Latest news with #Comrades
The Citizen
12 hours ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
OPINION: Comrades queen Gerda Steyn faces a battle against Irvette van Zyl
Van Zyl has earned three runner-up finishes at the Two Oceans ultra-marathon and holds the SA 50km record. In recent years, Gerda Steyn has become the darling of South African ultra-distance running, racking up a long list of victories and records at the country's biggest races. Everybody loves Gerda, and for good reason. She hardly seems to put a foot wrong, and her dominance at both the Comrades and Two Oceans ultra-marathons has been astounding. However, as much as we've enjoyed the 'Smiling Assassin' tearing up the road with a grin, her phenomenal results have made things a little predictable. Gerda Steyn after winning her sixth successive title at the Two Oceans ultra-marathon in Cape Town last month. Picture: Peter Heeger/Gallo Images Van Zyl debut At Comrades next week, however, Steyn will have to deal with Hollywood Athletics Club teammate Irvette van Zyl. One of South Africa's top road runners since she was a teenager, 37-year-old Van Zyl has been the only athlete to put up a fight against Steyn at Two Oceans over the last few years, pushing her all the way to the line on two occasions. And while she has been on the road back from injury in preparation for her first attempt at the Comrades Marathon, if anyone can give Steyn a go next weekend, it's Van Zyl. At first glance, Van Zyl looks like she's made of spaghetti. Beneath the veneer, however, is a lining of steel that makes her one of the most feared athletes on SA roads. Mental strength Van Zyl has been riddled with injuries throughout her career, and she's not as consistent as Steyn (to be fair, nobody is), but when she's in form she has the mental strength to dig deeper than just about anyone. It's this side of her character that suggests she could be well suited to the brutal Comrades course, on top of the fact that she's one of the strongest hill runners in the country. Comrades is all about hills, even on the 'down' run. Steyn will undoubtedly line up as the favourite for her fourth Comrades victory and though she will be almost unbeatable at her best, if she falters in any way, Van Zyl is likely to be lurking, waiting to pounce. Ultra-distance experience Not a novice to ultra-distance running, Van Zyl holds the SA 50km record of 3:04:24 (though she set that mark on a flat, looped course) and she has three runner-up finishes at Two Oceans. She might have to run the race of her life to give Steyn a shake next week, but Van Zyl might just make a race of it. As much as we love Gerda, some real competition will make things interesting, and Irvette van Zyl is just the sort of athlete who can mix things up. It should be a cracking race.
The Citizen
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Upper Highway resident to complete her 23rd Comrades
WHEN Jen Rigby first watched the Comrades Marathon race on TV, she said, 'These people must be completely nuts.' Little did she know that she will try it and completely fall in love with the ultimate human race. This year, she will be running her 23rd Comrades. Speaking to the Highway Mail, Rigby said she first heard about the Comrades when she was staying in England. 'I grew up in North Rhodesia and Zimbabwe and travelled back and forth to the UK. I ran my first race in 1997 when we moved to South Africa.' Growing up, Rigby participated in athletics, track and field athletics. 'I was introduced to running by my au pair from Norway.' Moving to South Africa, she first joined the Savages Club. Also read: Comrades runner's pink hair attracts fans 'I met people there who became my running friends. From the Savages Club, I registered with the Kingfisher Canoe Club. I joined the club as they did running and paddling. I enjoy paddling.' She is currently with the Kearsney Striders Club where she has been a member for the past two decades. The Assagay resident said the race would not be what it is if it was not for the camaraderie and the people on the sides of the roads. 'Preparing for the Comrades is hard work, and to run the race one has to be mentally prepared. For me, the crowds make the race, the cheer and the support is amazing. 