Nedbank Running Club Mpumalanga - LVCC Nelspruit: September 2014

Monday 22 September 2014

Upcoming Event - Build it God's Window 21km, 10km & 5km

Date: 4 October 2014

Time: 07h00

Organisers: Legogote Villagers
Distance: 21.1; 10; 5;
Start: Graskop Caravan Park, Main Street, Graskop

Enquiries:
Amanda Wessels 0845836945 / legov@vodamail.co.za

Jurgen Halbich 0832900678

Entry Details:
Pre-entries are available. Entries are accepted at the start from 05h30.

Grand Masters enjoy free entry.
Walkers are Welcome

Route Description:
Difficulty Rating: 4. Route Type: Out and back

This is a fairly tough route, but the scenery more than makes up for any discomfort. The opening stages of the race are run along the Graskop - Ohrigstad road where the going is relatively easy, and the running is pleasantly undulating. The route then turns right to God's Window and the real work begins. There is a seven kilometre climb to the top of the hill and, to be sure, this reduces many a seasoned runner to a walk.

But what goes up must come down and the downhill section of this race is welcome. Beware! It is as steep and as long as the hill you have just climbed and can be hard on a tired and shaky body. The scenery on this run is spectacular, and with some luck there will be some morning mist to cool you down.

Download your entry form here.

Upcoming Event - Boulders Marathon

Organisers: Onderberg Marathon Club
Date: 27 September 2014
Time: 06:00
Distance: 25; 10;
Start: 25km - Mara Turn-off from N4 (25km from Nelspruit towards Komatipoort)
Finish: Kaapmuiden Primary School

Entry Details:
Pre-entry Closing Date: 22 September 2014
www.enteronline.co.za
Late entries are taken at the start from 05h00 or at the finish in Kaapmuiden from 04h30.
Walkers are Welcome

Route Description:
This most scenic and unique race is run through the Crocodile Gorge Conservancy on the old Mara Road. The course starts with a steep and challenging seven-kilometre climb as you run up the Crocodile Gorge Mountains and onto the plateau. There is some respite here as the route flattens out before the steep, clattering descent towards Kaapmuiden. The race crosses the De Kaap River in the closing kilometres before the finish. This exceptionally scenic route is tarred all the way.

This is one of the favourite races run in the Lowveld and has always attracted a large field. In addition to the Boulders, the organisers host a 10-kilometre out and back run. There is something for the whole family to enjoy. Both the start and the finish venues are situated before the Nkomazi Toll. Runners coming from Nelspruit do not need to go through the tollgates. If you want to make a weekend of it, contact the Nelspruit Tourist Information at 013-7551988 for details of accommodation in the area.

Enquiries:
Deon Valks 0827880675 / valksd@tsb.co.za
Marthinus Kelder 084-5816503 / kelderm@tsb.co.za

Click here to download an entry form.

Friday 19 September 2014

Race Report - 2014 Nedbank Om Die Dammetjie

Runners get into spring at Witklip

A perfect Lowveld spring day greeted about 300 runners at the popular Om-die-Dammetjie race at Witklip Dam on Saturday 6 September.

This is one of few races, if not the only one in the Lowveld, in which people can enjoy a refreshing jog alongside water.

“I love this race,” said Nelspruit Marathon Club stalwart Owen McGee, “I try to participate every year no matter what.”

It was made possible thanks to the sponsorship of Nedbank, which is a proud supporter of running nationally and has a strong relationship with Mpumalanga Athletics. This, together with the coordinated efforts of the Department of Water Affairs and Komatiland Forests (KLF), contributed to the event’s success. Athletes from as far as Gauteng, along with various local running clubs had a choice between the 10km and the more challenging 21km race.

Those who completed the latter for the first time agreed that the course seemed to be flat but still had its challenges, especially the hill climbs to the finish which proved to be a true test of stamina. Entries to the 10km have seen a growth this year with park runners challenging themselves to the next level. The winning podiums were hotly contested with the hosting club Nedbank LVCC (Lowveld Country Club) making a clean sweep in the male 21km.

Nelspruit Marathon Club, Legogote Villagers and Barberton Athletics Club were also well represented.

The race is run at the end of the fire season and it was therefore fitting that Lowveld and Escarpment Fire Protection Association took the gold medal for best water point, closely followed by Mozma’s Trading, KLF, First in Guards and Nedbank.

Nedbank LVCC would like to thank all Lowvelders who joined.