cape Town.  All traffic going towards Fish Hoek will be diverted over Boyes Drive from 07h30 to 09h30.
·         Main Road 7 Ladies Mile, Bergvliet – For 15 minutes from 07h00 to 07h15 during the start of the Half Marathon.

Some exciting lucky draw prizes up for grabs include an all-expenses paid trip for two runners to the Victoria Falls Marathon or Half Marathon in July 2013 or the chance to drive a BMW or mini for a weekend.

Cash incentives for Peninsula Runners is a post from: Time-to-Run Cape Town

Two Oceans Fun Run

The first Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon Fun Run Series of 2013 took place this weekend at the Alphen Hall in Constantia. Young and older athletes lined up on 26 January 2013 to complete a 5.6km route that took participants around the leafy suburb of Constantia.

Organised as a joined initiative between the Two Oceans Marathon Association and Western Province Athletics, the Fun Run Series is aimed at encouraging participation in physical activity within the communities where the runs are organised.

Lester Cameron, chairman of the Two Oceans Marathon Association, says: “The aim of these Fun Run events is to target every child in the Western Cape to not only participate in the events, but to encourage them to live a healthy lifestyle. Sport is an important aspect in a holistic lifestyle and the series provides the opportunity to identify running talent, while also creating a platform for development of future South African running stars.”

Kassar Adams (14) from Steenberg and Gershawn Aziza (12) from Wynberg both took part and were among the first runners to complete the route. Adams says: “I really enjoyed it! It was my first race, and it was fun but quite far. I practise at school and one day I would like to be a professional runner.” Aziza was delighted with his medal and says that he trained for the race by running with his parents.

Each Fun Run Series is hosted by different running clubs within the community who provide the logistics and manpower. The distance of 5.6km has been chosen to align itself with the 56km Old Mutual Two Oceans Ultra Marathon. Some Fun Run Series participants will be invited to take part in the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon Fun Runs held at UCT on Good Friday, 29 March 2013.

The next Fun Run Series event will take place on Saturday, 09 February 2013 at Stratford Primary School in Blue Downs at 9:00am. Entrance to the Fun Run is free. The full schedule of upcoming Fun Run Series events is below;

Two Oceans 2013 Fun Run Series is a post from: Time-to-Run Cape Town

Cape Peninsula Marathon

The Cape Peninsula marathon and half marathon take place on Sunday 17 February and runners are reminded to enter online at www.topevents.co.za or pick up an entry form at any Sportsmans Warehouse, who will also be accepting entries at the till points.

Over 1 500 entries have been received to date and race organisers are expecting a record field to line up for the event.  Runners must enter before Sunday 3 February as no late entries will be taken after this date and no substitutions, upgrades or downgrades will be allowed.

The event is organised by Celtic Harriers in association with Top Events and the 42km marathon is an official qualifier for the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon and Comrades, with many runners using it not only as their qualifier but also as their long training run.

The marathon starts in Green Point Main Road at 05h15, while the half marathon starts from the Bergvliet Sports Club at 07h00.  Both routes offer runners a fast, flat and scenic run through to the finish at the Naval Sports Grounds in Simon’s Town.

Two runners stand the chance of each winning an all-expenses paid trip to the Victoria Falls Marathon or Half Marathon in July 2013 just by entering the Cape Peninsula 42km or 21km.  All entrants’ names will go into a special lucky draw the day before the event and the winners will be informed ahead of race day.

Runners can also purchase their branded moisture management New Balance event T-shirt online when they enter.

Participants’ donations and a portion of proceeds from this event will be donated to the Beth Uriel Home and the Pink Drive.  The Beth Uriel Home provides assistance and shelter for marginalised youngsters between 15 to 22 years through various development programmes.

The Pink Drive is a non-profit organisation committed to improving breast cancer awareness, education and offering services to women around South Africa, particularly those who do not have access to information.

