Latest news with #TwoOceans
The Citizen
4 days 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
27-05-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Bedfordview survivor shares skin cancer warning
According to the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa), South Africans are at a higher risk of skin cancer. For over three decades, 83-year-old Frank Payne has called Bedfordview home. However, in the last four years, his life has been marked by an unexpected health battle: skin cancer. Payne is now using his journey to shed light and educate others on the dangers of sun exposure. ALSO READ: Campaign urges full support for child cancer survivors 'I was always out in the sun, playing water polo and golf, all without a cap. 'It didn't seem like a big deal back then,' he explained. Little did he know that that time in the sun would eventually catch up with him. Payne was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, a common but potentially dangerous type of skin cancer caused by prolonged sun exposure. 'It's basically sun damage. 'It starts as a crusty lesion, like a pimple or dry patch on exposed skin.' Basal cell carcinoma is just one of several types of skin cancer, including melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma. While melanoma is the deadliest, all skin cancers pose a threat if not detected and treated early. His journey has involved multiple surgeries, some requiring skin grafts to remove cancerous lesions from his scalp, nose, ear, and even under his eye. 'The ones on my head were the worst. 'Now they catch them earlier.' His treatment was conducted by a team including a dermatologist and a plastic surgeon, who work together to biopsy and remove cancerous spots while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. ALSO READ: World Cancer Day on February 4 gets new campaign 'Fortunately, my skin heals well. I experienced very little pain following surgery. I've had a shoulder replacement, and even then, I didn't need painkillers,' he said. 'The damage was done when I was young. It's not about what you're doing now; it's about what you did back then,' he said. 'I think the biggest message is prevention. 'Our children should be wearing hats. 'In Australia, they can't even go outside during school without one,' he warned. Though his journey has been filled with hospital visits, biopsies, and surgeries, he credits his sense of humour, family and his dogs for keeping his spirits high. Now in his eighties, he has become a living reminder of the importance of early detection and sun safety. 'If something looks suspicious, a spot that doesn't heal, something crusty or new, go get it checked. Don't wait.' Cansa explained that while May marks the end of summer for South Africans with winter fast approaching, it's also Melanoma Awareness Month, reminding us to continue to be sunsmart throughout the year, no matter the weather conditions. 'South Africa could become the skin cancer capital of the world,' said general medical practitioner Dr Donny Fick, who raised awareness for skin cancer when he took part in the 2024 Two Oceans run half marathon in April this year. 'I used the event to spotlight skin cancer because South Africa has high running participant numbers, with an increasing number of people having taken up the sport since COVID-19.' Fick said, while he is not saying there is a connection between more runners and a higher occurrence of skin cancer, he says runners focus on the proper shoes and nutrition, but not so much on protecting themselves from the sun. 'Not enough runners use Sunscreen, and very few wear hats. 'Using the Two Oceans as a platform was an attempt to educate the runners and the rest of the population about the harmful effects of the sun.' Figures prove that South Africans are at a higher risk of skin cancer. Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, is one of the top 10 cancers in the country among men and women, according to the National Cancer Registry, 2023. ALSO READ: Breast cancer and mental health in the spotlight at Edenvale chambers The May melanoma awareness drive focuses on cancer risk reduction and early detection, which applies to most types of cancer. It means adjusting lifestyle choices if necessary to lower the risk of cancer and to keep a watchful eye for warning signs that need to be checked by a medical professional. Melanomas develop in the cells (melanocytes) that produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour. Melanomas can develop on any skin colour and anywhere on the body, including the head, neck, eyes, under the fingernails, the genitals and the soles of the feet or palms of the hands. They can be similar in colour to a mole, have no colour at all or be slightly red. While melanomas most often develop in areas exposed to the sun, such as the back, legs, arms, and face, they can also occur in areas that don't receive much sun exposure and can show up inside the body. All ethnic and racial groups are susceptible to melanoma; however, the typical patient has a fair complexion and a tendency to burn in the sun, even after a brief exposure to sunlight. Although there is no conclusive evidence that exposure to sunlight causes melanoma, lesions are most commonly found on sun-exposed areas of the body. ALSO READ: Ekurhuleni Population-Based Cancer Registry sheds light on cancer in the region Other risk factors include the occurrence of a previous melanoma in the patient and a close family member, such as a parent or a sibling. According to Lorraine Govender, Cansa national manager of health programmes, 'We advocate checking your spots. It's a highly presentable cancer; you can easily detect it on your skin.' Cansa also advises companies whose employees work outside in the sun, such as those in the agricultural or building industries, to ensure they have adequate protection against the sun. Look out for sunscreens, clothing, hats, and summer accessories that bear the Cansa Seal of Recognition. 