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Stopwatch — May 2006 Page 1 Stopwatch! Stopwatch is the newsletter of the UCT Athletics Club Autumn Edition May 2006

Super Sylma!

SASSU Gold Medallist http://www.wpa.org.za Stopwatch — May 2006 Page 3 Page 4 Stopwatch — May 2006 From the Editor Stopwatch! This is by far the thickest Stopwatch that I have produced. This is partly be- Editor: cause it is fifteen months since the last SASSU 2005: edition, and partly because so much has William Robinson happened in the club since then. ‘Jis okes, we’re driving through Hillbrow!’ Contributors: Club membership has been growing Helen Joy Clark, James Evans, Jannie steadily, and we now have well over 21–24 April 2005 Leach, Julie McGaw, Nicci Collier, 200 licensed runners. It has been great The 2005 SASSU Track and Field We finally arrived at RAU stadium, not Nicky Collins, William Robinson to see the women’s road and cross country squad growing in strength and Championships were held at the ‘New’ yet knowing where we were supposed Contents: numbers, and there are signs that the University of Johannesburg (formerly to stay. Some of the athletes had a train- men’s squad is gaining momentum RAU). The organization of the champi- ing run while James and Marion at- 3. From the Editor onships though reminded one more of tended some of the boring (and totally 4. SASSU Athletics Champs – again as well. I am looking forward to the 2006 cross country season! the ‘Old’ RAU, i.e. ‘Rejected at useless) meetings. I had to rush back to Johannesburg 2005 UNISA’! But more about that later. the airport to pick up James Stutter- 6. Gun Run 21.1 km – A Blast! We also have a number of new track heim. When we got back, we had to 7. A Touch of Class – Club Awards and field stars. They have set a variety It was the first time that I was going to a wait for James and Marion, who were Cocktail Party of UCT records, and medals have been student champs in an ‘administrative still in a meeting. 9. Mopping, Muscling, Modelling and won at WP, SA and SASSU champs. capacity’, i.e. as tour guide. We left Munching on Thursday the 21st at After dinner we went to look for the 11. Anatomic Mast Challenge Attendance at training has been excel- about noon, flying with the 1time air- Student Village (in Berrea), the place 12. Sugar and Spice and All Things lent this year, and we now have dedi- line. They seem to have a bit of ESP where we were supposed to stay. Now, Nice – Will’s Pudding Party cated coordinators for our social and (extra-sensual perception): Kerry-Ann as the driver of the lead car, I was told 12. News Snippets novice running group. Club social was seated all by herself right at the to take Empire Road to its end and then 15. Fool-proof party planning events have all been enthusiastically back of the plane (so that she would not turn left into Louis Botha Avenue and 16. Cross Country 2005 Highlights supported. disturb the pilots!). then right into ‘Thabo Road’ and then to 17. WP Track and Field Champs take the second left. BIG PROBLEM, 18. SASSU Athletics Champs – A big thank you goes out to our com- On arrival at Joburg, we picked up our there is NO Thabo road near Berrea. (I Port Elizabeth 2006 mittee and coaches who have put fantas- rentals (three City Golfs) at Imperial. think the closest one was in Alexandra!) 19. Sussing out SASSU PE 2 0 0 6 tic effort into coordinating our many That is when the fun started. We drove So we ended up driving (and dicing) 23. Two Oceans Results events and teams, and who kept the club to RAU’s athletic stadium via the R24 down Louis Botha, till we got to High- 24. New UCT Road Running Records afloat while I was out of action earlier and as can be expected, there was a ma- land North (a couple of kilometres from 25. Two Oceans & Two Broken Arms this year at probably our busiest time. I jor traffic jam at Gillooly’s Interchange. Student Village). The red Golf was of 26. New UCT Track and Field Records did not do it on purpose, I promise! So I took the boys and girls of Cape course taking all the honours in the ro- 27. Two Oceans Two 0 0 Six Town on a scenic route through Bed- bot to robot dices. Now, while looking 29. Tribute to Wally Haywood Finally, thank you to those who wrote fordview and the Joburg CBD. When for the Student Village, we passed 30. Two Oceans times 2006 the splendid articles on the following we got to the M1 North on-ramp, James through Hillbrow (I think three times in 31. UCT Sports Awards 2005 pages. Without singling anyone out, it is and Divan, of course, decided to rather all). So Ian Rogers, still being a bit of a 32. Best UCT Road Running times in Nic..., erm…, it is nice to have such tal- take the M1 South. So the occupants of laaitie , proclaimed: ‘Jis okes, we’re 2005 and Club Contact Information ented writers who have provided us the only red Golf in our entourage had driving through Hillbrow!’ Well, after a 33. What’s Happening with such entertaining reading. Enjoy! to wait for James en kie . few phone calls we finally found the

