Western Province Athletics
www.wpa.org.za
December 2012 Newsletter EditoEditorialrialrialrial
Looking back on an eventful year the calendar was jam packed with local, regional, national and international events that proved to be very successful for the province. Cross Country hosted the second CAA African Athletics Cross Country Championships in March; it was indeed a highlight on the calendar. WPA also hosted three National events, starting with the Yellow Pages Track and Field Inter Provincial in March, the SA 21km Championships in August and the 50km SA Race Walking Championships in October. All Western Province Athletics members can be proud of our achievements. A special word of thanks goes out to all the members that represented the various LOC’s, helpers and volunteers, without your commitment and hard work these events would not have been a success.
Turning to the clubs, our annual fixture’s calendar comprised of more than 80 road running events and 30 Track and Field meetings, Cross Country Leagues and Race Walking leagues. Due to the high standard that was presented at most club hosted events, it is proof once again that we are performing well as a province and the club structure continues to grow and strengthen, you can be proud of your achievements, well done.
We must commend the very effective office that drives and assists the commissions and clubs throughout the year. The team led by Sue Forge as the Provincial General Manager is proof indeed that we are setting a standard.
The year unfortunately seems to be rushing to its end and we would like to wish everyone a well- deserved break. Enjoy the Festive Season, celebrations and quality time with family and friends. To all who are travelling, please travel safely to and from your destinations. Please return ready and excited to tackle the events and challenges that lie ahead in 2013.
Running Regards Jakes Jacobs
CCCommissionCommission News
RACE WALKING
Jurgen Spencer and his family had the opportunity to be at the 2012 Olympic Games in London earlier this year. Jurgen was the envy of his fellow race-walkers, watching our SA hero, Marc Mundell break his personal best race-walking time. We asked Jurgen to share some of his fantastic experience with the rest of us stay-at-homes…
Going to LONDON 2012
Last year I agreed that if my daughter Julie, who lives near London obtains Olympic tickets, there would be no reason for me and Barbara not to visit our extended family during the Olympic Games. Now looking back, I can only say that LONDON 2012 was one of the most enjoyable highlights in my entire life. I finally attended the games after having listened as a young boy to my father, recalling how great the 1936 games were in Berlin.
Travelling to and from the Olympic Games was an absolute pleasure. Trains, Busses and Underground were plentiful and frequent. Underground travel in the greater London area was free and included in the actual ticket.
The 20km and 50km race-walking races were one week apart, on the mostly tree lined route called “The Mall”, a fantastic and beautiful venue, right in front of the Buckingham Palace, along with fantastic weather and ideal temperatures for walking. The field consisted of around 80 walkers in each event. The walkers strip/kit reflecting their National Colours was wonderful to observe. Thousands of supporters lined the route. The main spectator stand right behind the start/finish line was filled to capacity. I enjoyed the atmosphere and saw that Race-walking features highly in the world of sport. Here in SA we have a lot of catching up to do.
Blatant breach of the race-walking rules were dealt with by Chief judge Steve Taylor (he judged at our ASA 50km Champs in Youngsfield last year). A number of race-walkers were over striding and as a result were cautioned for “Lifting”. I recall making notes of all the walkers who, as a judge I would have shown the “wavy line” yellow paddle to. My Granddaughter took hundreds of photos. Loading the pics on the computer at home confirmed most of my findings (both feet very much in mid-air).
I was pleased to be able to support our own Marc Mundell. He looked good and so strong during the entire race, especially over the last 10km, while the rest of the field looked rather fatigued and exhausted. Barbara and I also enjoyed a day in the actual stadium. It was breathtakingly beautiful. We saw a number of SA T&F athletes, including Caster Semenya.
The overall enjoyment and pleasure we have experienced and the memories we have gathered at these London 2012 Olympics will remain for ever and never be forgotten.
Club NewNewss
ATLANTIC ATHLETIC CLUB
OUTSURANCE 94.5 KFM GUN RUN
TOP CAPE TOWN EVENT ATTRACTS A RECORD FIELD
A record field of just over 15 100 participants lined up outside the Cape Town Stadium to take part in the OUTsurance 94.5 Kfm Gun Run half marathon, 10km and 5km run/walk on a perfect Cape Town morning.
Cape Town’s mayor, Alderman Patricia de Lille, fired the gun to start the half marathon and rugby legend Bryan Habana fired the cut off gun at 10h30.
