Latest news with #BillRowan
The Citizen
29-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Bill Rowan and Vic Clapham medals for local Comrades runners
Four residents from Wright Park were among club members from various athletics clubs in Ekurhuleni who participated in the Comrades Marathon on June 8. Two of them brought home Bill Rowan medals while the other two secured Vic Clapham medals. One of the Bill Rowan medal holders, Noko Matlou, said he felt honoured to have completed his fourth Comrades Marathon in eight hours and 58 minutes. The marketing manager from the City of Ekurhuleni Athletics Club added that his achievement serves as motivation to keep up the momentum. 'Last year, I received the bronze medal, so this year's victory encourages me to maintain the standard I have set for myself. 'When you have completed the marathon before, you are already mentally prepared for the trail; all you have to do is focus on the end goal,' he said. Lesiba Mmotlana from Correctional Services completed the race in seven hours and 57 minutes. This was his sixth time participating. The Vic Clapham medal holders, Jabulani Kwinika and Phephile Dlamini, from SAPS and Kwa-Thema Striders respectively, finished in 11:53:18 and 11:27:27. Matlou said it took a lot of preparation to be fully ready. 'We usually organise club runs where we check each other's fitness levels. As participants from the City of Ekurhuleni, we have a record to maintain; we therefore cannot allow any of our members to be inconsistent as that will affect our record,' he added. He concluded that they are looking forward to recruiting more women to join. 'We are hoping to have at least 10 women next year,' Matlou said. Councillors Thulani Simelane, Vusumuzi Gamede and Isaac Masite were there to support and cheer on the participants. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
24-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Springs club members emerge victorious in Comrades Marathon
Four residents from Wright Park were among club members from various athletics clubs in Ekurhuleni who participated in the Comrades Marathon on June 8. Two of them brought home Bill Rowan medals while the other two secured Vic Clapham medals. One of the Bill Rowan medal holders, Noko Matlou, said he felt honoured to have completed his fourth Comrades Marathon in eight hours and 58 minutes. The marketing manager from the City of Ekurhuleni Athletics Club added that his achievement serves as motivation to keep up the momentum. 'Last year I received the bronze medal, so this year's victory encourages me to maintain the standard I have set for myself. 'When you have completed the marathon before, you are already mentally prepared for the trail; all you have to do is focus on the end goal,' he said. Lesiba Mmotlana from Correctional Services completed the race in seven hours and 57 minutes. This was his sixth time participating. The Vic Clapham medal holders, Jabulani Kwinika and Phephile Dlamini, from SAPS and Kwa-Thema Striders respectively, finished in 11:53:18 and 11:27:27. Matlou said it took a lot of preparation to be fully ready. 'We usually organise club runs where we check each other's fitness levels. As participants from the City of Ekurhuleni, we have a record to maintain; we therefore cannot allow any of our members to be inconsistent as that will affect our record,' he added. He concluded that they are looking forward to recruiting more women to join. 'We are hoping to have at least 10 women next year,' Matlou said. Councillors Thulani Simelane, Vusumuzi Gamede and Isaac Masite were there to support and cheer on the participants. ALSO READ: Subarus and more to shine at Just Wheels Open Day ALSO READ: Hengel-aksie by maandelikse kompetisie van die Verre Oos-Rand Hengelklub At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
23-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Runners represent Giyani well
LIMPOPO – The Giyani Gallopers Athletics Club proudly represented their town at the Comrades Marathon on Sunday, June 8, with several members earning prestigious medals, even though no golds were claimed. Leading the pack was Vonani Chavalala, who completed the ultra-marathon in an impressive 7:41:30, earning a Bill Rowan medal. Close behind was fellow club runner Gift Mashavani, who also earned a Bill Rowan medal with a finishing time of 8:57:45. Among the women, Sibongile Makamu was the club's fastest female finisher, clocking in at 9:56:35. Just a second behind her was Aletta Ngoveni, finishing in 9:56:36. Chavalala reflected on the experience, saying, 'The race was tough. Around the 84km mark, I got excited seeing the downhill stretch and thought I could finish under seven and a half hours. But at 85km, the uphill section hit me hard. I suffered cramps and lost time, but I'm still happy with my performance; this was only my second Comrades.' Another standout from the club was Beryll Monakisi, who finished her race in 11:49:17. She received special recognition from Greater Tzaneen Mayor Gerson Molapisane during the recent homecoming ceremony for Amajita coach Raymond Mdaka. The mayor praised Monakisi for proudly representing the municipality at such a prestigious national event. This year's Comrades Marathon saw a strong showing from South African athletes. Tete Dijana secured his third victory, bouncing back from last year's fourteenth-place finish to win in 5:25:28. In the women's division, Gerda Steyn claimed her fourth title, finishing in 5:51:19. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
