An e-mail newsletter from Agapé Athletics Club
Editor: Marieta Bortoli 082 466 7031 3 July 2017 www.agape.org.za
E-mail:
NB
- Next league race – Long Walk/Run for Freedom - 22 July
- 30th Birthday party – 2 September
- Agapé race (Jacaranda City Challenge) – 14 October Members to assist. PLEASE DIARIZE !!!!!!
Editorial
Please take note that there will most probably not be a T’nT next week as I will be switching to a new computer and will have to sort out any gremlins that may arise.
I have included some general information about races under “general” for members who are new to the running scene.
Contents
# Birthday greetings
# Personalia
# Welcome new and former members
# Congratulations
# Thank you’s
# In the mailbox
# General
# Race reports / upcoming race information
# Race results
# Training/Health snippets
# Thought of the week
# Your smile for the week
# Something to ponder over / something spiritual
# AGN league logs
# Races cancelled
# Notice Board
# Photo corner
Notice Board Additions
● Castle Walk Road Race
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Attachments
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Birthday Greetings
May the Lord bless you and send from above the peace of His presence, the joy of His love. May He grant you happiness in everything you do! Happy birthday!
Andreas Te Reh 04 July / Stefan Brink 05 JulyBobby van der Watt 05 July / Wanja Focaraccio 07 July
Nikki Adams 11 July / Maryna Steinmann 14 July
Matome Letsie 15 July / Alison Potgieter 22 July
Pierre Cronje 27 July / Maureen Mashiane 27 July
Tania Oelofse 29 July / Adele Boshoff 31 July
Personalia
Welcome new and former members
Congratulations
Congratulations to the following member:
Thank you’s
In the mailbox
Just a few words about Comrades
Comrades 2017 are something of the past. Some of us got a lot of enjoyment out of it and for others it was a big disappointment. However, I hope everybody, winning or losing, gained something out of this great event. There are so many road races all over the world but I am sure none of them can imitate the spirit of Comrades.
Every year Comrades comes up with a slogan of the year:- 2016 Izokuthoba – it will humble you, 2017: - Zinikele - I takes all of you, but I think 2015 described it the best – The ultimate human race. Every time I read one of these slogans I realised how privileged I am to be one of those fortunate be part of this great event.
To take part in the Comrades is not about you. It is a journey that involves so many other people. In many cases, your support system will determine whether you will cross that finish line in the time limit and be the owner of that small precious little medal. Comrades is about time on your feet, spending time with friends, and future friends out on the road on hot sunny days, windy days and fortunately because we are living in this beautiful Western Cape not that many cold days and almost no rainy days during the whole training period leading up to Comrades.
In my 40 years of taking part in this incredible race, this is the first time ever that I decided to put something on paper.
What is Comrades about? Comrades can be seen as a spiritual race that will take at least 11 months out of your normal daily life to prepare for. - TheCamino de Santiago of South Africa. You will go through so many emotional periods of self-doubt, questioning your motivation and end goal will often occur. There will be times when going through these pains just doesn’t seem worth it, not even to mention the strain that this “cheap” sport will take on your bank account. Comrades is about camaraderie, meeting new people, forming close bonds and lasting friendships by helping and supporting each other through more than just the training and races. Runners do not see colour, religion or race. We are what South Africa is supposed to be. Comrades is about listening to advice, sticking to a program, being part of a group with the same goal and improving your mental strength and stability. The ultimate question is: how badly do you want that medal?
Then there are runners that after finishing their first Comrades claim to be the “know it all’s” about how to run this Everest of marathons. But I have met runners of the calibre of Bruce Fordyce (9 wins 11 Gold medals with 30 finishes) Allan Robb (4 Wins and 12 Gold medals and 42 Finishes), Boysie van Staden (6 gold medals and 40 finishes) and Barry Holland with 45 finishes. What do I like about these guys? They are humble, they will run next to you, no banners, no big announcements on social media, and they are just part of the pack.
Then there are those in the back ground. My wife is the number one living person and all that I have achieved is because of her. Helping me through difficult times, taking care of me when I was injured or acted like a baby when I got flu. Holding up with my moods, especially closer to Comrades, and seconding me on training nights with 2 babies in the back of the car or on her hips during Comrades. After 29 years she is still there to assist us every Saturday with our long runs, getting up at 4am help to so many runners to achieve their goals. Two of these runners are my two beautiful daughters. They do not know about failure because they know there is no way that their mother will pick them up if they decide to bail. This year Wilandi trained a lot less than previous years. She had a knee injury and went through the most difficult times while training for Comrades. She couldn’t finish the Peninsula Marathon or Two Oceans in time but she finished the races nonetheless. On Comrades day however, she ran a PB with 15 minutes. At the end of the day she asked how Comrades could have gone so well. It must have been all the pep talks and prayers and encouragement along the way.
Watch this space, Louise is an athlete with a lot of undeveloped potential and there is a lot of good times waiting for this hard-headed young lady in future, her best is yet to come. Her ability as a pacer is already well known in Western Province and although still very young she helped so many runners to run PBs or to qualify for Oceans and Comrades. Finishing Comrades 4 years ago and again this year with my 2 girls by my side will always be the highlight of my 40 years of running Comrades
How can we finish races, run pb’s and go through difficult times without the support of friends? I wish I could name each and every one of them, but then this will become a book with a chapter and a story on each of them. There are runners and buddies from varsity days, school kids that became runners and some of them already earned their green numbers. Friends and runners from Gauteng and the last 20 years everyone in the Western Cape. With our Saturday long runs we have established something special, a bond between members of different clubs. Friendships have developed and it is nice to see them enjoying coffee or a few beers together after a run on a Saturday. So from Ferdi Botha my first Comrades second to all the men and beautiful ladies on our runs I would love to name each and every one, (but guys come and join the long runs and meet them yourself) to Stoney, that after 22 years of no running, decided to run Comrades again, I thank you all for helping me finish my 40th Comrades. Walking behind Stoney on Harrison Flats watching him with my daughter in his arm while he was praying for her was one of the most precious moments that I will never forget.