The perfect running conditions saw Gauteng runners dominate and take the top three positions in the half marathon, with Xolisa Tjali taking line honours in 64:06, Anthony Godongwana second in 64:18 and Lungile Gongqa third in 65:58. Tjali won R5 000 for his efforts.
Cape Town runners dominated the top positions in the women’s event, with Bulelwa Simae winning in 81:28, and Nomvuyisi Seti (82:09) and Bulelwa Mtshagi 84:37 taking second and third places respectively. Simae also pocketed R5 000.
The 10km saw Gauteng runners Gladwin Mzazi win in 29:08 and Thozama April win the women’s race in 37:01.
A cheque of R60 000 was presented to Reid Corin from the JAG Foundation, thanks to the runners, sponsors and Atlantic Athletic Club. JAG engages children in programmes that teach values and enhance self-esteem, self-discipline, goals, focus and sportsmanship. The JAG Foundation uses sport as a catalyst for change, exposing children from disadvantaged backgrounds to an alternate life path through mentoring, coaching, knowledge and organised physical activity programmes. Visit www.jagfoundation.org.za for more information.
EASTERNS ATHLETIC KRAAIFONTEIN
Easterns Athletics celebrates another year of good achievements in both the Athletic and Social side. The aim of the club is always to appreciate the contribution of both our athletes and social members. We strive on balance as this not only contributes to running but can also become a life skill.
Although we have a membership of less than 70, we can proudly say that our races: the 15km Fairbridge Mall in August and the 10km Sundowner at the Waterfront are continuously looked at for improvement and always with the view of wanting to make it an enjoyable experience for the athletes participating in the race.
We had a record amount of athletes participating at the Two Oceans 56km Ultra Marathon with our top runner, Abongile Snyman, running a time of 3.31 and later on winning the Winelands Marathon 42.2km in November – Well done Abongile, you make us proud. The majority of our athletes produced PB’s for 2012 – Well done guys.
In September, at the AGM, Anvir Logenstein was elected as the new Chairperson and Pieter Sago occupying the role of Vice-Chair. The idea of a change in leadership always brings with it, new implementation and fresh ideas, with the intention of growing the club numerically as well as creating a greater awareness in the Western Province Athletic Fraternity.
With many clubs facing financial strain, and even have to cancel their races due to lack of finance, we are grateful that things are working well for us thus far.
Thank you to the WPA Administration for your support and we must congratulate you for the visual improvement in your structures.
Our next big event is the Sundowner 10km which takes place on Wednesday 19 th December at 6.00pm. Please come early for parking. For more information, please contact Top Events on 021 511 7130 email: [email protected] or Anvir on 084 400 5821.
We wish you all a blessed Christmas and a prosperous 2013.
EDGEMEAD RUNNERS
December is an exciting month for the club. The 8km Edgemead Runners Memorial Race will be held for the 39 th time in 2012 and will once again attract hundreds of runners, joggers and fun seekers to the Mouille Point Lighthouse for the annual end of year event. We are in full swing with organising & arranging all requirements for the event & we believe the event will be a big success.
Now called the Runners Memorial Race, it originated in 1973 as the New Year’s Eve Race and then became the Chris McKinnon Memorial Race to honour the Western Province runner killed while on a training run in Pretoria. Its new name was chosen to commemorate all Western Province runners who died tragically.
The race was originally organised by the WP Road Runners Association, thereafter taken over by Tygerberg Athletics Club and organised by Edgemead Runners since 1996. It was the death of Edgemead Runners club member Mxolisi Mitchell Mase a few days before the 1995 Two Oceans Ultra Marathon that emphasised the need for such a race. The race is now hosted to commemorate all runners who died while being involved in their favourite activity, running.
Over the years the venue has changed, but the race has always been run along the Sea Point beachfront. The run takes place over 8km and takes participants from the Mouille Point Lighthouse, along the promenade to Milton’s pool and back to the finish on the lawns in front of the Lighthouse. The race is open to runners and walkers alike, no license numbers are required, but club athletes are welcome to wear their club colours. There is a family atmosphere and people are encouraged to bring the family down to the beachfront and take part.
Many illustrious names in SA Athletics have won the race, amongst others Ewald Bonzet, Victor Liebenberg, Kevin Flanegan, Johan Fourie, Andries Krogmann, Matthews Temane and Sonja Laxton. The race has a special place on the Cape Town running calendar, and it is certain that many familiar faces will be in the crowd when the event starts next to the Mouille Point Lighthouse at 18h00 on Monday, 31 December 2012. A commemorative drinking glass is on offer to the first 1500 finishers. Please contact our Race Organizer, Mervyn Lee at [email protected] or 074 309 4623 should you need more info on the event. Race Flyers are available at all races & sport stores.