23-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
De Bruin plans for silver after success in debut Comrades
With just under 11km to the Comrades Marathon finish line, Alison de Bruin entered the pain cave and relied only on grit and determination to push herself through intense fatigue and discomfort. She couldn't allow herself to quit because it was, after all, 'the ultimate human race'. As this was her debut on June 8, the Benoni Northerns Athletic Club (BNAC) top runner was tested like never before. Despite 'niggles and aches', her stubbornness, tolerance for pain, and loyal support from friends and family – especially her dad – pushed her through. She persevered and ultimately crossed the finish line in Durban 'hurting' at 08:37:53 for a Bill Rowan medal, after a hard slog on the 89.98km downhill course from Pietermaritzburg to Durban. 'I was hurting, but after getting that far, I told myself I had it in the bag. I fought and stayed determined. I pushed in the last 8km. It may not have been the time I wanted, but the support around me pushed me to continue,' she said. After months of training -clocking 1 500km – crossing the finish line outside Moses Mabhida Stadium was 'the most incredible feeling of achievement' for the Rynfield Primary School teacher. 'I was beyond thrilled. After everything I had been through, and the months of training, I had made it. I was overwhelmed, proud, and happy that I achieved it. It might not have been the time I set out for, but I was still delighted,' De Bruin said. Although it's a personal achievement, the athlete ran the race for her father, who has been a pillar of support and inspiration since the day she first laced up her running shoes. 'He is passionate about running. He ran a lot when he was young but cannot do it anymore. I knew he was watching me and incredibly proud of me.' Reflecting on her overall performance, the St Dominic's Catholic School for Girls alumna said said race went according to plan. She was disciplined and maintained a decent 05:15 min/km pace, but nothing could have prepared her for the five major climbs – and their many cousins – on a course that was supposed to be downhill. 'Everyone told me it was the down run. But once I started, I realised it wasn't. It was completely different from what everyone said, so I had to stay disciplined in the first half,' said De Bruin. Now that she has a Bill Rowan medal, she knows what goal to aim for in next year's back-to-back race. 'I have noticed I am stronger on the uphills than the downhills. I am going to push to improve my time. I would love to get a silver medal and would be happy – even if I finish in 08:00. 'I want to improve my time by at least 30 minutes.' Also Read: Also Read: Murder case is again postponed At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
15-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Striders take ‘Down' Comrades
The South Coast Striders conquered the Comrades Marathon Down Run, from Pietermaritzburg to Durban. Of the 30 who entered, 26 completed the epic run. One didn't start and three didn't finish – there's always next year. The runners powered through, demonstrating incredible grit and determination. Peter Brino Chidzungu blazed the trail, securing a silver medal (under 7:30:00) and an outstanding 143rd place overall. Striders also bagged three Bill Rowan medals (under nine hours), nine Robert Mtshali medals (under 10 hours), nine bronze medals (under 11 hours), and four Vic Clapham medals (under 12 hours). This stellar performance was matched by the equally enthusiastic support crew, who cheered on the runners with enthusiasm. The Striders can now enjoy some well earned rest ahead of the 'Aches and Pains' party at Margate Country Club. RESULTS Peter Brino Chidzungu 6:34:29 Wiseman Ncane 8:12:25 Bonga Mbhele 8:49:41 Josh Halle 8:56:05 Mkhuliswa Mqadi 9:04:36 Johan Griffioen 9:14:01 Daniel Francesconi 9:18:06 Christina Ahlers 9:37:32 Michael Forshaw 9:47:46 Hope Mortimer 9:49:38 Grace Mortimer 9:49:40 Christopher Mortimer 9:58:34 Samuel Naidoo 9:59:33 Nhlanhla Khusi 10:01:21 Arno Vermaak 10:13:06 Victoria Forshaw 10:28:27 Lennox Mtwengwane 10:29:43 Ziyanda Adonis 10:30:33 Paula Hudson 10:30:54 Tobias Ahlers 10:43:37 Zandile Dunywa 10:50:12 Deborah Berridge 10:51:37 Isak Ludick 11:25:58 Vuyani Gqoboka 11:33:07 Yashiren Naidoo 11:42:56 Gert Veldman 11:47:03 HAVE YOUR SAY Like the South Coast Herald's Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
