By BOB NORRIS
THE Winter Solstice is always a welcome event to runners who can look forward to longer days, eventually warmer weather and all round safer running on the roads.
The occasion also ushers in increased activity on the road and an “off road” running calendar.
Although many in the community are saddened by yet another postponement of South Africa’s fastest half marathon, the 60:11, there are other positives inclusive of the introduction of two new races, the rebranding of an established one and promises of co-operation between a number of clubs on developing the sport further.
Saturday sees the first of the new events, and the first organised race to be hosted by the still relatively new Mercedes Benz AC.
The race, scheduled for Saturday, July 2, is being dubbed as a 15km cross country run. While it does not follow the format of old style cross country running it does offer superb outdoor running in a country atmosphere.
The race will be held at Python Park, a fine venue for such activity.
Entries open today at Gate One of the East London Plant off Settlers Way and will be taken throughout the course of the week. The foresight for the event comes from Luvuyo Mgoduka and Marcellino Terblanche.
The following weekend will usher in the rebranding of East London AC’s 10km road race.
Last year the club lost one of its most loyal members due to the passing of Trevor Klose and the club committee have decided to name this event after the extremely popular runner, who could be seen at most races around the city. Entries are available from sports shops in both Vincent and Beacon Bay. There is also a 5km dash on the programme.
The Washie 100 is at the other side of an extreme spectrum and takes to the moonlit roads between Port Alfred and East London on the night of Friday, July 22. Runners will arrive at the Buffalo Club throughout the day and on to a 7pm cut-off on the Saturday.
Meanwhile, on Saturday, July 23, the new Winter Wonderland 12km Winter Challenge and 4km fun run takes place out and back from Beacon Bay Crossing as part of an all day festival of activities.
The 12km, being organised by Born 2 Run, takes in suburbia as well as the open country areas and farmlands on an all new route.
Entries open online as of July 1 and will further be available from Thule, based at the Crossing, next week.
All this activity, along with the parkruns across the province, should ensure runners are ready to launch into spring with one of the fastest growing road races, the Real Gijimas-hosted Mdantsane 10 on Sunday, August 28.
Offroad ventures beat winter chill
THE Winter Solstice is always a welcome event to runners who can look forward to longer days, eventually warmer weather and all round safer running on the roads.
The occasion also ushers in increased activity on the road and an “off road” running calendar.
Although many in the community are saddened by yet another postponement of South Africa’s fastest half marathon, the 60:11, there are other positives inclusive of the introduction of two new races, the rebranding of an established one and promises of co-operation between a number of clubs on developing the sport further.
Saturday sees the first of the new events, and the first organised race to be hosted by the still relatively new Mercedes Benz AC.
The race, scheduled for Saturday, July 2, is being dubbed as a 15km cross country run. While it does not follow the format of old style cross country running it does offer superb outdoor running in a country atmosphere.
The race will be held at Python Park, a fine venue for such activity.
Entries open today at Gate One of the East London Plant off Settlers Way and will be taken throughout the course of the week. The foresight for the event comes from Luvuyo Mgoduka and Marcellino Terblanche.
The following weekend will usher in the rebranding of East London AC’s 10km road race.
Last year the club lost one of its most loyal members due to the passing of Trevor Klose and the club committee have decided to name this event after the extremely popular runner, who could be seen at most races around the city. Entries are available from sports shops in both Vincent and Beacon Bay. There is also a 5km dash on the programme.
The Washie 100 is at the other side of an extreme spectrum and takes to the moonlit roads between Port Alfred and East London on the night of Friday, July 22. Runners will arrive at the Buffalo Club throughout the day and on to a 7pm cut-off on the Saturday.
Meanwhile, on Saturday, July 23, the new Winter Wonderland 12km Winter Challenge and 4km fun run takes place out and back from Beacon Bay Crossing as part of an all day festival of activities.
The 12km, being organised by Born 2 Run, takes in suburbia as well as the open country areas and farmlands on an all new route.
Entries open online as of July 1 and will further be available from Thule, based at the Crossing, next week.
All this activity, along with the parkruns across the province, should ensure runners are ready to launch into spring with one of the fastest growing road races, the Real Gijimas-hosted Mdantsane 10 on Sunday, August 28.
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