We look forward to you joining us for this last race of the year!
Our Annual Year End Club Awards Evening took place on 24 November 2012 & was well supported. Congratulations to the following recipients!
The Tygerberg Aquatics Floating Trophy Criteria: “Awarded to a member for regular participation and consistent performances during the Cross Country season” Recipient: Natalie Sissing
Liam Brinders Memorial Trophy Criteria: “Awarded to the most promising junior boy” Recipient: Richard Holt
Walker Trophy Criteria: “Awarded to the most promising junior girl” Recipient: Micaela Swart
The 7 – 11 Shield Criteria: “Awarded to the most improved runner in terms of time and / or distance improvement over the previous year” Recipient: Steve McCarthy
Video Express Trophy Criteria: “Awarded to the runner with the best spirit in the club. One who best reflects our motto “Fitness & Friendship” Recipient: Octavia Boshoff
Edgemead High School Bronze Shoe Criteria: “Awarded to the most persevering runner” Recipient: Daniel E’Silva
Verdi’s Bronze Shoe Criteria: “Awarded for the best single performance by an individual in terms of time and position in a particular event” Recipient: Gavin McCarthy
Isle of Man Trophy Criteria: Awarded to the Master or Grandmaster who has achieved the most during the past year” Recipient: Tutu Haynes-Smart
Cape Trophies Shield Criteria: “Awarded to the most dedicated club member” Recipient: Christo Bothma
Mitchell Mase Memorial Cup Criteria: “Awarded at the Chairman’s discretion for outstanding achievement during the year” Recipient: Gavin McCarthy
Van Schalkwyk Family Trophy Criteria: “Awarded for the Ladies’ Runner of the Year” Recipient: Sandra van Graan
Garden Cities Shield Criteria: “Awarded for the Men’s Runner of the Year” Recipient: Clive Owen
Thank you to all club members for your support at the Landmarks, HFPA Half Marathon & Winelands Marathon events in November. All these races were well attended & a number of personal best times were achieved. The support, guidance & club spirit is encouraging members to perform at their best & we look forward to more good results in December.
Most of us will be enjoying a well-deserved break over the festive season. Please take care on the roads should you be travelling & for those spending time at home, enjoy the rest! We wish all a blessed festive season & a splendid 2013!
If you would like to find out more about us and/or join the club please go to www.edgemeadrunners.org.za or email us on [email protected] . Alternatively you can contact Kim Boshoff (Ladies Club Captain) on 083 289 8651 or Arnold Nardy (Men’s Club Captain) on 084 580 8482 for more info.
OLD MUTUAL TWO OCEANS MARATHON
ENTRIES OPEN FOR 2013 OLD MUTUAL TWO OCEANS MARATHON TRAIL RUN
Entries for the 2013 Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon trail run open on Monday, 3 December 2012 at 10h00.
The trail run was introduced in 2010 and it has quickly become a must-do event for trail enthusiasts around the country, with 800 entries for the 2012 event filling up in less than three hours.
On offer are a 10km route that is perfect for beginners and a 22km route for the more experienced trail runner. Both runs start at the University of Cape Town (UCT) and take runners along the lower slopes of Devil’s Peak and nearby forests, with inspiring vistas over the peninsula and varied terrain with steep ascents and descents.
Runners can enter online at www.twooceansmarathon.org.za. To make the Two Oceans Marathon the safest event in Africa, a comprehensive medical questionnaire is part of the entry system. Due to the increasing popularity of the event, the organisers expect a massive influx of requests once entries open at 10am. Entrants should anticipate a high volume of traffic during the entry process.
The 2013 Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon trail run will take place on the morning of Good Friday, 29 March 2013.
WPA Development WPA KIDS ATHLETICS
It has been a very busy and successful year for the kids and clubs participating in the WPA Kids Athletics Programme. We are now reaching the end of 2012, most of the kids have shown a huge improvement in their performances since the inception of the programme and we are incredibly proud of their determination and hard work.
WPA organised an awards ceremony and fun day that was held at the Green Point Urban Park (Amphitheatre) on the 3 November 2012. WPA wanted to personally thank everyone involved in the programme, WPA is extremely grateful for the long hours and hard work, clubs, facilitators, helpers and volunteers have put into making the programme such a success.