http://www.wpa.org.za http://sportsclubs.uct.ac.za/athletics Stopwatch — May 2006 Page 5 Page 6 Stopwatch — May 2006 place. The correct road was Tudong. 4x100m team, despite the worst hand- overs ever by a UCT team, coming On Friday morning the half sixth overall (second in their heat). took place and our girls Unice Vorster, Gun Run 21.1 km Kerry-Ann Marais and Margaret Brink While our athletes were competing, I obtained third place in the women’s assumed my role as a tour guide taking team competition. Unice came fourth in our exchange student, UCT athlete Lise the women’s race. In addition to there Marie Johansen, with me to Pretoria on A Blast! not being any toilets at the start, the Friday (I had some official business at course was about a kilometre short. UNISA, mmm...). I showed her UNISA, Hatfield and the Union Buildings before 25 September 2005 Over the two days there was plenty of we had to return to Joburg, Lise was Bang! The cannon fired a thunderous ond. Julie McGaw shaved 8 minutes off action on the track. Divan Augustyn running at 15:00. For my South African blast, which sent thousands of people her previous time, and Jennifer Nicol made the final of the 400m hurdles, hospitality, I paid dearly at the fines running. If the competitors of the Gun also ran a PB. where he came fifth in 51.33. Dale meeting!! Schmiedt also made the final of the Run Half Marathon did not have suffi- The boys featured as well; Nelson Bass men’s shot put, coming ninth. On Saturday evening after the meeting I cient supplies of race anxiety pumping and Stuart Bateman ran very respectable took James Stutterheim to the airport. I through their bodies, this cannon shot times. In the 10 km event Unice Vorster In the 100m Lance Anders and Patrick thought Marion might provide some certainly bolstered their surge of was the third senior woman home, and Bashala both made the semifinals. That good company for the drive back so I adrenaline, and sent them on their race. Kerry-Ann Marais the seventh. Ian is where things went wrong. For most asked her along (for which I got fined). The route this year had a slightly new Rogers was the 15th senior man home. of the first day of competition there was Being a typical blonde BusPsy student, no electronic timing. In the men’s 100m flavour; it stumbled upon one or two she forgot that she had the keys of one But the day was not only about brag- semifinals, they were incapable of tim- new turns accounting for a loop through of the other Golfs in her handbag, so ging over our running talent. Helen took ing everyone with hand-times, so Pat- town and the Company Gardens. And, halfway to the airport James phoned us the opportunity to show off her dance rick was not given a result, despite com- as always, the part of the course that asking for the keys. The net result of all moves while waiting for the results to ing third in his semi! To make a long trails the promenade makes the last cou- of this was that we arrived an hour and be released, and Kerry-Ann proved that and sad story short, they eventually got ple of kilometres bearable. a half late at the SASSU dinner and the cannon shot was no match for her an electronic timing system and re-ran award ceremony (which was held in Results for experienced and novice run- laugh! Mini naps, and fun and laughter the semis. They then decided to not Randburg, a moer of a distance away). ners from the UCT Athletics Club were was had by all under the gazebo while have a final, but to use the times run in To our amazement the function only excellent, and most participants ran waiting for runners to finish, and with the semis to determine the medals. This started when we arrived. The sound en- PBs. Notably, in the Half Marathon tired legs, and hungry stomachs, the is probably the first time in the history gineers had arrived late! category, Lauren Stewart was the fourth event was ended with a breakfast of athletics that a major national cham- senior woman, and the women’s team, brunch to celebrate. pionships has not had a 100m final! After the dinner we went back to the comprising Lauren Stewart, Meggy Lance ended being placed 10th in 10.79 Student Village to hold our fines meet- Brink and Helen Joy Clark came sec- Julie McGaw and Patrick 16th in 11.10. ing. Divan and James really had it in for me. I got nailed for taking Lise to Preto- UCT’s leading 21.1 km Men UCT’s leading 21.1 km Women Patrick went on the next day to win his ria, taking Marion to the airport, chat- heat in the 200m in 21.83. Unfortu- ting to girls I have known for 15 years 13 Nelson Bass 1:13:55 4 Lauren Stewart 1:27:15 nately he tore his hamstring during the at the meeting, not waiting at intersec- 36 Stuart Bateman 1:21:03 11 Meggy Brink 1:34:19 semifinal. Our two relay teams ran well, tions for the following cars and a whole with the 4x400m team coming tenth 100 Damian Will 1:28:38 20 Helen Joy Clark 1:39:16 overall (second in their heat) and the (Continued on page 10) 113 Robert Van Hille 1:29:37 37 Britt Lake 1:43:42 http://www.wpa.org.za http://sportsclubs.uct.ac.za/athletics Stopwatch — May 2006 Page 7 Page 8 Stopwatch — May 2006 Best Athlete: Unice Vorster Best Woman: Lauren Stewart A Touch of Class Best Track & Field: Divan Augustyn Best Cross Country: Unice Vorster Club Awards Cocktail Party Best Road: Nelson Bass Best contribution by a woman Marion Hansen 1 October 2005 member of the club: Most improved Track & Field: Lance Anders Glamorous, beautiful and gorgeous; into the evening and even characters Most improved Cross Country: Teboho Phooko stylish, sophisticated and classy. These such as Noddy, Mpho and Brandon are all adjectives that appropriately de- were kept under control! Most improved Road Runner: Penny Hilton-Barber scribe the UCT Athletics Club cocktail party. Club members hastily dumped The evening commenced with a few Most improved woman runner: Julie McGaw their dirty running clothes in the wash- words from Will and Marion and they Tarmac Award: Andrzej Okreglicki ing basket, and washed their sweaty presented the club awards. Big con- faces, transforming themselves into eye- gratulations go out to Unice Vorster Road Challenge (points competition): Andrzej Okreglicki catching and attractive individuals. who received the award for ‘Best Ath- lete in the Club’. Unice excelled on the First UCT runner at Comrades: Andrzej Okreglicki The club cocktail party was held at the road and in cross country meetings and First UCT runner at Two Oceans: Andrzej Okreglicki stylish Alba Lounge at the Waterfront. her hard work and dedication certainly Spirits were high as we all commented paid off! Lauren Stewart received the Best Debut Marathon: Ake Fagereng on how good everyone looked and best female runner award which was Best Spirit: Ian Rogers Mpho was amazed how some of the la- very well deserved. Lauren continues to dies were ‘unrecognisable’! It just smash her PBs which can also be attrib- none other that James himself, much to The evening was enjoyed by everyone shows what lies beyond the sweat and uted to her enthusiasm and dedication. Jannie’s disgust!! Without surprise, Jan- and it was a pleasure not to have to tears of those training sessions and Unice and Lauren are certainly an inspi- nie received the ‘Spader’ award and he worry about cleaning up afterwards! races. It was a splendid opportunity to ration to all of us females at the club. FINALLY found his match in a thin, The great turn-out and the spirited at- deepen friendships, meet new people, Well done guys! blonde, plastic ‘Poppie’!! mosphere that was present is a true tes- and get to know each other better. tament to the friendships built, the goals After the formal awards were received, Lauren received the award for the hot- achieved and the pure delight of being a There was no shortage of food and Ian, Lauren and James had the test legs in the club and Ian, Unice and member of the UCT Athletics Club! All drink as we drifted around Alba ‘privilege’ of presenting the ‘fun’ Helen all received ‘Whiner’ awards. in all it was a fabulous occasion, and Lounge, nibbling on canapés, and sip- awards! Nicky Collins got the First Aid many memories were made. ping delicious cocktails (downing for Award (for breaking her leg during the From time to time people were seen some!). It always amuses me to see just Constantia Village 15 km race!); Noddy nibbling at their wrists; this was in a A big thanks to Will and Marion for how sensitive athletes are to alcohol and Rogers won the Donkey Award for the desperate attempt to eat the sweets off organizing the evening and for the dedi- the seemingly harmless fruity cocktails biggest blow in a race. A personal fa- the toy bracelets and necklaces that cation and determination they portrayed could have proven to be highly detri- vourite was the Rooster award, for the members were given as a token of ap- in leading the club in 2005! mental! However, the discipline that guy with the best body voted for by the preciation for their involvement in the comes with being a runner was instilled girls of the club! The award went to club. Julie McGaw and Nicky Collins

http://www.wpa.org.za http://sportsclubs.uct.ac.za/athletics Stopwatch — May 2006 Page 9 Page 10 Stopwatch — May 2006

him up-and-coming househusband of MUNCHING the year for his sterling efforts that day. Mopping, Muscling, Unice subjected herself to the rowdy Rounding off a busy week was an event tunes Brandon and Ian belted out as the not to be missed: a decadent pudding gym was given a thorough once-over, party at Will’s, complete with highly Modelling and Munching: and as for the rest of us, there was professional slide show. The desserts plenty of work to go around! were incredible and were wolfed down faster than Uni can make it round the MUSCLING track or Nicky can get the whole team A week in review canning themselves with her giggle. It After all this hard work it was time to was a great opportunity to get to know reward ourselves. So Marion and Will some of the cycling team, whose pres- 8–14 October 2005 went shopping. They returned with ence balanced the boy-girl ratio nicely. The past week has seen an unprece- through a broken window, but we have enough equipment to turn our humble (Boys: a pudding party is NOT metro- dented hive of activity at the UCT Ath- to wonder how they mysteriously ended clubhouse into a veritable Pilates studio. sexual – it is where all the chicks hang letics Club, as students eagerly wel- up in that box. If anyone would like to Into the spring-cleaned and re-arranged out, and not the irritating ones who go comed the first tentative signs of sum- own up to attempting to start a compost clubhouse came gym balls, weights, on about their weight.) mer. Enthusiastically partaking in vari- heap in our clubhouse, please do so.) elastics and more. Much fun was had ous activities, the athletes turned out in testing out the new toys, though, of Not only is Will ‘Master Of Delicious full force in a classic example of pre- Special mention should go to Helen and course, with the very serious intention Transkei-Mud-Making’, he also pre- exam study-avoidance. Jen for their champion effort of the of muscling-up and toning those bods pared a most impressive slide show, filthy floor. Helen, after her morning for the slow-arriving summer. showing off his personal success and MOPPING race accomplishments, started off by that of his team mates, and at the same scrubbing the muddied mats to perfec- MODELLING time, his talent in photography. This First on the busy agenda was the Spring tion, which the rest of us kindly re- was an event to be repeated! This week also saw an impressive turn- Clean and Brunch on Saturday the 8th sullied with our pizza picnic. After this out on Thursday for the club’s annual of October. This in fact turned out to be she took a more firm approach, strictly Oh, and in-between, we ran a bit. Well, photo. Modelling an assortment of gear, a lunch, as some of our athletes actually prohibiting entry into the clubhouse most of us. the team huddled together against the had to race that morning (which they while she mopped the floor, being as- icy wind and practised our poses for our Nicci Collier did rather successfully). Who knew free sisted by Jen, who, on her hands and future media appearances as Olympic pizza from St. Elmo’s could draw such knees, was an unfortunate target for champions. a crowd of ‘keen-to-cleans’? James’s camera-happy antics. SASSU Athletics Champs, Johannesburg 2005 Despite a few odd glances from the Sat- Poor Mpho was forced to lie to get out urday afternoon cricket teams and spec- of a prior engagement once he decided (Continued from page 5) ping off the cars, more than half of the tators, as we hauled out the most bizarre that drinking beer and watching women lot of other stuff which I cannot remem- team first decided to stop for a coffee assortment of rubbish from the club- work was a far better option for his af- ber any more because by that time I was break at Imperial’s Nescafé machine. house, all went well. Included in the ternoon. He openly admitted that his already in a ‘spiritual state’. I think we Needless to say, if we were not flying finds was a photo of Coach Evans in his sole aim of the day was to pick out a went out to Melville afterwards... with 1time, they would still be in more youthful years – surrounded by wife, but his hopes were promptly Joburg. 1time had a shortage of staff at ladies, it seems he was the Jannie of his dashed by Jen when she bluntly in- The next morning we had to be up and the check-in desk so the rogue half of time – an intricate map of mountain- formed him that the men at the running out by 5 o’clock to make our flight at our team was able to make their flight. routes and a large box full of dead club were not, in fact, seen as marriage 07:00. By some miracle we actually got leaves! (James claims these blew in material. However, we would crown to the airport just in time. While drop- Jannie Leach