'Even driving, you need to protect yourself,' she explained. 'Certain UV rays penetrate windows.' She added that they also penetrate clouds, so you must wear sunscreen on overcast days. Ficks said that the sooner people start using sunscreen, the better. 'Protecting yourself from the sun slows down the ageing process,' he said. Govender agreed, stating, 'Sunscreen should be a mandatory part of any beauty regime for both men and women. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 20 or higher, according to skin type. 'Men can be really bad at remembering to use sunscreen,' said Fick. Part of his awareness campaign is to emphasise that men also need sun protection. 'Just do it,' he said, 'You will thank me later.' ALSO READ: Celebrate October as the Breast Cancer Awareness Month In South Africa, the risk of melanoma seems to be increasing in people under 40, especially women. Signs and symptoms of melanoma To help identify characteristics of unusual moles that may indicate melanomas or other skin cancers, think of the letters A, B, C, D and E: • Asymmetry: Halves might not match when you draw a line through the mole. • Border irregularities: Edges may be scalloped or notched. • Colour variations: Different shades or unconventional colours may appear. • Diameter: Moles that are wider than a pencil eraser. • Evolving characteristics: Encompasses any change in size, shape, colour, elevation, or new symptoms like bleeding or itching. Cancerous (malignant) moles vary in appearance, with some showing all the changes listed above and others having only one or two unusual characteristics. ALSO READ: CHOC calls for support for children living with cancer The first sign of melanoma is usually a new spot or an existing mole or freckle that changes in appearance. Some changes can include growing in size or evolving; edges that are irregular rather than smooth and even; a range of colours such as brown, black, blue, red, white or light grey and moles becoming itchy or bleeding. Any irregularities should immediately be reported to a doctor or dermatologist. It is a good idea to arrange an annual skin examination with a dermatologist. Bookings for screening may be made at your nearest Cansa Care Centre. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Daily Maverick
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
Two Oceans Marathon chairperson squares off with blogger over ‘defamatory' articles
Two Oceans Marathon chairperson Toni Cavanagh has approached the high court on an urgent basis over what she alleges are defamatory and malicious articles written by blogger Stuart Mann. In the aftermath of last month's Two Oceans Marathon, in which the race organisers drew widespread criticism over multiple issues, the chairperson of the marathon, Toni Cavanagh, is dragging one of her loudest critics to court. Cavanagh has approached the Gauteng Division of the High Court in Johannesburg on an urgent basis. She wants popular running blogger Stuart Mann to rescind claims that he has made on his platform over the last couple of months. In her affidavit, she said the articles written by Mann were defamatory and contained half-truths to suit a specific narrative, thus disrupting the operations of the Two Oceans Marathon board. She said her health had suffered since Mann zeroed in on her. On his blog, The Running Mann, Mann wrote articles in which he alleged that Cavanagh (who was elected as Two Oceans chairperson in October 2024) did not attain the position in an honest manner. Mann's allegations included the Two Oceans chairperson lying about her running credentials, as well as embellishing her professional CV. In one of his articles, Mann labelled this year's Two Oceans 'the worst organised' edition of the marathon. As a direct consequence of accepting more runners than were permitted for the 2025 event, the Two Oceans organisers did not have enough medals to distribute after the race. Participants also bemoaned the limited number of water tables along the route. Some runners complained of the distance between the tables, which they said were often overcrowded. Mann also highlighted these issues on his platform, with Cavanagh acknowledging to Daily Maverick that she and her colleagues could have done a better job. Reputational damage Nevertheless, she said the issues had been blown out of proportion. In her affidavit, she contended that Mann fuelled this furore with his publications. 'This application arises from a series of allegedly defamatory publications authored by the respondent, Stuart Mann, a blogger operating under the alias 'The Running Mann', which the applicants contend constitute a sustained campaign of reputational harm, harassment and character assassination,' she said. 