Who in their wildest dreams can ever think that one of the biggest brands in world sports would ask a 58-year-old runner to partner with them? A year ago, I was asked to become one of the Frontrunners of ASICS and since then life was like a roller-coaster ride with so many surprises – photo shoots, video recordings, Sevens Rugby, Photo shoots with the Springboks when their new jerseys was launched, being invited to Rugby test matches and then I have not even mentioned the privilege to be spoiled with ASICS running shoes and so much other ASICS apparel. ASICS is always willing to go that extra mile when supporting a person or a certain cause. Thanks TEAM ASICS for the effort in making this year’s Comrades an unbelievable experience. Sean, Laurissa and Rob went out of their way in the making of a documentary about this year’s race. Getting up at 3am to be at my long runs, flying down to Durbs for the Comrades and pitching up at so many places along the route to do recordings, and then still to be in time at the finish was an amazing effort from your side. I will always smile when I look back at the recordings and think of all the other runners that thought this was a SABC team out there, with everyone trying to get on TV. Sarah, Wesley and Malherbe, you guys are the backbone of ASICS Frontrunner South Africa. The rest of the world can come and learn from you guys on how to get a team of people from all cultures, colours, race and religions together to work as a team.
Regards
Wietse
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Dear ASA Members
Circular 67 of ASA 2017 (06/29) – FOREIGN ATHLETES PARTICIPATING IN SOUTH AFRICA
ASA, are conducting a synchronized attempt with its members and partners, to rebuild its status in the international domain, and as such encourage international competitions and athletes in South Africa. This however must take place along clear defined IAAF and ASA Rules and Regulations.
With the above initiate in mind, the participation of foreign athletes in South Africa, and not properly regulated by Race Organizers and Referees has become a challenge to ASA to the extent that it compromises the integrity of ASA internationally.
ASA has in 2017 repeatedly cautioned our members, via ASA circulars, and at the 2017 ASA AGM, that the participation of international athletes in South Africa, and not properly regulated by the Race Organizers and/or Referees, compromises the integrity of South Africa as a country.
ASA also cautioned members against activities of unregistered Athlete Representatives in South Africa whom represents, both international athletes and domestic athletes, and illegally negotiates on behalf of athletes at events in South Africa. It was pointed out to members that Athlete Representatives in good standing can identify themselves by means of an ID card issued by ASA.
ASA recently received a letter from an international agency cautioning ASA against unregistered Athlete Representatives that violates the rights of athletes deliberately.
The latest incident which compromised ASA’s relationship with the IAAF, is events in South Africa whom accommodated Russian athletes to run in races in South Africa. It is common knowledge that Russia, along with its athletes are suspended to participate outside Russia. These athletes participated with clearance certificates from Russia, which are in conflict with the IAAF sanction.
ASA kindly request ASA Members to assist in protecting the interest and image of athletics diligently to ensure that the service to our members improves exponentially.
ASA, in collaboration with its members, have to implement corrective measures which may include a disciplinary hearing of the individual or Organizer, and if found guilty, such Disciplinary Committee has the powers to, among other, impose corrective measures such as:
1. Deregistration of the event at fault from the ASA/Provincial Fixtures List.
2. Suspension of the Referee at fault
3. Refusal to use Special Numbers for the competition
4. Refusal of the right to broadcast the event
Following the discussion at the ASA AGM on 17 June 2017, regarding the above matter, the following chapter elaborates on existing ASA Rules and Regulations and are effective with immediate effect.
Athletics greetings
Richard Stander
ASA CEO
General
Clothing available:
Buffs @ R100
Ladies skirts @ R200
Second skins @ R170
Please contact Marietjie if you wish to purchase some of the items:
Cell: 072 541 7268 E-mail:
The items will also be available at races, please visit our gazebo
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Naam plaatjies:
Ons wil graag dat almal hulle name dra op hul Agapé hempie, sodoendekan ons mekaar op die naam noem.Dit is gratis vir 1ste naam, vir twee of meer beloop die kosteR20.00 per naam en is vir die lid se eie rekening.
Die lede wat nog nie een ontvang het nie en veral die nuwe lede, laat weet my asb die naam wat jul verkies en/of noemnaamen korrekte spelling. Name word agter ophempie gewerk.
Sal waardeer as ek dit voor of op 14 Julie 2017 kan ontvang om dit te finaliseer. Name behoort einde Julie beskikbaar te wees.
Marix
Sel: 072 541 7268
Epos:
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Important information about races
- All races are run in accordance with the rules of ASA and AGN.
- Registered athletes must wear the 2016 license number on the front and back of their running vest.
- The race number issued must be worn on the front of your vest over your license number.
- If you are not a member of a club, a temporary license must be worn on the back of your vest and your race number on the front.
- All licensed athletes must wear category tags that are clearly visible on the front and back of their vest. This also applies to temporary licensed athletes.
- Walkers must wear WALKER/W tags on the front and back of their vest.