http://www.wpa.org.za http://sportsclubs.uct.ac.za/athletics Stopwatch — May 2006 Page 11 Page 12 Stopwatch — May 2006 Anatomic Mast Sugar and Spice and All Things Nice… Challenge Will’s pudding party 8 October 2005 14 October 2005 The is billed as the After barely catching our breath, Ake Mmmm... and who said that diamonds The awesome slide show prepared by ‘Summit of all Fears’, and with good and I rushed back down the mountain are a girl’s best friend? They have obvi- Will brought back many memories from reason. The road to the radio mast at the for the MTB leg. Unfortunately, we ously never been to a pudding party be- the past two years at the Athletics Club top is 10 km long and includes over took a rather sub-optimal route down fore! At least ten girls from the running as well as a few very distant memo- 800m of altitude gain. The Challenge involving numerous long switchbacks. club buzzed around a multitude of tasty ries – especially for Granny Helen! All includes events for both runners and After what seemed like about 20 km, treats (trying not to pile their plates in all it was a great evening hosted su- riders, but the truly hardcore do both the we got back to the picnic area just in toooo high) whilst a few gentlemen run- perbly by our chairman – well done! run and the cycle, with a brisk run/hike time to see the other King of the Moun- ners patiently stood on the outskirts Will even managed to get up before down the mountain in between. tain competitors heading off. waiting to see if there would be any- 6am the next day for an adventure race thing left for them. with Ake that started in Rawsonville! I A strong contingent from UCT lined up After a quick change of kit and a bike told you they were crazy! at the run start. Nelson Bass, Ake assembly, I set off in pursuit. Making As usual there were plenty of goodies to Fagereng and I immediately got into the up about a minute per kilometre on the go round and around and around. We Oh and don’t worry coach, we girls all front group of five, with Nelson and me leaders, I passed the others before we even left a few titbits for the cyclists made sure we went for a loooong run breaking away on a flat section after 1 hit the tar with 5 km to go. The top sec- Will had invited. The gourmet waffles the next day to burn off the calories – km. Nelson then took the lead 2 km tion is tarred because it is so steep. by Marion and peppermint crisp tart the joys of being a runner! ☺ later. I held onto 2nd place until Patrick Those last 5 km were very long indeed; (also known as Transkei Mud) by Will Helen Joy Clark Cox (MP Celtics) caught me with 3 km a kilometre takes a long time at 8 km/h! were just a few of the favourites – we remaining. Eventually I made it to the top – a good will be releasing our Runners’ Recipes Transkei Mud day’s workout! Ake came in next eight soon. ☺ Nelson took the win in 52:15, about 4 minutes later. minutes slower than Dion Middelkoop Beat 500ml of Orley Whip until stiff. It is always great to see each other out- Stir in two tins of condensed milk and the previous year. I hung on to 3rd place Prize-givings at the Awe-some events side of running and get to know a little about two minute behind, followed by are great: all the UCT participants went beat more. Crush four peppermint crisp bit more about one another’s interests bars and mix in well. Layer Tennis bis- Ake in 4th. There were good perform- home with various items of clothing and outside of the world of athletics. Even ances by Jono Overett as well as Kerry- gear from Salomon and First Ascent. cuits and the mud mixture in a large though the cycling club was outnum- rectangular serving dish. Sprinkle with Ann Marais and Helen Joy Clark who bered it was great to meet some of finished 3rd and 4th in the women’s Will Robinson grated peppermint crisp and chocolate Will’s crazy companions with whom he vermicelli. Refrigerate for four hours. competition. takes on many epic cycling rides. http://www.awe-some.co.za Serve chilled. Run far the next day.

http://www.wpa.org.za http://sportsclubs.uct.ac.za/athletics Stopwatch — May 2006 Page 13 Page 14 Stopwatch — May 2006 ior women’s race. And then the have a full team. We finished only 53 women’s team (Lauren, Unice, Megan points behind the Maties C side and and Nicky Collins) won the women’s only 655 behind Maties B. The way the team competition. This was the second points work, we would probably have News snippets year in a row they have won it. Lauren beaten both of them if we had had a full and Nicky were part of the winning side. We did beat the Maties A side, as team last year as well. they lost a lot of points with people not New record for Odette WP Junior Track & Field Champs completing all their events. Good news A UCT track and field record went fly- We had some good performances in Several people ran PBs, despite the was that Lance Anders set a new PB in ing (literally) on Friday 21 October Bellville where there were over 1400 wind. the 200m. when Odette Oliver added 3.95m to her entries. Unfortunately the turnout in the Constantia Village 15 km existing women’s senior and junior u23 category was not big, but we got a Western Cape Students meeting javelin records. With her first throw of fair share of the medals. Lance Anders At the Constantia Village 15 km WP UCT won this inter-student meeting the competition she threw 42.10m, beat- won gold in the 100m, as did Sylma League race on 11 March we had such a held at Parow on 20 March. There was a ing her previous record of 40.74m set Jordaan in the Pole Vault. Lance took good turn out that we had six full fairly poor turnout by the other institu- earlier this year and only just off her Bronze in the 200m, with Ian Rogers women’s teams and two men’s teams tions, but we were there and got the own PB. Then on her second throw she doing the same in the 800m. (four in a women’s team and six in a points. Notable performances include managed a huge 44.69m (which places men’s): the most we have ever had our men’s win in the 4x100m relay her sixth on the national junior ranking In the u20s, our new sprinter, Donna- since the new WP league system (47.75s), Donna-Lee Adams’s wins in list). Her third throw was 43.44m and Lee Adams, carried on the success of started. Lauren Stewart finished 6th, the 100m and 200m, and Unice Vor- the fourth was 42.66m, just to show it our women members, taking the silver becoming the first woman in our club to ster’s second place in the shot put with a medal in both the 100m and 200m. In was not a fluke. There was also a tricky break 60 minutes in over ten years. the process she broke the UCT Junior hefty heave of 3.99m. crosswind to contend with. Unice Vorster was 13th, including a pit 100m and 200m women’s records. Both stop. Megan Dempster was the first jun- Milkwood 10 km of those had been set in 2000 by Claire SA Senior Track & Field Champs ior woman. Megan’s time makes her the Evans. The Milkwood races on Sunday, April In Port Elizabeth on 10-11 February quickest junior woman in 2nd, are ideal to be run as a warm-up Odette Olivier and Sylma Jordaan rep- over 15 km so far this year. Several of Men’s Health 10 km for the Two Oceans. A number of UCT resented Western Province. Sylma only the guys had good races: it was encour- road runners turned up for just that, and registered at UCT for the first time on On 8 March we had a huge club turn out aging to see them coming through this surprised themselves by taking home no Wednesday the 8th (a day early so she in of about 40 people. Unfor- year. Cathrin Welker also featured high fewer than three team prizes. could go to PE). On Friday morning she tunately the wind damaged times quite a up in the women’s race, Julie McGaw equalled her own UCT record of 3.70m bit, but we had some really good results. took 12 minutes off her PB and Nicky Collins took a chunk off her last year’s UCT was first women’s team (Lauren in winning the bronze medal in the Stewart, Lydia Darby, Danielle de Kock women’s pole vault competition. The Kevin Rochford was second grandmas- time (although this was the race where ter. We had quite a few other men who she broke her leg last year, hobbling the and Stephanie Price), with Lauren fin- two that beat her were both WP ath- ishing in 3rd place. UCT also won the letes. Sylma’s medal is the first at a na- ran well. For the first time in a while last 4 km, as it was the only way to get our men’s team beat the women’s home!). third women’s team prize (Marion Han- tional senior championships by a UCT sen, Nicola Branson, Jennifer Nicol and student since at least 1993. team.... Top Ten Amber Osborn). Not to be outdone, The UCT men’s team came second (Jeremy On Saturday, Odette, despite an injured Not to say that the women did not do At the Top Ten meeting at Bellville on Gray, Barry Pitman, William Oldnall elbow, came fifth in the women’s jave- well: Lauren Stewart was second and Saturday 18 March we came seventh, and Rudi Baatjies). lin competition. Unice Vorster was fourth in the senior which was disappointing as we did not women. Megan Dempster won the jun- James Evans