'The publications falsely impugn the first applicant's personal and professional integrity, question the legitimacy of her leadership and cast aspersions on the governance and ethical standing of the Two Oceans Marathon. 'The applicants submit that the publications violate constitutional rights to dignity and psychological integrity, have caused measurable reputational and medical harm and jeopardise the credibility and sponsorship viability of the Two Oceans.' Cavanagh is asking the court to force Mann to retract and delete his article, and to issue a public apology in the form of a media statement. The Two Oceans boss also wants Mann to stop writing about her and has asked for an interdict to be granted to this end. Not backing down Mann, though, is not backing down and argued that he did not set out to humiliate Cavanagh, but aimed to use his powerful platform to hold Cavanagh and her colleagues accountable for their shortcomings. In his affidavit, Mann highlighted the injustices within the running community that he has exposed over the years. This includes him breaking the story of Steven Swarts earlier this year. Swarts was the Athletics Free State president despite being a convicted sex offender serving a suspended sentence. Mann's writing led to Swarts being removed from his post by Athletics South Africa. Mann said he had nothing to gain by aimlessly picking on Cavanagh, but wished to preserve the prestige of the Two Oceans Marathon and extend its lifespan. 'I deny that any statements or comments in the articles were defamatory, but are indeed truthful and in the public interest. [They] represent fair comment and criticism,' he said. 'Any attempt by the first applicant to paint me as a sexist is completely unfounded and I submit (with utmost respect) done in an effort to gain sympathy from the court.' Mann also said whatever criticism Cavanagh and her colleagues had been subjected to was by virtue of their own incompetence. He used the permit breach saga, which cost the Two Oceans Marathon its sponsorship from the City of Cape Town, as an example. 'I am not sure how I can be blamed for this. The City of Cape Town has, on its own accord and completely separate to any of my articles, shown distrust in the second applicant's leadership as a result of the permit scandal,' Mann said of Cavanagh. The court case will be heard on Tuesday, 13 May. DM
The Citizen
10-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Triumphant finish for local runner
With a staggering 20-year journey, Jacqueline van Schoor, Panorama Running Club's stalwart, showcased her unwavering commitment to the sport she so dearly loves, overcoming challenges and pushing her limits to reach the finish line. She recently competed in her ninth Two Oceans Marathon, which took place in Cape Town earlier in April, where she crossed the ultramarathon finish line in 06:57:57, just minutes before the seven-hour cut-off. She's already setting her sights on her 10th next year, which will earn her a coveted permanent blue race number. Also read: Panorama Running Club hit with ultramarathon fever The Two Oceans is renowned for its scenic route, taking runners through picturesque towns and breathtaking landscapes. Jacqueline's experience was no exception, with the stunning views of Kalk Bay, Noordhoek, and Chapman's Peak providing a welcome distraction from the challenging terrain. As she approached the notorious Constantia Nek hill, her determination was put to the test. Despite falling behind her race plan, she dug deep, drawing on every ounce of energy to propel herself towards the finish line. With her family cheering her on, she sprinted to the finish, securing her place among the finishers. 'I am currently following a racing plan which specifies how long I should run every five kilometres. With so many people around, the start is always slow, so I have to go a little quicker than my race plan and make up time in the first five kilometres. Some of the runners next to me chose to walk to get back on track because they were four minutes ahead of schedule. The other runners' stress is palpable to me. At the beginning of the race, it makes me want to run faster than I should, since it's contagious. 'I had a challenging year. With two minutes remaining, I made the cut-off. I therefore want to finish the event without cutting it too fine the following year. My spouse and family were as happy as I was when I finished in time, even though I finished one minute after the cutoff time, according to the Two Oceans tracking app during the race. 'Naturally, when you reach your permanent number [which is yours forever], your 10th two oceans is unique. For many years, I've wanted to finish 10 Two Oceans. It would have taken me almost 20 years to finish 10 races if I were unable to visit Cape Town annually. I am planning to make this milestone a family event in 2026 since my children and extended family will be competing as well,' Jacqueline said. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Daily Maverick
28-04-2025
- Sport
- Daily Maverick
Runner Marissa Groenewald to tackle Comrades — and human trafficking — with a skipping rope
