Latest news with #VicClapham
The Citizen
04-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Vryheid Athletic Club celebrates Comrades Marathon heroes
The spirit of endurance and determination was alive and well during the Comrades Marathon weekend, when several runners from Vryheid Athletic Club (VAC) proudly represented their town. The ultra-marathon, stretching approximately 87km from Pietermaritzburg to Durban, tested the physical and mental limits of runners from across the country, and Vryheid's local athletes did not disappoint. Among those who completed the 'Ultimate Human Race' were: Siyanda Mncube – 10:42:42 (bronze medal); Jaco Booysen – 11:56:40 (Vic Clapham medal); Simphiwe Buthelezi – 09:58:52 (Robert Mtshali medal); Paula Smal – 10:55:09 (bronze medal and received her green number); Ntokozo P Mbatha – 10:28:10 (bronze medal); Carla Muller – 11:02:38 (Vic Clapham medal); Amanda Vergottini – 11:18:05 (Vic Clapham medal); Jabulani Ndwandwe – 11:56:32 (Vic Clapham medal); Hlobisile Madida – 10:14:57 (bronze medal); Vlam de Beer – 09:51:34 (Robert Mtshali medal); Andrea de Beer – 09:51:33 (Robert Mtshali medal); Tholiwe Hlope – 12:01:07 (UOF); Michelle Baeta – 11:40:32 (Vic Clapham medal); PJ du Toit – 10:24:16 (bronze medal); Samantha Johannes – 11:02:38 (Vic Clapham medal); Ruzelle Grobbelaar – 11:39:47 (Vic Clapham medal); Duvan Grobbelaar – 11:56:33 (Vic Clapham medal). Some were first-timers, while others added another medal to their collection. But the Vryheid Athletic Club captain Amanda Vergottini says that they all shared the sense of camaraderie and resilience it takes to conquer Comrades. To help the community understand just how impressive these achievements are, here's a breakdown of the Comrades Marathon medal system: Gold – top 10 finishers; Wally Hayward – Sub-six hours (not in top 10) for top veteran amateurs; Silver – 6:00:01 to 7:29:59 (very strong club level performance); Bill Rowan – 7:30:00 to 8:59:59 (solid sub-nine hour effort); Bronze – 9:00:00 to 10:59:59 (most common medal); Vic Clapham – 11:00:00 to 12:00:00 (official finish before cut-off). The club has become a beacon for local runners of all levels, from beginners to seasoned athletes. With their latest achievements, these Comrades finishers are not only inspiring other members but are also encouraging more locals to put on their tekkies and get moving. You made Vryheid proud! ALSO READ: Bongani sets the pace at Comrades Marathon The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
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
22-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Glen Hills runner reflects on incredible Comrades achievement
THIS year's Comrades Marathon provided an incredible feat of history as Louis Massyn became the first athlete to complete 50 Comrades Marathon. However, a little known fact is that there was another runner in that field of 20 000 who was also on the start line for the 50th time. Glen Hills David Williams was aiming to complete his 43rd Comrades finish. The Savages Athletics Club member, who crossed the finish line with just 10 seconds to spare from the final 12-hour cut-off received a Vic Clapham. Also read: Dijana, Steyn win Comrades Marathon titles The 73-year-old now has one Silver, 32 Bronze and 10 Vic Clapham medals to his name. What must be celebrated though is Williams' drive and determination to get across the finish line. Of his last eight Comrades runs, he had six that did not finish, but not for want of trying. For this year's race, Williams had failed to qualify at three marathons and only qualified on the last Comrades qualifier, the Durban International Marathon. Again a testament to his fortitude and self-belief, it would also come to describe his finish at this year's 98th Comrades Marathon where he crossed the finish line bent over. 'It was the most unusual experience I've ever had. I was coming down from Tollgate Bridge and picking up speed. I was feeling good and began to accelerate down the hill. At some point as I entered the Durban CBD I had a strange sensation where my legs were going, but my body wasn't coming with me. I spotted the 12-hour bus in front of me and suddenly my body began leaning forward. I kept kicking litter bins placed on the side of the road because I couldn't see. Also read: Northlands Primary School learner praised for embodying Comrades spirit 'As you can imagine I was bent over, with a cap on, so my line of vision was distorted. The closer I got to the finish line the lower I was bent over. Despite the help from a DHS Oldies runner and volunteers at the Community Chest water table to help set me back straight again, my body kept keeling forward. As I got nearer the finish line, which I imagined was the finish line because I couldn't see anything, I kept hearing crowds shouting 'go', 'go' 'don't stop here'. I kept running bent over and at some point I remember Alain Dalais, the general manager of the Comrades Marathon Association and a race official holding on to my arms. I never heard the finish gun but I did hear the crowd countdown the final 10 seconds. I was worried that I hadn't made it,' he said. Williams then made his way to the finish pen where race officials scan runner's bibs to determine what medal would be given. 'In my head I felt I hadn't finished. However, the incredible thing was the minute I began walking I was able to stand upright again. The lady scanned my bib and Vic Clapham. I wanted to say 'I think you made a mistake' but I held on to my medal. I was so pleased but shocked at the same time,' he said. While he is yet to decide on next year's Up Run, Williams said he is targeting the 100th running of the Comrades Marathon in 2027. 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
09-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Khosa Road Runners cross the finish line at the Comrades
Khosa Road Runners cross the finish line at the Comrades From Krugersdorp to KZN, the Khosa Road Runners (KRR) showed unwavering determination when 12 of its 13 participating members completed the iconic Comrades Marathon on Sunday, June 8. Suellen Prinsloo, vice-chairperson of KRR, described the race as a major success for the club. For Ntsebeng Letuma – affectionately known as Tumi – it was a deeply personal triumph as she crossed the finish line of her very first Comrades. ALSO READ: Fourth annual Westrand Marathon a runaway success 'The run was incredibly tough, but it was worth every step. After 60km, my legs couldn't go any further, but my mental strength carried me. I'm proud to have done this in honour of both my late mom and daughter,' she shared. Inspired by her achievement, Tumi is already looking ahead to 2026, hoping to run again and earn the prestigious back-to-back medal. Seasoned Comrades runner Pierre Adriaanse, who has completed the race multiple times, was unfortunately unable to finish this year. Still, his spirit remains unshaken. ALSO READ: Paddler Daryn and team look to impress in marathon series 'We are incredibly proud of all the hard work and consistency shown by our Comrades runners,' Suellen added. 'This is the result of nearly a year's worth of dedication – training, qualifying marathons, and all the preparation that goes into it.' The club's finishers are as follows: • Edward Siribane – 8:06:25 – Bill Rowan medal • Pieter Venter – 10:15:20 – bronze medal • Robert Atkinson – 10:27:55 – bronze (back-to-back) • Larisa Liebenberg – 11:12:39 – Vic Clapham medal (back-to-back) • Jacqui Drotsky – 11:31:24 – Vic Clapham medal • Suellen Prinsloo – 11:40:53 – Vic Clapham medal • James Carle – 11:40:54 – Vic Clapham medal • Abrie Senekal – 11:42:34 – Vic Clapham medal • Jeremy Tibbles – 11:44:01 – Vic Clapham medal • Ntsebeng Letuma – 11:48:59 Vic Clapham medal • Neil Campbell – 11:55:06 – Vic Clapham medal • Joseph Rachoene – 11:58:17 – Vic Clapham medal TEASER: After months of hard work, Khosa Road Runners reap the rewards at the Comrades Marathon. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