http://www.wpa.org.za http://sportsclubs.uct.ac.za/athletics Stopwatch — May 2006 Page 15 Page 16 Stopwatch — May 2006 might add) and the volleyball net had fer their services on the day of the fast- been retrieved from the over-eager approaching Two Oceans Marafun, the group of youngsters that had appropri- UCT Athletics Club has once again Fool-Proof Party ated it, the more adventurous of the proven the validity of its ‘Free Pizza pizza-munching mob headed to Long Principle’ in making any event a re- Street to join in the merriment of the sounding success. With the cheery pros- Festival, which happily co- pect of sponsored pizzas from Butler’s incided with our chosen date of revelry. for several events planned for the rest of Planning A good time was reportedly had by all, the 2006 year, it looks sure to be one and luckily this time round no handbags filled with cheesy gums and satisfied In an unexpected act of humanitarian- ness of the club’s strategy, most of the were sacrificed. tums! ism, the UCT Athletics Club has de- runners stuck around well after train- cided to unveil their fool-proof secret of ing – chatting, being photographed by With the many helpers signed up to of- Nicci Collier throwing a successful gathering of any the ever-camera-happy coach, James sort. A representative of the club claims Evans, and, of course, ensuring that that if you never, ever want to rent-a- every last morsel of pizza was de- crowd again, there is one simple princi- voured. Testing a new and similar the- Cross Country Highlights ple by which to abide, namely, ‘Free ory, the Athletics Club also provided League 1: Pentech League 5: Koeberg Pizza for the People’! free cool-drinks that evening, which 4. Unice Vorster 6. Lauren Stewart looked to be an equally ingenious tactic. 8. Laurent Stewart 8. Helen Joy Clark According to reports, this principle has 11. Helen Joy Clark 9. Debbie Noel successfully been utilized by the club Clifton Sundowners 15. Karla Burger 19. Marion Hansen for several years now, ensuring the Team: 2nd Team: 2nd steadily climbing membership numbers The following week, the athletes headed seen by the Athletics Club each year. off to Clifton 4th on a Friday evening League 2: UCT League 6: Tokai This year, as social running has found for a social gathering involving volley- 4. Unice Vorster 3. Unice Vorster its place on the club’s agenda, two suc- ball, sundowners and, of course, free 8. Carrie Ritter 6. Kerry-Anne Marais cessful events have been held with the pizza. The occasion drew many ath- 10. Lauren Stewart 9. Meggy Brink aim of getting to know co-members in a letes – both serious and social, though 14. Helen Joy Clark 10. Helen Joy Clark slightly less sweaty, out-of-breath state certain ol’ faithfuls took a rain-check in Team: 1st Team: 2nd than one finds oneself in on a daily run. view of the following morning’s race. For some strange reason, word seemed League 3: Century City WP Champs: Pollsmoor On both occasions the ‘Free Pizza Prin- 4. Unice Vorster to have gotten around that the theme of Senior Women ciple’ was applied with tremendous suc- 6. Lauren Stewart the event was ‘Bring a Sibling’. Thus, cess. 13. Helen Joy Clark 2. Unice Vorster ( Silver ) the evening proved a perfect opportu- 16. Karla Burger 3. Lauren Stewart ( Bronze ) Pizza Evening nity to do some background checks on Team: 2nd fellow athletes via siblings – mostly The first event was a humble post-run brothers – who happily tagged along The UCT senior women’s team came Unice was selected for the WP team and gathering at the club-house in early and joined in the fun (perhaps testimony 2nd in the league. The senior men’s took part at SA Cross Country Champs March, designed as an opportunity to to the crowd-pulling power of the Free team came equal 4th. in Bloemfontein. welcome new members and bribe them Pizza Principle). to continue coming to training. Turn-out Love like you don’t need the money . on this particular Thursday evening was Once the sun had set, (rather magnifi- Dance like you’ve never been hurt . at a rare high and, proving the effective- cently in honour of our presence, we Work like nobody’s watching .

http://www.wpa.org.za http://sportsclubs.uct.ac.za/athletics Stopwatch — May 2006 Page 17 Page 18 Stopwatch — May 2006 WP Track and Field SASSU Athletics Champs Championships Port Elizabeth WP Junior Champs (2-4 March 2006) 31 March – 1 April 2006 Men 100m u23: 1st: Lance Anders 11.03 ( Gold ) This was the best performance ever by a the half); Julie McGaw (1 for eighth in 200m u23: 3rd: Lance Anders 22.31 ( Bronze ) UCT team since SASSU began in 1993 the half); and our star performance was 800m u23: 3rd: Ian Rogers 2:05.35 ( Bronze ) (before that it was SA Universities). Sylma Jordaan with 9 points for win- ning gold in the Pole Vault. Women Overall in the B section (for teams smaller than 12 men and 12 women) we Our women’s team won the gold medal 100m u20: 2nd: Donna-Lee Adams 13.13 ( Silver ) (UCT junior record) came fifth out of 17 institutions. for the half marathon team competition 200m u20: 2nd: Donna-Lee Adams 26.30 ( Silver ) (UCT junior record) (as well as the trophy). Kerry-Ann Pole Vault u23: 1st: Sylma Jordaan 3.50m ( Gold ) In the men’s section we were eleventh Marais and Julie McGaw both ran PBs. on 3 points. Those points were one from Megan Dempster ran 95 minutes on her WP Senior Champs (24-25 March 2006) Lance Anders who came eighth in the debut half marathon. It was also the first Men final of the 100m, and two from the time two UCT women have gone under 100m: Final: 4th: Lance Anders 10.71 4x100m relay team who came seventh 90 minutes in the same race in nearly 15 (Heat 2: 1st: Lance 10.92; Heat 3: Sean Smith DNS) (Sean Smith, Teran Peyper, Luke Tay- years. 110m H: 3rd: Louie Eggers: 16.53 ( Bronze ) lor and Lance Anders). Unfortunately 200m: Final: 4th: Lance Anders 21.55 we were one short of making up a full Sylma’s medal was not only the first (Heat 3: 1st: Lance 21.93, Heat 1: Kenny Hearn withdrew) team in the half marathon, but Iain Hol- gold, but also the first individual medal 400m: Final: 3rd: Teran Peyper 49.85 ( Bronze ) lyhoke ran a PB. won by a UCT student since the SASSU (Heat 1: 1st: Teran 52.48; Heat 2: 5th: Michal Malek 56.62) champs were first held. She equalled The women’s team excelled themselves, 800m: 8th: Ian Rogers 2:05.25 her own UCT record (3.70m). If the coming second in the B section with 23 5000m: 2nd: Nelson Bass 16:05.51 ( Silver ) (Marcus Knudsen DNF) wind had not been atrocious, she would points. Those points came from: Odette Discus: 3rd: Luke Taylor 25.63m ( Bronze ) definitely have bettered it. Olivier, who scored a point for coming Shot Put: 2nd: Luke Taylor 8.08m ( Silver ) eighth in the javelin (in a tough compe- And then, to top it all, she was selected Women tition which was won by the Common- for the national team to compete at the wealth Champion); Kerry-Ann Marais FASU All Africa Student Games in Pre- 100m: 4th: Donna-Lee Adams 12.88 (UCT junior record); (5 points for fourth in the half mara- toria at the beginning of July. 5th: Andrea Anders 13.77; 6th: Samantha Sheppard 13.96; thon); Unice Vorster (4 for fifth in the 7th: Melissa Julius 14.27 half); Megan Dempster (3 for sixth in James Evans 200m: 2nd: Donna-Lee Adams 26.37 ( Silver ); 4th: Samantha Sheppard 28.83 1500m: 1st: Unice Vorster 4:51.88 ( Gold ) Work like you don’t need the money . 4x100m: 3rd: UCT 54.26 (Andrea, Samantha, Melissa, Donna-Lee) (Bronze ) Love like you’ve never been hurt . Pole Vault: 1st: Sylma Jordaan 3.50m ( Gold ) Dance like nobody’s watching .

