Latest news with #BNAC
The Citizen
27-05-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Northerns runner dedicates her eighth Comrades to child battling leukaemia
Benoni Northerns Athletic Club (BNAC) member and Ashton International College teacher, Robyn Daniel, will dedicate her eighth Comrades Marathon on June 8 to leukaemia patient Zishan Reddy. Moved by the Grade Three learner's strength in the face of such a daunting journey, Robyn will run the 89km down-run from Pietermaritzburg to Durban in honour of the youngster, who is facing his second battle with the disease. 'Zishan is awaiting a bone marrow transplant and his strength has moved me deeply. His mom and sister are incredibly brave and watching their quiet courage unfold daily has inspired me to act,' Robyn said. She described Zishan as a 'true warrior' who, despite undergoing maintenance chemotherapy, attends school and still enjoys his soccer practice and matches for Ashton. 'His sister, Thuraya, is a ray of sunshine in my class. She is a beautifully mannered young lady and always so positive. Their mom, Goolshun, is also a pillar of strength who shows much strength and courage. 'They are an inspirational family who will be in my heart while running the Comrades Marathon this year and hopefully give me the extra push when I need it.' Robyn is a seasoned runner. She made her Comrades debut in the 2012 down run, finishing in 10:54:26 for a bronze medal. She added another bronze in 2015 and a Vic Clapham medal in 2016, before breaking the 10-hour barrier for the first time in the 2018 down-run, when she clocked 09:56:10 for her third bronze. Her performance in 2018 set the runner for two successive Robert Mtshali medals in 2019 and 2022, before finishing under nine hours for the first time in last year's up-run when she crossed the line in a PB 08:56:32 for her first Bill Rowan medal. Robyn stated they are still searching for a bone marrow match for Zishan and urged community members to assist the learner. 'Ashton College is making it easier for anyone interested by hosting a Stem Cell Donor drive on May 30, from 9am to 3pm. It is a simple swab test of your inner cheek. 'Alternatively, register on and everything gets sent to you at no charge,' said Robyn. Through Rainbows and Smiles, they have created a crowdfunding campaign where all donations will go to bone marrow research. To help, go to Also Read: SA Bone Marrow Registry to name a star after donor in stellar campaign Also Read: Hundred years of female participation in the Comrades Marathon At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
22-04-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Stoltz podiums at BNAC Marathon
Corlize Stoltz claimed a podium place when she finished third in the women's 10km race at the Benoni Northerns Athletic Cub (BNAC) Marathon on April 13. Still recovering from a foot injury that put her out of competition for a year, the Boksburg resident was part of the women's top three that sent the crowd along the finishing straight into a frenzy as they came home in single file to all finish under 41 minutes. 'This year, I plan to build consistency – in training and performance. I am also focusing on recovery and staying injury-free,' said Stoltz. Also Read: De Bruin achieves career high with third place at Johnson Crane Marathon She crossed the line in 40:58, 55 seconds behind winner Simonay Weitsz, who cut the tape in 40:03 and was 43 seconds behind runner-up Benoni Harriers' Bronwyn Nel, who clocked 40:15 for the silver. While the sub-41:00 was outside the three athletes' lifetime bests in the distance, Stoltz and Weitsz are still on the comeback trail following long-term injuries, while Nel has just completed one of her busiest track and field seasons, where she competed in the 800m, 1 500m and 3 000m. Coming into the race, Stoltz planned to start conservatively and then put foot to pedal in the second half. It is a strategy that worked as she still had enough in the tank on the back end of the race to challenge for a top three position. She said planning things out, focusing on her priorities and sticking to what she can control worked out for her on the day. 'I stayed patient early on to conserve energy and then pushed hard on the last stretch. Also, training in the right set-up and trusting my training made a difference,' she said. While victory is always on the back of her mind, it is about progress and not just podiums. Going into her next challenge, the Colgate Race on May 4 at Boksburg Stadium, the Hoërskool Dr EG Jansen alumnus wants to enjoy the experience more and not just focus on the outcome. 'Next time, I will focus more on my mental game, staying calmer under pressure and not letting slight setbacks throw me off. 'I learnt not to go out too hard too early. Pacing is everything, and trusting steady efforts adds up.' Also Read: BNAC's Botha dominates category at CGA league At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
