Latest news with #RoodepoortAthleticsClub
The Citizen
29-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Roodies runners conquer Comrades Marathon
Forty athletes from the Roodepoort Athletics Club ran the 2025 gruelling Comrades Marathon. This year's team included 10 first-time runners, two members tackling their 10th, one running his 17th, and a veteran runner who tackled his 30th. According to Conrad de Buys, the chairperson of the club, who himself completed his 17th Comrades Marathon, out of the 40 athletes who participated, 32 successfully crossed the finish line. In contrast, eight unfortunately did not complete the race. Also read: Roodies runner completes 30th Comrades Speaking to the Roodepoort Record, the athletes collectively agreed that this year's down run from Pietermaritzburg to Durban presented unique challenges, testing their limits in unexpected ways. Judge Mongale, the club's road captain, crossed the finish line in 11:50:00 just 10 minutes before the 12-hour cut-off, earning his second Vic Clapham medal. 'I did not expect the run-down to be this difficult, but I'm happy I have received this special back-to-back medal,' Judge said humbly. Judge has three previous attempts, and this was his second finish. First-time runner Tshepo Mogolwane set a remarkable record for himself with a finish time of 9:59:50, and this impressive performance earned him the Robert Mtshali medal. Other finishers: • Sarel Cilliers: 11:39:19 • Judith Kganedi: 11:52:55 • Johan Breydenbach: 10:56:11 • Keabetswe Moletsane: 9:30:09 Additionally, Keenan Buys, Meshack Keikagtse and Clinton Kruis all demonstrated remarkable endurance, finishing in under nine hours and earning the prestigious Bill Rowan medal. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
21-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Roodies runner completes 30th Comrades
Finishing the Comrades Marathon is an achievement in itself, but Johan Breydenbach from Roodepoort Athletics Club has taken this feat to unprecedented heights, earning a remarkable 30th medal in this iconic ultra-marathon on Sunday, June 8. The 60-year-old made his way to the finish line in an impressive time of 10:56:15, a full two hours before the 12-hour cut-off time. Johan's Comrades journey began in 1985 when he was just 20 years old, running under the South African Police Services Athletics Club. He took a short break and joined the Roodepoort Athletics Club in 1999 and has since completed 24 consecutive Comrades Marathons. Also read: Roodies host braai-send off for Comrades athletes His dedication and hard work have earned him a permanent green number with three laurel leaves (one laurel for 10-19 finishes, two for 20-29, and three for 30 or more), symbolising his incredible achievements. 'Comrades is my passion, and it's a lifestyle that I have dedicated myself to,' Johan says. 'Anyone who runs and finishes the Comrades can tell you what an incredible feat it is to make it to the finish line. I'm thankful to God that at my age, I'm still able to use the talent and skills of running that He gave me.' Receiving his permanent green number holds great significance to him, not just as a personal achievement but also as a family legacy. 'What's also special is that it can be used within the family, but I've told my grandkids that anyone who wishes to run with my number must be dedicated and needs to run 30 Comrades,' he shared. With a personal best time of 09:45:00 and a collection of mostly bronze and platinum medals, his goal is to complete 35 comrades. 'I will thereafter decide if I want to continue or not.' Johan's advice to novice runners is ,'You can do anything that you put your mind to.' At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
07-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Roodies host braai-send off for Comrades athletes
The Roodepoort Athletics Club hosted a motivational send-off braai for its members who will be participating in the 98th edition of the prestigious Comrades Marathon this past weekend. The iconic ultra-marathon, set to take place on Sunday, June 8, will see 40 of the club's runners take to the streets from Pietermaritzburg to Durban. The braai took place on Saturday, May 31, and saw family, friends, club members and supporters alike come out in numbers to support these runners. According to Conrad de Buys, the chairperson of the club, this year they have 10 first-time runners, two members tackling their 10th, and one veteran runner who will be marking their 30th Comrades. Also read: Duo conquers Two Oceans Conrad proudly noted that this year's contingent of Comrades runners has surpassed previous years, making it the club's most successful year yet in terms of novice participation. 'We wish all our athletes the very best for the Comrades Marathon. Our road coach, Judge Mongale, has guided them through a rigorous training programme, with early morning and late evening sessions throughout the year. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to each athlete for their hard work and dedication, as well as to the committee for their unwavering support behind the scenes,' said Conrad. Additionally, the runners will be wearing blue awareness ribbons to raise awareness about cerebral damage and also to support Eben Beukes, whose life took a devastating turn when he contracted Covid-19. Eben and his father, Hendrik Beukes, are closely related to one member of the club, Hannetjie Venter. Also read: Roodie athletes conquer Two Oceans 'Eben suffered multiple strokes and extensive cerebral damage. Practically overnight, this vibrant, loving child became completely dependent on full-time care. He now requires 24-hour palliative support, including nursing care, feeding assistance, medical equipment and basic necessities like diapers and hygiene products,' said Hannetjie. The day was more than just a social gathering; it was filled with lovely messages and words of encouragement from those who have walked this path before, and it also commemorated true friendships and camaraderie. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