http://www.wpa.org.za http://sportsclubs.uct.ac.za/athletics Stopwatch — May 2006 Page 19 Page 20 Stopwatch — May 2006 (As the rooms officially belonged to the avoid the sneaky stingers), as opposed Baz-busing American tourists, we were to Lance who, well, perhaps has more supposed only to shower and somehow sensitive skin… Our very own Cool Sussing out SASSU to change and get ready in the passage. Hand Luke proved another brave team This would have proved interesting had member when he took on the World’s some of our lovely ladies not used their Strong Men Convention for Giants, 30 March – 2 April 2006 dazzling wit and charm to grant us some which happened to convene at his dis- mirror-time in the bedrooms. Brandon cus event this year. Though I was at this year’s SASSU Na- FASU All Africa Student Games to be was very grateful. Yes – he was fined tional Athletics Champs in Port Eliza- held in Pretoria in July. Joining her on later that night for his shmodel tenden- beth, I have still not managed to work stage that night was Odette, though for cies.) S is for the screaming American out what SASSU actually stands for. I a different purpose. Looking exquisitely (yes, they are everywhere). gather it is something to do with South glamorous (especially for a javelin The Americans were actually very Africa, Sport and Universities though. thrower), our bold, blonde, bilingual friendly and accommodating, as was Some of the guys encountered this char- In lieu of the real thing, I have invented beauty was one of the two MC’s for the our host. (We escaped before they real- acter at the showers during this same my own explanation of this acronym, so evening. ized that they would have no hot water beach outing, frantically scrubbing him- here is the low down on SASSU PE for quite some time.) We all agreed that self and yelling in agony, ‘Something is 2006. Kings Beach Backpacker’s, with its six- eating my penis!!! What is it???’ Those A is for Americans. a-room bunk-bed accommodation, its bluebottles were clearly some man- homely have-some-free-tea,coffee,toast- hating mammas! The first S is simple. The ones who kicked us out of our kitchen and its make-yourself-at-home It is for Sylma’s gold medal. backpacker’s. In fact, this is not quite and excuse-the-big-kitsch-dog-ornament accurate, as we were already supposed sitting-room is definitely the place to U is for Unice. A real no-brainer. It just has to be S for to have moved out by the time they ar- stay in PE. Ten points to James! Sylma’s gold medal in the women’s rived on Saturday. The owner of the Because nothing else starts with U, but pole vault. This was the first gold medal place kindly agreed to let us pile our also because she really deserves special won by UCT since the SASSU champs bags in the entrance hall and have a The second S is for sea. mention. Firstly, she was one of the four were first held and also the first medal shower there before we attended the women who earned a gold medal for won in an individual event. Sylma awards dinner and headed out for a This was the other major advantage of UCT in the half marathon. (Ah, yes – equalled her own UCT record in less night on the town. This was a great re- the backpacker’s: it was walking dis- UCT is another worthy U. A truly great than ideal conditions (the Windy City lief, as the other option (to shower at the tance from the beach. And the Board- name, unlike NMMU, the rather ridicu- and all that, you know). Her proud stadium and get ready on the bus) didn’t walk Casino, with its movies, shops and lous acronym of our hosts, the Nelson teammates were so busy celebrating her sit well with us gals who saw the need restaurants. And McDonalds. And nu- Mandela Metropolitan University – victory from the sidelines that we al- for some effort in the hair and make-up merous other eating establishments. But formerly UPE.) Unice’s teammates in most forgot to gather together a track- department. I’m inclined to agree with Jules that sun this event were Megan Dempster, Julie suit from amongst ourselves for her to and sea is enough for me. McGaw and Kerry-Ann Marais. Our wear in the medal ceremony. We man- After a weekend of sweating it out on little Kerry-Ann gave so much during aged in the end, though our slender star the track and shloofing around a dusty One beach expedition ended not too the race that it was only once she had was drowning in an enormously baggy stadium, we just had to remind our- successfully with a bluebottle sting rate got back to the backpacker’s that peals top as she received her accolade. selves that we can clean up rather nice. of 100% when three of our guys braved of her unmistakable laugh burst forth, The boys agreed and all followed suite, the water. Ian Rogers was definitely the outlasting all of our bets for how long it At the awards dinner and prize giving looking rather presentable as we exited bravest, even venturing back a second would take before this eighth wonder of held on the final night, our sizzling the cologne-doused passages of the time to take some of us ladies for a the world was again to be heard. Sylma was selected to compete in the backpacker’s. swim (who all somehow managed to

http://www.wpa.org.za http://sportsclubs.uct.ac.za/athletics Stopwatch — May 2006 Page 21 Page 22 Stopwatch — May 2006 Unice, with her usual behind-the-scenes the fines meeting had even started…). displays of affection) were not with- efficiency, also managed to ensure that On behalf of the team, an apology goes 2 is for the number of pap tyres we held, though we suspect that this pair the whole team was well fed throughout out to these two – we would not have had to deal with before leaving UCT. was just trying to earn themselves extra the tour, buying food and cooking a de- got far without you! booze at the fines meeting for being the licious carbo-loading dinner of maca- Aiming to leave at midnight (already a best Top Deck around. A rather rowdy roni and salad with Jules. fairly bizarre getaway hour), the bus Friday night for three of our cronies P is for ProNutro. only pulled out of middle campus at ended with reports of Iain discovered She was so diligently running around 3am, after discovering that one of the fast asleep on the grass outside the that she unfortunately missed her mo- Copious amounts of this typically South tyres was pap. A spare tyre was tried, backpacker’s, and Marcus trying to ment of glory when UCT’s women road African breakfast cereal were consumed but was also no good, so another had to come right with not only one girl, but runners were called up at the awards by the team. Having been averse to the be fetched from who-knows-where. her friend and her sister too when the dinner for their trophy. We are still not baby-poo texture of this meal, I decided Three hours may seem like a long wait, first attempt failed. Clearly Marcus was sure where she had vanished to, but no to give it to try, since my only other op- but at 3am, I suppose the closest Tiger on the prowl and we Donna know, doubt it involved some form of admini- tion was toast. The team certainly took Wheel and Tyre was just not open for sorry, don’t know what they saw in him stration, that should, in hindsight, have full advantage of the free toast and business. Wherever Mr. Hanslo’s team but apparently he was successful on at been taken care of by me. Being fairly spreads on offer at the backpacker’s, but managed to beg, borrow or steal that least one occasion... useless at a) initiating any useful activ- I found I could only eat so much of it. wheel from, it luckily got us there ity and b) making decisions, I came Damian Will found an inventive alter- safely, and in record time. Well, that is it in a nutshell: SASSU PE back from the trip realizing that I must native and was reported scoffing sweets 2006. We ripped up the track; we ripped have been the worst ‘manager’ any and even packets of Fritos first thing up the field; we ripped up the dance SASSU team has ever seen! Still, it was every morning. In any case, I came 0 is for the number of times James floor (Ian proving that if White Men my first trip of this nature, so next time away from the weekend with a new ad- will use Hanslo’s buses again. Can’t Jump, at least some of them can I would know the ropes a bit better and diction and have since continued the dance – almost as well as Lance); we what to expect. I aspire to be as in- trend of eating ProNutro for breakfast, It is also the number of times they will ripped off Teran for thinking he got formed as James, who asked the most lunch or dinner and any time in be- want to be used by us, particularly after through to the semis, then not, then yes; intelligent (and only) questions at the tween! Luke left his mark on the journey home. we ripped Hanslo’s out of our phone managers’ meeting, as opposed to my- Enough said. book and we had a ripping good time! self who felt so nervous and under- qualified as a coach/manager that I just E is for Enough Already! Nicci Collier nibbled away at all the snacks (not a 0 (again) is for the number of bad option though)! If I hear another Chuck Norris joke in words that we got out of Megan dur- UCT Athletics Club Kit my lifetime, it will be too soon. These ing the first 72 hours of the trip. To make matters worse for Unice, the quips not only flew around the bus the PRICE LIST S-XL 2XL-4XL Racing vests 85 95 bus proceeded to depart from the whole journey to PE, but permeated the Melissa came a close second, but her Women’s racing shirts 95 105 awards function without her and James entire weekend at frequent junctions. radiant smile made up for her quiet stu- Women’s crop tops 85 95 on board. It is a mystery how this hap- (Ian, Brandon, Sean – have you seen the diousness over the duration of the tour. pened, as the last I knew, they were fol- new Axe ad? Instead of investing all Women’s lycra pants 65 75 lowing behind us. Though, again, if my your energy in coming up with or hunt- Men’s lycra vests 95 110 head had not been so high up in the ing down these jokes, GET A GIRL- 6 is for the number of people Mar- Men’s lycra pants 75 85 clouds, I might have considered check- FRIEND! ☺ Sean, get two – you must White / blue shorts 55 60 cus tried to hook up with over the Track suit tops 225 250 ing if everyone was around once we have been Axed to the max on that weekend. were actually on the bus – especially dance floor. A little bump and grind Track suit pants 125 140 being one of the more sober individuals won’t kill, you’ll find…) Clearly Iain and Marcus were the cutest Training tops 115 130 present (please note – this was before couple on the tour. Lavish PDAs (public Training tights 150 165

http://www.wpa.org.za http://sportsclubs.uct.ac.za/athletics Stopwatch — May 2006 Page 23 Page 24 Stopwatch — May 2006 It does not end there though, as we did ishers. First in was former Comrades have a first place: Megan Dempster winner, Lindsay Weight, in 5:20:24. (96:55, despite starting in a chaotic H Encouraging in the ultra was the num- group) was the first junior woman. ber of students running. Three of the Two Oceans five women were under the age of 30 56 km (two under 25). Five of the men were under 30 (two under 20). It is great to In the ultra, we had 15 men finish. see them bucking the nonsensical trend Nthusi Mpanza was our first runner against running distance until you are Results home in 4:12:48. Kevin Rochford ran too old to do it properly. If you want to, his 21st run on Friday, doing 5:47:51. then why not?