Each club nominated juniors from their clubs that were awarded based on the following categories:
Most dedicated junior of the series Most improved junior of the series Juniors who have shown the most Leadership ability Outstanding performance in a particular “activity”
BEST TEAM LEADERS Barry Goliath Yvonne Brookes
WINNING TEAM 3rd Ravensmead AC 2nd ATC 1st Stragglers AC
The awards were a huge motivation to all the clubs to work even harder in 2013 and strive to achieve what other clubs have achieaved during 2012.
After the presantation the kids were entertained with some fun activities which they thoroughly enjoyed by all, it was the perfect opportunity for the kids to let their hair down and just be kids. The venue was perfert as most of the kids played on all the kids aparatus that is in the Urban Park, some clubs took the kids for a walk on the beach before taking them home.
Western Province Athletics is extending the opportunity to five more WPA affiliated clubs to become involved in the Kids Athletics Programme in 2013. Should your club be interested or require further information please send an email to Aphiwe Martins [email protected] . We look forward to welcoming new dedicated and enthusiastic clubs that will join this wonderful programme in 2013.
WPA would like to thank all our sponsors and partners for making this programme possible, special mention must be made of the Two Oceans Marathon Association, we are truly grateful for your continued support.
See you all in 2013!
December Event Diary
DATE DAY EVENT DIST TIME VENUE CLUB CONTACT CONTACT NO EMAIL
1-Dec Sat Vital 21 km Run 21,1 6:30 RCS Lourensford Wine Estate,Somerset West Run / Walk for life AC Mariè Barnard 083 713 2858 [email protected]
Sat Vital 10 km Run 10 7:30 RCS Lourensford Wine Estate,Somerset West Run / Walk for life AC Mariè Barnard 083 713 2858 [email protected]
Sat Vital 10 km Walk 10W 7:40 RCS Lourensford Wine Estate,Somerset West Run / Walk for life AC Mariè Barnard 083 713 2858 [email protected]
Sat Vital 4 km Fun Run 4 8:00 Lourensford Wine Estate,Somerset West Run / Walk for life AC Mariè Barnard 083 713 2858 [email protected]
4-Dec Tue Collison Cup 4 19:00 Parow Stadium WPA Track and Field Elize Engelbrecht 021 699 0615 [email protected] Kenneth.jantjies@t -
5-Dec Wed Metropolitan 10 km Road Race 10 18:30 Parc Du Cap Bellville Metropolitan AC Kenneth Jantjies 083 412 3366 systems.co.za
7-Dec Fri Combined Events 18:00 Bellville Athletic Stadium WPA Track and Field Elize Engelbrecht 021 699 0615 [email protected]
8-Dec Sat Combined Events 13:00 Bellville Athletic Stadium WPA Track and Field Elize Engelbrecht 021 699 0615 [email protected]
8-Dec Sat Masters Throws Pentathlon 10h00 Parow Stadium WPA Masters Alan Nelson 083 272 7100 [email protected]
8-Dec Sat AVBOB 15 km 15 6:00 Pick 'n Pay Shopping Centre, Table View Tygerberg Northlink AC Leon Thelander 083 999 6450 [email protected]
12-Dec Wed Correctional Services 10 km Night Race 10 18:15 Pollsmoor Correctional Facility Tokai Correctional Service AC (WP) Ashwin Silver 082 774 1061 [email protected]
15-Dec Sat Tygerberg NLC Summer Series 10:00 Parow Stadium Tygerberg Northlink AC Mariana Meyer 082 777 4050 [email protected]
16-Dec Sun The RCS GUGS Reconciliation Day 10km Race 10 7:00 NY 49 Stadium, Gugulethu RCS Guguletu AC Marshall Moiloa 084 650 8758 [email protected]
19-Dec Wed Growthpoint Properties Sundowner 10km 10 18:00 V & A Waterfront behind Table Bay Hotel Easterns Athletic Club Jonathan Maree 083 958 4317 [email protected] Chrysalis Academy Porter Estate Tokai Road
26-Dec Wed Tokai Manor House 16 km 16 7:00 Tokai Southern Striders AC Laura Hiddleston 083 964 1756 [email protected]
31-Dec Mon Runner's Memorial Race 8 km 8 18:00 Mouille Point Lighthouse Green Point Edgemead AC Mervin Lee 074 309 4623 [email protected]
Should you wish to share your club or event news please send the information to [email protected]