'It is a life-changing moment, it humbles you and on the day everyone is the same.' She said her highlight over the years was running both the up run and the down run in the same time of nine hours and 30 minutes. Having the double green number, Rigby said she enjoys running and wishes to continue participating in the race. 'I am looking forward to being part of the race in 2027 as it will be a milestone, celebrating a 100 years.' To prepare for the race, the Upper Highway runner trains during the week and twice on weekends. Rigby is a fitness fanatic as besides running, she enjoys cycling and mountain biking with her husband. Also read: Local nutritionist shares race-ready diet tips ahead of Comrades Marathon 'I also do spinning and weights at the gym.' She also enjoys swimming in the sea. 'I used to do triathlon, I have also taken part in a few Ironman Triathlons.' An Ironman Triathlon is one of a series of long-distance triathlon races organised by the World Triathlon Corporation. It consists of a 3.9km swim, a 180.2km bicycle ride and a 42.2km marathon run. It is widely considered one of the most difficult one-day sporting events in the world. Rigby encouraged children to get involved in sport. 'It is a wonderful way of life and to keep out of trouble. Running is a way of destressing and it clears one's mind – people should try it.' For more from the Highway Mail, follow us on Facebook , X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter here At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
23-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
American athlete Courtney Olsen targets another top three Comrades finish
Olsen showed good form last month when she won the US national 50km title. Courtney Olsen breaking the 50-mile world record at the Tunnel Hill ultra-distance race in Illinois in November last year. Picture: Supplied Having enjoyed a memorable debut last year by finishing third in the women's race, American athlete Courtney Olsen hopes to return to the podium at the Comrades Marathon next month, though she admits it is going to be a challenge as an amateur athlete. While ultra-distance running is popular enough in South Africa that athletes can turn professional, it is considered a fringe sport in the United States, and Olsen has to juggle various responsibilities with her training. Based in Bellingham (a city in Washington) 37-year-old Olsen has a full-time job in the banking industry. She also manages the Bellingham Distance Project, a competitive running team of post-collegiate athletes. 'At work I tend to find myself gravitating towards admin roles, so I kind of just go to whatever position will best support my running,' Olsen said this week. 'Running has never been something I could make a living off, so I've always worked full-time to make my running dreams possible.' Impressive results An ultra-distance specialist, Olsen has achieved some impressive results in recent years. She was fourth at the 100km World Championships in 2023, and after finishing third at Comrades last year she went on to break the 50-mile (80.46km) world record, clocking 5:31:56 at a race in Illinois. Despite this success, Olsen has struggled to find sponsors, though she has received backing this year from Durban-based Hollywood Athletics Club. Having prepared for the race in a low-key environment, she said she was eager to return to South Africa to race in front of large crowds of enthusiastic supporters. 'Road ultras seem to be the lesser desired or supported events in the US, so it felt so powerful to race in South Africa last year because it felt like it was truly cared about,' she said. Showing good form In the build-up to her second attempt at Comrades, Olsen won the US 50km Championships last month, proving she was in good shape. However, she was set to compete on the Comrades 'down' run course for the first time, and she acknowledged she was entering new territory. She also had to contend with a strong field spearheaded by defending champion Gerda Steyn and South African 50km record holder Irvette van Zyl. Steyn, the Comrades record holder, and Van Zyl, making her debut, will join Olsen as part of a powerful Hollywood Athletics Club team in the women's race at the 90km contest in KwaZulu-Natal. 'I would love to be in the top three again, even though I know that will be very challenging,' Olsen said. 'Gerda is obviously extremely difficult to beat, but if I have the legs I would really love to try to see if I can interact with her on that course.'