15 April 2006 In the women, we had the most women James Evans finishing in several years, with five fin- Another Two Oceans and another string finished the race. In that year the first of fantastic results for the club. While UCT woman ran 1:48:23. She would most of the results were in the half have been 13th this year. Lauren Stew- New UCT Road Records 2005-2006 marathon, there were some promising art, Claire Kingsley, Nicky Collins, signs in the ultra. Julie McGaw, Louise Hackland and Name Distance Time Category Race Amy Aronson, to name a few, all ran 21.1 km PBs, most by a long way. Kevin Rochford 8 km 38:00 60+ Long Beach Mall Kevin Rochford 10 km 47:16 60+ Men’s Health In the men’s half there were plenty of Unfortunately our women’s team only PBs, including Nelson Bass, Mike came second in the team competition. I Kevin Rochford 21.1 km 1:44:14 60+ Gun Run Hodgson, Teboho Phooko, Iain Holly- say ‘only’ because we won it last year. Kevin Rochford 21.1 km 1:40:27a 60+ Hewat hoke (despite what that washed-up has- Some context is necessary though: 4113 been hag says, Holly), Ben Brimble, Ian women entered. Last year no-one in our Andrzej Okreglicki 30 km 2:15:53 40+ Bay to Bay Rogers and Craig Ulyate, to name a team broke 90 minutes. This year our Kevin Rochford 30 km 2:32:10 60+ few. In all 54 UCT men finished the first four runners all broke 90: Lauren half (including 13 silver medals), which (85:15); Unice Vorster (87:26); Claire Unice Vorster 30 km 2:16:23 Student Bay to Bay is the most ever, and Nelson’s was the (88:02) and Kerry-Ann Marais (89:34). second fastest time ever by a UCT ath- Kevin Rochford 36.4 km 3:55:23 60+ Red Hill Classic lete in the race. The men’s field was Lauren’s time was the fastest by a UCT Kevin Rochford 42.2 km 3:44:17 60+ exceptionally strong, with the winner woman runner at Two Oceans since the breaking 63 minutes on a tough course. first race in 1998, and the second fastest Andrzej Okreglicki 56 km 4:39:54 40+ Two Oceans in the club since 1996 (only Unice has Kevin Rochford 56 km 5:46:43 60+ Two Oceans Will Robinson, a month out of hospital, gone faster). Even in the glory days of ran 92:18, despite two broken arms. the early 1980s, we never had that kind Lindsay Weight 56 km 5:19:00 40+ Two Oceans When his doctor finds out, it may be a of depth in one race. Only exceptional Kevin Rochford Down Run 10:05:32 60+ Comrades broken neck as well. running by the members of the Celtics team beat our team. As an idea of the Tamara Hew-Butler Down Run 10:34:17 40+ Comrades In the women’s half the results were strength on the field, the Common- fantastic. 58 UCT women finished the wealth marathon champion came sec- Run like you don’t need the money . race. This is nearly double the next ond. Lauren beat a former three-time Run like you’ve never been hurt . most. In 2001 only four UCT women winner of the race. Run like nobody’s watching .