The 'rope runner' has made history by completing the Two Oceans marathon and has set her sights on the ultimate human race next. Both running and skipping a rope are arduous forms of exercise and each has its own set of demands, physically and mentally. One South African woman has combined the two to conceptualise a whole new sport. Marissa Groenewald (41) recently competed in the Two Oceans Marathon, completing the road race in just under seven hours. Finishing a 56km ultramarathon is commendable on its own, but she accomplished it with a skipping rope, setting a distance record in the process. Groenewald described her unusual Two Oceans race as a 'wonderful experience' and expressed her gratitude for all the spectators and fellow runners who helped propel her over the finishing line. It was her second Two Oceans, but her first with a skipping rope in hand. 'The overall experience was so positive and enjoyable. I was ecstatic when I crossed the finishing line, overcome with emotion, because it was a massive thing to have been accomplished,' she told Daily Maverick. Accidental start Groenewald stumbled upon rope running, as she has termed it, a little over a year ago while she was recovering from an injury. 'I'm a road runner and a trail runner. With all the running, I had a hip injury and I heard that skipping is good for recovery,' said Groenewald, who lives in Durban. 'So last year in January, I started skipping in the gym and it got boring pretty quickly. And I thought, let me do something more interesting. Let me try to run with a skipping rope in the gym. 'It seemed easier than I thought it might be. Long story short, I then went to a very quiet, secluded road up in Hillcrest where no one could see me. And I thought, let me try this running with a rope on a road and see if it's doable. That's how rope running was born,' said Groenewald. 'The longest distance when I initially started rope running was maybe a kilometre and a half, and that was exhausting. On the back of that, I started adding more and more distances. So, it ended up becoming a half-marathon. It was a whole transition from 10km to a half-marathon to 30km to a full marathon and now the Two Oceans. 'With the progression of the distances in rope running, once I completed a 10km rope run, the penny dropped that this is actually doable. Yes, it's hard work and it takes a lot of effort to do it, much more than road running or trail running, but it is doable.' Because traditional skipping ropes are not made for the way Groenewald uses them, she has resorted to making her own custom ropes that are far more durable, especially now that she is doing marathons. Regular skipping ropes would only last about 20km or 30km, she found. A family affair Groenewald, one of four children, grew up all over South Africa, living in six provinces and attending five different schools. She says she has always been active and athletic. She has two children of her own, a boy (9) and a girl (7), and says they as well as her husband and extended family offer great support as she skips herself into the history books. 'The fact that I'm the only human in the history of mankind doing this inspires them,' Groenewald said. 'So, my boy would often bring me things that he thinks he's the first to have done, because he's inspired. His mom's the first to do something like this – why can't he be? My daughter wants to be a rope runner when she grows up.' Groenewald's family will have even more inspiration to tap into in a few months. After crushing the Two Oceans, she now has her sights set on skipping to the finishing line at the 2025 Comrades Marathon, which is scheduled for 8 June. Known as the 'ultimate human race', the Comrades will be much more gruelling, not to mention more than 30km longer than the Two Oceans. Groenewald knows this and is deep into her preparation. 'Even if it's goals that no one has ever achieved, I keep on thinking to myself, you know what, I thought it was impossible, but now I can do a marathon. And I thought the Two Oceans was impossible and now I have done it. It's going to be the same for the Comrades as well,' she said. 'My mind and my mindset have increased in capacity and grown with this new so-called sport. [Now I believe] it is actually possible if you put in the hard work and train hard, and secondly, if you apply your mind correctly to it and just drown out all the noise of the outside world.' Greater good More than trying to rewrite history while pushing her mind and body to the limit, Groenewald's rope-running mission is spurred by a cause close to her heart: the fight against human trafficking. As she races into history, she hopes to amplify awareness of the issue. To this end, she has partnered with Love Justice International, an organisation that works to stop human trafficking by intercepting trafficked individuals at strategic transit points. 'The reason it's close to my heart is because my parents used to live in Asia for about 10 years. My mom was very involved in helping trafficked women and girls get back into society, restoring their dignity to them, teaching them how to make jewellery and sell that – just restoring their lives. That had a huge impact on me,' Groenewald said. 'I realised that trafficking is a massive issue that is highly undercommunicated and needs to be exposed for what it is.' Groenewald aims to raise R500,000 for Love Justice International through her rope running this year, and she has opened a Back-a-Buddy account to reach this target. DM This story first appeared in our weekly Daily Maverick 168 newspaper, which is available countrywide for R35.
