Latest news with #WoodviewAthleticsClub
IOL News
5 days ago
- Lifestyle
- IOL News
Running against the odds at age 70
Roy Govender. Image: Supplied AT AGE 70, Roy Govender, of Umbilo, is preparing for his first Comrades Marathon. While he does not know what to expect, he hopes to finish his first 89km race to make his family proud. Govender, a member of Woodview Athletics Club in Phoenix, said his daughter and son-in-law, who are members of a running club, invited him to participate in a 5km race two years ago. 'They knew I enjoyed keeping active and said I should give running a chance. They said it would be perfect for me. It is funny because I had no prior running experience. The last time I took running seriously was during school sports many years ago," he laughed. "I was initially reluctant but I decided to do the 5km race. I ended up finishing last but that pushed me to do better. I started training for the next six months, so I could enter other races. I then joined Woodview Athletics Club. I thought to myself, 'why not push myself' and I'm glad I did." Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The former transport controller competed in qualifying races for the Comrades Marathon, including a 42km Durban International Marathon event, and the 21km Two Oceans Marathon in Cape Town. Reflecting on his journey thus far, Govender said he tried to keep his mind mentally strong and often thought about making it over the finish line. 'I am excited about my first Comrades Marathon. I don't know what to expect but I will push through to do my best and make my family proud." He said he was in good health and trained every morning to ensure his body was ready for the run.
IOL News
6 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Pastor running towards his 21st Comrades Marathon
Keseval Munsamy, a pastor from Phoenix, who received his double green number for his 20th Comrades Marathon last year, aspires to complete two more runs before turning 60. 'I want to finish my last race, the 100th edition of the Comrades Marathon, in 2027. That is four months before my 60th birthday. After that, I will still participate in shorter races to keep my running career going because running has always been a part of my life,' said Munsamy. He received his first green number in 2012. A green number is awarded to runners who have completed 10 or more Comrades and is permanently allocated for all future races. Munsamy got his Double Green Number Club in 2024 after successfully completing 20 Comrades Marathons. He started running while in school and entered his first Comrades Marathon at age 23 and joined Woodview Athletics Club. 'I loved running and athletics at school, so naturally, when I finished school, it was a no-brainer for me to progress into running competitively,' said Munsamy. "The first race in 1991 was an up-hill run. I completed it in 9 hours and 11 minutes. At that stage, I was young and naïve. I had no clear plan. I just wanted to compete. However, I was strong and finished at a good time.' He took time off and returned in 1994 where he completed the Comrades Marathon in 8 hours and 45 minutes. 'This time, I ensured I was ready and ran with a purpose. I had more experience and knew what to expect. I was proud that I reached the finish line at such a good time. "I did not run in 1995 and in 1996, when I returned, I was unable to complete the race. Life was busy that year. My children were young and we were building a house, so I had no time to train. When it comes to the Comrades Marathon, you have to train regularly. It has to be taken seriously." Over the years, he competed whenever he could while taking breaks in between the years. In preparation for Sunday's event, Munsamy runs 60km a week and eats healthy. "You have to look after your body and your mind. You need mental endurance to finish this race." THE POST
IOL News
04-06-2025
- General
- IOL News
Givahn prepares for his first Comrades Marathon: expecting a 'humbling experience'
Givahn Ranjith, third from left, with fellow Woodview Athletics Club runners, who will also be running in the Comrades Marathon. They are, from left, Shaunesh Maharaj, Rajen Munesar, and Venothan Pillay. Image: Supplied Givahn Ranjith, a 30-year-old telecommunications representative from Phoenix, has decided to take on the biggest race of his life and run his first Comrades Marathon. Ranjith, a member of the Woodview Athletics Club, said: 'I never dreamed of running the Comrades Marathon until I qualified. I always thought it was way ahead of me. However, my friends in the running community motivated me to take on the challenge and push myself.' He said he started running two years ago. "My training has been good. I know the run will not be easy and that it will test my limits. However, I am looking forward to the camaraderie along the route, the support from spectators, and the personal growth that comes from taking on something this demanding. My goal is to finish within the 12-hour cutoff. I'm expecting a humbling experience." Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ He said he trained five to six days a week. "This depends on the phase of my training block, which means how often and how hard I train depends on which stage I'm currently in. Base phase, building phase, peak phase, taper phase, and all this is done to be ready for race day." Ranjith said he currently experienced a mix of nerves and excitement. "This has been months in the making. I know how hard I have worked and I intend to do my best. Most of all, I want to soak in every moment."