http://www.wpa.org.za http://sportsclubs.uct.ac.za/athletics Stopwatch — May 2006 Page 25 Page 26 Stopwatch — May 2006 who know me well barely batted an familiar? I was flying down the hills eyelid, while others (girls, cyclists and and on the flats, but four weeks of al- other people’s parents) generally ex- most total inactivity does nothing good Two Oceans with pressed shock and horror, often urging for one’s cardiovascular fitness, which me to reconsider, or at least run really becomes breathlessly obvious whenever slowly. the road tilts upward. Two Broken Arms And so I lined up with 9000 others. At At 4 km to go the required pace was one stage I had thought that I would 3:55 per kilometre. I ran the 18th kilo- have no option but to run really slowly, metre in 3:55, but then turned up the 15 April 2006 but it is amazing what a difference two last hill and the race suddenly got a bit weeks of training can make. I set off at long. In the past six months I had run The Two Oceans Marathon is the pre- broke my helmet, frame, handle bars, a good pace, reaching 5 km in 19:58, further than 10 km three times, a fact of mier road running event in Cape Town. saddle, and both my arms. This resulted running with a couple of the UCT girls. which my legs were suddenly remind- From humble beginnings as a Comrades in a helicopter flight (which might have Then they kept running sub-4:00 kilo- ing me. I kept going at under 5 minutes training run in 1970, the event has been exciting if I had actually been con- metres, and I got thoroughly dropped. per kilometre, finishing in 1:32. grown into a running festival with over scious) to Vincent Pallotti, five days in twenty thousand athletes taking part in ICU, and 14 days in hospital altogether. I got to 10 km in 42:07, and briefly con- The next day I had the familiar Easter the different races: 56m, 2.5 km, 5 km, They let me out exactly a month before sidered walking up Southern Cross morning sore legs – my quads had taken 8 km, 21.1 km and 56 km. Two Oceans, with nails and screws and Drive. However I kept going, getting up a hammering on the descents – and it plates holding both arms together. the hill in 15 minutes. This left me was good. In 1998 the half marathon was intro- needing to run at 4 minutes per kilome- duced, and I ran it, my second, in 89:35. Breaking both arms is not recom- tre for the last 8 km for a silver... sound Will Robinson Not being in particularly good form at mended. It is highly inconvenient. Try the time, this took much effort and de- living without using your hands for termination. I managed to average 4 even a few minutes. But it is amazing to New Track & Field records 2005-2006 minutes per kilometre for the last 8 km, watch one’s own progress. Almost daily Event Name Mark Category which was rather faster than my pace in I would manage something new for the 100m Lance Anders 10.5 (h) Senior the first 8 km. first time: brushing my teeth, using a cell phone, putting on socks, opening an 100m Donna-Lee Adams 12.88 Junior Since then I have earned another five overhead cupboard. I gradually became 200m Donna-Lee Adams 26.30 Junior Two Oceans 21.1 km silver medals, as more adventurous: cycling on a turbo well as a bronze and a silver in the 56 trainer, cycling to campus, running 5 200m Lance Anders 21.55 (+2.9) Senior km event. This year I entered the half km, doing a track session. 400m Kevin Rochford 83.97 60+ marathon again in good time, with ex- pectations of running a time in the low The running started two weeks before 1500m Kevin Rochford 6:27.12 60+ 80’s on mostly cycling training. It did- Two Oceans. I managed six runs total- 5000m Kevin Rochford 23:04.10 60+ n’t quite work out like that. ling 42 km with a longest run of 10 km. 400m Hurdles Divan Augustyn 51.15 Senior Not ideal preparation for a half mara- Seven weeks before the race I was cy- thon, but not bad under the circum- 3000m Steeple Chase Unice Vorster 13:35.9 (h) Senior cling down one Sun- stances. I started telling people that I 3000m Walk Kevin Rochford 21:51.54 60+ day morning. I apparently rode over was planning to run the half marathon. something slippery and made a solid This brought a mix of responses. Some Javelin Odette Olivier 44.69m Senior and Junior connection with a big steel barrier. I (endurance runners, coaches, parents) Pole Vault Sylma Jordaan 3.70m Senior http://www.wpa.org.za http://sportsclubs.uct.ac.za/athletics Stopwatch — May 2006 Page 27 Page 28 Stopwatch — May 2006 was Lindsay Weight, former Comrades of yourself that you can cover 10 km in TWO OCEANS, TWO O O SIX winner, who ran the course in 5:20:24. the same time these strollers do 2.5 km Kevin Rochford was one of the other 14 (this is not a joke). This is a long article, about a long race. I have divided it into men who finished the ultra, in a time of 5:47:51, though he ran his race on Fri- You also feel rather broody, with all sections, so you can read only the applicable ones, if you so wish! day. those cute kids proudly collecting their medals, proud parents, pink and puffing MY RACE GENERAL (Some of our runners did for breath, in tow. (A not quite make it to the 56 warning to all men: the (Read if you know me – Nicci – or (Read if you enjoy boring back- km mark, but for fear of A warning to all men: after-effects of this baby- Julia Penn.) ground info or know nothing about Chris-ing, sorry, crossing hankering instigation take Two Oceans.) stay clear of the ad- ‘The world’s most beautiful marathon’ the line and wrecking fam- some time to wear off, so does not seem quite so beautiful as I As usual, the Two Oceans Ultra Mara- ily relationships, I will not vances of any eager- stay clear of the advances mention names…) Kevin, of Marion Hansen, myself drag my reluctant body up Southern thon (56 km) and Half Marathon (21.1 seeming females in Cross Drive, every muscle screaming in km) were enormously successful this like Nthusi, seemed to and any other eager- agony that it has had about enough of year. Annually held over the Easter have reason to smile at the the club for a while. seeming females in the this self-inflicted torture. I try and smile weekend, athletes from all over the finish, where he was club for a while.) through the grimace on my face as I country and world flock to Cape Town greeted and awarded a greet fellow UCT runner, Julia Penn, for this inspiring event. This year, UCT medal by his own teammates – all of us Some of us volunteers even managed to who cheerily overtakes me. A constant Athletics Club had a record number of nitwits that had been suckered into claim free Oxygen water bottles, a good bundle of energy, her little legs are entrants (137), who all did exceedingly helping out at the Marafun. thing since we received no such award whizzing at twice the speed of my own, well. Though the course is tough, the ourselves after completing our own (far though I have no doubt she has been incredible atmosphere and enthusiastic MARAFUN more) gruelling races the following day. partying it up all week and not dili- crowd made this feat hardly surprising. Free burgers were on offer and free (Read if you helped out at this year’s gently resting her legs – even sacrific- In addition, the weather this year was pizza did indeed make its way into our event, or if you need to be persuaded ing a chance to go to Robbie Williams – ideal, particularly for the half-marathon greedy paws… well, most of us. (Some that you should help next year. like I did. ‘Go Jules!’ a supportive spec- runners, who enjoyed the mild, wind- managed to disappear at the crucial That’s everyone, then.) tator yells from the sidewalk. Julia free conditions before the heat of the hour, and believing them to have left waves in response, with enough energy day set in. the building, their pizza was dutifully Though we would never miss this op- dished out to by-standing security vol- to shout back to one of her many ac- portunity to whinge bitterly, being a quaintances along this stretch, ‘Why ULTRA MARATHON unteers in line with our nation’s redistri- Marafun volunteer was actually fairly bution policy. Please accept apologies aren’t you running? You lazy thing!’ A enjoyable. The day involves marshal- (Do not read if you are my brother.) for this oversight, marshals!) bit further along, I am again reminded ling and handing out medals and free of my pitiful pace when a walker over- water bottles to all the participants in Mpho was there to keep up our spirits takes me. I look twice, incredulous – is With a string of formidable results, the the 2.5 km, 5 km and 8 km Fun Runs and point out unfortunately positioned this possible? Indeed, a pretty little UCT Athletics Club can be justifiably which precede the Two Oceans every holes in jeans, which he thought was a strider all in black is pacing her way up proud of our many members who par- year. Of course, many of these runners fashion statement (Mpho, do you know ahead of me, her hazel-brown ponytail ticipated. As far as the crazy folk who are in fact walkers, and many are too me at all?), accompanied by his partner- bobbing along as she walks. Mortified, I did the ultra-marathon go, our top run- young to even walk, so cross the line in in-crime and fellow joker, Aldrid. A vow to catch her on the downhill. I do – ner was the formidable Nthusi Mpanza. prams or on parents’ shoulders. This heavy night apparently followed for but little did I realize how far away that Home in a time of 4:12:48, it seems means you stand around for many hours these two, and it was by sheer miracle downhill would be… And this is only even such physical exertion cannot wipe waiting for the last of the tortoises to that Mpho managed a half marathon the the half marathon! the smile off this ever-cheery face. The first of our five women who finished cross the line, but you feel rather proud following day.

http://www.wpa.org.za http://sportsclubs.uct.ac.za/athletics Stopwatch — May 2006 Page 29 Page 30 Stopwatch — May 2006 HALF MARATHON Tribute to a legend (Read if you are not bored yet) Two Oceans 21.1 km times Wally Haywood, one of South Africa’s This year, 58 UCT women completed greatest road runners, died on Friday 28 Bass, Nelson M 1:13:04 Miller, Andrew M 1:46:38 the half marathon, outnumbering their April 2006. He was 97. Horner, Kent M 1:14:40 Greyling, Grant M 1:46:58 male counterparts, who had 54 finish- Hodgson, Michael M 1:16:01 Blew, Candyce F 1:48:16 Born in 1908, Wally first made an im- ers. Nelson Bass, who ran the second Phooko, Teboho M 1:19:03 Lemanski, Charlotte F 1:48:35 pression on the South African road run- fastest time ever by a UCT athlete in the Hollyhoke, Iain M 1:19:10 Staak, Kelly F 1:49:40 half marathon, was one of the many no- ning scene in 1930 when he won both Brimble, Ben M 1:19:51 Jackson, Sarah-Jane F 1:49:59 table achievers among the men. Six the national 10 mile championship and Thiart, Jani F 1:51:59 UCT men broke 80 minutes. the Comrades Marathon (7:27:26). Rogers, Ian M 1:23:13 Stewart, Lauren F 1:25:15 Armstrong, Richard M 1:52:37 As the oft-heard refrain goes: the UCT Wally returned to the Comrades in Vorster, Unice F 1:27:26 Axelson, Guy M 1:53:18 women’s team once again outdid them- 1950, winning again, as well as in 1951, Ulyate, Craig M 1:27:50 Hunter, Nicola F 1:53:52 selves. The club’s top four women run- 1953 (down run record of 5:52:30) and Mennen, Werner M 1:28:00 Solomon, Ramzi M 1:54:07 ners came second in the team competi- 1954 (up run record of 6:12:55). Wynne, Philip M 1:28:00 Darby, Lydia F 1:54:44 tion, with each individual breaking 90 Kinsley, Claire F 1:28:02 Le Riche, Craig M 1:55:01 minutes for 21.1 km. Proving to her ad- In 1953 Wally broke the world record for 100 miles, running 12:20:28 in Eng- Harling, Guy M 1:28:24 Parak, Muhammad M 1:55:03 mirers that she is not just a pretty face, Will, Damian M 1:29:04 Pickard, Henri M 1:55:32 UCT’s Megan Dempster won her divi- land. This time still stands as the fastest Marais, Kerry-Ann F 1:29:34 Martin, Alexa F 1:55:37 sion of the half marathon, being the first 100 mile performance by a South Afri- junior woman to cross the finish line. can. It works out to 4:36 per kilometre, Lemanski, Stuart M 1:29:53 MacDonald, Iain M 1:55:43 While in total awe of all these results, I or four sub-3:15 in a row! A Robinson, William M 1:32:18 Cook, Teresa F 1:56:17 also find them quite intimidating! My month later he set a world 24 hour track Agar, Mark M 1:32:44 Axelson, Jessica F 1:57:08 consolation, however, is that the fastest record (256.4 km), setting world track Crookes, James M 1:33:31 Hansen, Marion F 1:57:19 UCT women of 2006 took 131 minutes records for 100 km (7:41:36) and 100 Vianello, Patrick M 1:34:35 Penn, Julia F 1:58:02 when she did her first Two Oceans. miles (12:46:34) along the way. Pitman, Barry M 1:34:36 Meldau, Richard M 1:58:44 Since this was slower than my time Okharedia, Ailen M 1:59:42 Another remarkable performance was Taylor, Simon M 1:34:50 ended up being, perhaps there is hope Douse, Simon M 1:35:13 De Kock, Danielle F 1:59:58 for all of us newbies, after all… Wally’s world 70+ age-group marathon record in 1978. His time was 3:06:24! Rush, Colin M 1:36:40 Grobler, Lara F 2:00:22 Collier, Nicci F 2:01:33 And, if nothing else, there is always the Dempster, Megan F 1:36:55 Milo, as well as egg-bacon and boere- He will be best remembered though for McEvoy, Dillon M 1:36:58 Whitfield, Nicole F 2:02:20 wors rolls, awaiting UCT runners at the his final two Comrades runs. In 1988 he Collins, Nicola F 1:37:23 Cook, Colin M 2:02:28 team tent after the race. It is amazing finished just outside the top half of the Hackland, Louise F 1:38:14 Allnutt, Mark M 2:04:19 how good 21 kilometres, a healthy dose field in 9:44:15. A year later, aged 80, Butt, Stephen M 1:38:16 Bowden, Andrew M 2:04:20 he completed the down run just two of endorphins and a spirited gathering Whitehead, Mark M 1:38:53 Ballance, Tanya F 2:04:38 minutes within the 11 hour cut-off. of teammates can make a simple skottel Ronchietto, Fabio M 1:39:34 Widdop, Alexandra Jane F 2:04:46 breakfast taste. Even Jannie’s constant A minute’s silence was observed before Aronson, Amy Lynne F 1:39:55 Blew, Michelle F 2:04:57 teasing did not spoil the fact that he the start of the Wally Haywood Mara- Brink, Margaret F 1:41:54 Brink, Mariette F 2:05:06 makes a baie goeie boere braai ! thon on 1 May in memory of the patron. McGaw, Julie F 1:43:55 Viljoen, Dirkje F 2:05:23 Nicci Collier Bassingthwaighte, Monya F 1:45:15 Sharples, Daniel M 2:05:55 Will Robinson Wilson, Andrew M 1:46:25 Symons, Nicola F 2:06:20 http://www.wpa.org.za http://sportsclubs.uct.ac.za/athletics Stopwatch — May 2006 Page 31 Page 32 Stopwatch — May 2006