Marathon 2013 February entry deadline is a post from: Time-to-Run Cape Town

The New Green Point Stadium is a post from: Cape Town

Cape Town» Running

The New Green Point Stadium is a post from: Time-to-Run Cape Town

Two Oceans

SECOND ROUND OF ENTRIES FOR 2013 OLD MUTUAL TWO OCEANS HALF MARATHON OPEN ON TUESDAY 15 JANUARY

Runners who have not completed any Two Oceans Marathon races or previous participants who missed the first entry batch will be given a chance to secure one of the 6 000 additional entries on 15 January 2013 at 10h00.

The second round of entries to South Africa’s biggest half marathon will become available at 10h00 on Tuesday, 15 January 2013, on the Two Ocean Marathon website. Rowyn James, Race Director of the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon, encourages those interested in taking part to enter early as the available spots are expected to fill up fast.

A new split entry process has been introduced for the 2013 half marathon event. 10 000 entries were released on 1 November 2012 for participants who have completed previous Two Oceans races. With a maximum field of 16 000, the remaining 6 000 entries opening on 15 January offer a final opportunity for runners to compete in the 2013 Old Mutual Two Oceans Half Marathon, taking place on Saturday, 30 March 2013.

Participants can enter online at www.twooceansmarathon.org.za

Second round entries to Two Oceans Half is a post from: Time-to-Run Cape Town

Cape Peninsula Marathon

Entries for the popular Cape Peninsula Marathon on Sunday 17 February 2013, are open and participants can enter online at www.topevents.co.za or pick up an entry form at any Sportsmans Warehouse, who will also be accepting entries at the till points.

Two runners stand the chance of each winning an all-expenses paid trip to the Victoria Falls Marathon or Half Marathon in July 2013 just by entering the Cape Peninsula 42km or 21km.  All entrants’ names will go into a special lucky draw the day before the event and the winners will be notified ahead of race day.

Entries close on Sunday 3 February and no late entries will be taken after this date.  Runners will also not be able to do substitutions, upgrades or downgrades.  For more information contact Top Events on 021-511 7130 or visit www.topevents.co.za.

The event is organised by Celtic Harriers in association with Top Events and is an official qualifier for the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon and Comrades, with many runners using it not only as their qualifier but also as their long training run.  Both routes offer runners a fast, flat course through to the finish at the Naval Sports Grounds in Simon’s Town.

Runners’ donations and a portion of proceeds from this event will be donated to the Beth Uriel Home and the Pink Drive.  The Beth Uriel Home provides assistance and shelter for marginalised youngsters between 15 to 22 years through various development programmes.  The Pink Drive is a non-profit organisation committed to improving breast cancer awareness, education and offering services to women around South Africa, particularly those who do not have access to information.

Peninsula Marathon entries 2013 is a post from: Time-to-Run Cape Town

Coaches Workshop

Athletics Coaches Participatory Workshop This workshop will be structured around Participatory Action Research, involving athletics coaches from the Western Province, who will actively examine together the current athlete and coach development systems in order to change and improve them.

The coaches will form a Community of Practice, a group of active coaches coming together to share ideas and best practice, ask questions of their colleagues, and provide support to each other.

Athletic coaches are at the heart of our sport; be it participation or performance athletics, improving people’s health and well-being, developing talent, or supporting medal success.  Coaches are often the under acknowledged driving force motivating people of all ages to be active and achieve success.

This workshop will look specifically at athlete and coach development systems taking into consideration recent national developments and existing local conditions.  National developments include the “South Africa Sport for Life Model for Long-Term Participation and Development” and the “South African Coaching Framework”.

Western Province Athletics would like to extend this opportunity to all coaches to actively attend and participate:

Date :                 8 December 2012
Time :                 09H00 – 15H00
Venue :               Athlone Stadium

The workshop will facilitated by Norman Brook formerly a UK Athletics Coach & High Performance Director and British Triathlon Federation Chief Executive Officer.  Norman is an internationally experienced facilitator and trainer of trainers.  He now resides in Cape Town where he manages an international Sport for Social Change NGO and operates as an international sports consultant.

Building a better Coaching Environment is a post from: Time-to-Run Cape Town