The Citizen
23-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Durban North resident laces up for debut Comrades Marathon
WITH under six weeks of preparation to go, excitement is building for Aaron Biggar who is taking on his first Comrades Marathon on Sunday, June 8. The 30-year-old qualified for 'The Ultimate Human Race', as the marathon is officially referred to, at last year's Cape Town Marathon. The Durban North resident says his objective for his Comrades debut is to just 'finish and have fun'. 'They say your first one is always your PB (personal best) and my objective is definitely to finish. I don't want to go in there and thrash it out. I want to dance at almost every water station. I want to have a good time. If you've seen me run I'm not someone who keeps quiet, I expel a lot of energy and I plan to do that with the crowd. You won't need to find me on the course, you'll hear me before you see me,' he said. Also read: Comrades Marathon confirms new finish venue, official race distance Biggar, who comes from a sporting background, explained how his journey started. 'I first started off with Park Run. That's where my passion for running came about. That transitioned to being named the captain of Adidas Runners and then me entering the Comrades Marathon. I think the Comrades is the ultimate representation of Durban. I turned 30 this year and some of my family members have run the marathon, that has all led me to enter this year,' he said. Biggar will be supported by his wife and his family along the route and said he will feed off their support along the route. 'I've done a few route testers and I know it is going to be a painful race. However, I'm confident in my training and all the mileage I've covered. I know I will get more energised seeing family members along the route. I need that energy to carry me to the end. With it being a Down Run, I know where all my Durban people will be and I will start to see familiar faces at the point where I need them the most. The other motivation is I will be running home in familiar conditions,' he said. Also read: Comrades Marathon to introduce two race starts While he is yet to complete his first, Biggar has already set his sights on getting his back-to-back Comrades medal and has mentioned 2027 which will be the 100th running of the Comrades Marathon. Fun on the run What is your earliest Comrades memory? 'In terms of memory, it would be watching it on television with my parents. They always watched it. In person it was cheering on runners at 45th Cutting and then with the Adidas Runners group, we had an informal cheer zone where we interacted with and encouraged runners to the point where I said to myself 'I have to be a part of this someday'.' What is the worst thing to shout out to a runner in an ultra-distance marathon? 'It might be 'how are you feeling?' when you're close to the end of a race. You know the person is in pain. Personally I'd much prefer a clap or 'keep it up' or 'keep going'.' What is an essential food item you like to eat on a long distance run? 'This is something I've asked my wife to bring me at the 50km mark. An Afros Chicken meal with strips and chips and lemon and herb sauce. I will probably take a few minutes to eat it and then get going again.' What tips would you offer to long-distance runners? 'One thing I've learnt is that mileage on the legs is important. Especially with these long ultra-marathons, you need to do consistent mileage. Yes you can add up all your short runs and they are beneficial, but nothing prepares you better than doing long distance runs.' Why the Comrades Marathon? 'My grandfather Peter and my uncles have attempted the Comrades so I'm inspired by my family. There is also talk of creating a legacy with my two younger brothers who want to run the Comrades Marathon in the future with me which would be something special.' For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook , X or Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Join the walkathon on Mandela Day
They are rearing to go and working hard behind the scenes to launch the Be an Active Ambassador for Avril on this day. Their aim with this drive is to focus on those playing and/or participating in any sport, to wear their range of sports gear and get 'active' for the cause, whether it be cycling the Argus or 94.7, running the Comrades, sky-diving, climbing Mount Everest, wrestling your in-laws, or entering any event that will draw attention to our white gear, advocating for the home. On July 18, they will be having their first Wheelchair Walk-Athon and they are inviting you and your company, colleagues, friends, family and acquaintances to enter this challenge by sponsoring a couple of entrant(s) employees to walk the 1.2km perimeter of the home at R100 per lap. Walkers will be required to push a colleague or friend in a wheelchair, trying to do as many laps as possible in 67 minutes, with a minimum of two laps required. Your lap card will be stamped after each lap, and their admin team will verify that against your sponsorship form. Registration is at 08:30, and the actual walkathon starts at 09:00. What better way to create special awareness for our home than by doing your 67 minutes on Madiba Day and having fun, fun, fun! The Bedfordview and Primrose CPF will be joining and keep walkers safe. There will also be stands alongside the home's wall in Castor Road and Orient Street, should you wish to purchase a sidewalk stand at R150, promoting your business and cheering on the walkers. You can offer them water or an orange quarter to show your support. There are 24 sidewalk stands available. Please note that the Book and Charity shops will be open for companies and their participating teams on that day. They will also have some of their sports gear for sale. There will be a hot and cold drink station and ice cream for sale. More exciting news is that the winner of their lamb raffle will be drawn and announced at 14:30 on the day. Come prepared. Come hungry. Come ready to have the best day ever while supporting our cause. For more details, call 011 822 2233 or email: aehmarketing@ At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