Two Oceans 21.1 km times Two Oceans 56 km times

Fane-Hervey, Amy F 2:06:21 Mpanza, Morena Nthusi M 4:12:48 Athletics Club Contacts Orr, Frances Kate F 2:06:21 Van Hille, Robert M 4:52:55 Chairman Will Robinson [email protected] 0832787393 Schultz, Nicholas M 2:06:52 Okreglicki, Andrzej M 4:55:57 Waker, Vanessa F 2:06:52 Weight, Lindsay F 5:20:24 Vice-chairman Unice Vorster [email protected] 0824449279 Rowland, Daniel M 2:06:53 Fisher, Christopher M 5:21:55 Secretary Jennifer Nicol [email protected] 0724323343 Searby, Giles M 5:34:21 Branson, Nicola F 2:07:07 Social running Nicci Collier [email protected] 0833492262 Nicol, Jennifer F 2:07:59 Welker, Cathrin F 5:39:25 Buley, Jane F 2:09:36 Lincoln, David M 5:41:35 News/Media/PR Julie McGaw [email protected] 0847037004 Molefe, Wayne M 2:10:08 Sheen, Martin M 5:44:07 News/Media/PR Marion Hansen [email protected] 0834195843 Vogts, Michelle F 2:11:02 Thomas, Julia F 5:47:19 Race events Ian Rogers [email protected] 0723422253 Anderson, Chris M 2:11:28 Rochford, Kevin M 5:47:51 Mowlana, Yusuf M 2:12:47 Stone, Shane M 5:48:16 Race events Jannie Leach [email protected] 0834089473 Baajtes, Rudi M 2:13:53 Charpin, Jean M 5:54:38 Outreach Nicola Collins [email protected] 0832565466 Williams, Sinclair M 2:13:56 Morar, Sameer M 5:55:26 Penberthy, Tarin F 2:13:57 Dell, Angela F 6:31:43 Coach James Evans [email protected] Osborn, Amber F 2:15:00 Counihan, Keith M 6:39:37 Coach Dion Middelkoop [email protected] Stevens, Amy F 2:15:00 Da Rocha, Trevor M 6:40:43 Marais, Surita F 2:16:30 Thomson, Katherine Anne F 6:41:29 Best UCT Road Running Performances in 2005 Pavon, Carmen F 2:16:38 De Vries, Shaheem M 6:50:33 Distance Men Race Time Women Race Time Willey, Michelle F 2:18:15 Hatton, David M 6:53:22 8 km Crosby Freeman Don Lock 25:49 Unice Vorster Don Lock 30:50 Judd, Amy F 2:18:56 10 km Crosby Freeman Men’s Health 30:44 Unice Vorster Harmony 37:44 Barnes, Joelle F 2:19:12 UCT Sports Awards 13 km Andrzej Okreglicki Niel Joubert 1:02:28 Sue Wright Niel Joubert 1:28:15 Clinning, Jessica F 2:19:13 15 km Crosby Freeman Constantia Village 48:03 Carrie Ritter Constantia Village 1:01:06 Road Running Wright, Sue F 2:24:35 16 km Andrzej Okreglicki Manor House Run 1:18:03 Lindsay Weight Manor House Run 1:29:33 Petersen, Bradwin M 2:26:16 Full Blues: Unice Vorster 21.1 km Nelson Bass Two Oceans Half 1:13:50 Unice Vorster Riversdale 1:24:17 Van Gijsen, Reinier M 2:28:14 Cross Country 24.1 km Nicolas Corkeek 15 miler 2:01:37 Full Blues: Unice Vorster 30 km Nelson Bass Tuff Thirty 1:55:18 Lauren Stewart Tuff Thirty 2:20:01 Koch, Emma F 2:28:22 36.2 km Ian MacDonald Redhill Classic 3:35:49 Mphahlele, Bella F 2:28:34 Team Awards: Ian Rogers Teboho Phooko 42.2 km Ake Fagereng Knysna Marathon 3:01:23 Lindsay Weight Peninsula 3:41:06 Le Grange, Philip M 2:29:20 50 km Tamara Hew-Butler False Bay 5:04:44 Track & Field Miller, Jenny F 2:29:20 56 km Andrzej Okreglicki Two Oceans 4:39:54 Lindsay Weight Two Oceans 5:19:00 O'connor, Beth F 2:29:31 Full Blues: Divan Augustyn 80 km Ake Fagereng Puffer 8:54:15 Lindsay Weight Puffer 11:56:12 Jooste, Kristi F 2:30:28 Half Blues: Odette Olivier 89.15 km Andrzej Okreglicki Comrades 8:48:35 Tamara Hew-Butler Comrades 10:34:17 Lance Anders 100 miles Andrzej Okreglicki Addo Elephant 27:27:00 Jacobs, Farhana F 2:33:49 Team Awards: James Stutterheim Adriaanse, Anwah M 2:34:42 Patrick Bashala Check out the Athletics Club web site at If you are not yet subscribed to the club Moffat, Robert Albert M 2:37:07 Ian Rogers http://sportsclubs.uct.ac.za/athletics email list, you can join up at You will find regular news updates, all http://sportsclubs.uct.ac.za/mailman/listinfo/uct-athclub Lombard, Lesley F 2:37:44 Team of the Year nomination: Cele, Phathokuhle F 2:43:03 the club records and a huge photo gal- We send out information weekly about Women’s road and cross country team Dunne, Rowan M 2:52:30 lery including over 100 new pictures. upcoming events and recent club news. http://www.wpa.org.za http://sportsclubs.uct.ac.za/athletics

Stopwatch — May 2006 Page 33 Page 34 Stopwatch — May 2006 What’s Happening 13 May Don Lock 8 km 3 June UWC 10 km (WPA Road League) Cross Country League 1 Cross Country League 4 14 May 10 June (UWC) (Strandfontein) Talk by Lindsay Weight Cross Country League 5 18 May 24 June and Andrew Bosch (Koeberg) Cross Country League 2 30 June – SASSU Cross Country Champs 20 May (UCT Tennis Club) 1 July (Bloemfontein) Plexus Half Marathon Knysna Forest Marathon 21 May 8 July (WPA Road League) and Half-Marathon Cross Country League 3 Cross Country League 6 27 May 15 July (Blackheath) (Porter School, Tokai)

Golden Girls!

UCT’s gold medal winning half marathon team at SASSU Athletics Champs in Port Elizabeth: Julie McGaw, Kerry-Ann Marais, Megan Dempster and Unice Vorster.

http://www.wpa.org.za http://sportsclubs.uct.ac.za/athletics