Glenwood trainer’s two decades on the track

NOT only has Glenwood trainer Craig George worked with high-profile runners, he also helps local athletes and community members reach their potential. Among his current clients are three people in rehabilitation, after undergoing operations, and a scuba diver. He trains people of all ages, from children up to his eldest client of 82.

He started working as a personal fitness trainer in 2002 after earning a diploma from Exercise Teachers’ Academy (ETA). Now George runs a private personal-training gym at Stella Sports Club.

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“This diploma was endorsed by professor Tim Noakes and included a variety of subjects such as anatomy, kinesiology, exercise physiology, nutrition, training techniques and injuries,” said George, who went on to complete a year of practical training at the Health and Racquet Club, working as a fitness consultant.

While George is passionate about training runners, he works with a range of sportsmen and women such as paddlers, golfers, surfers, walkers, cyclists, dancers, swimmers and bodybuilders.

“One of my highlights was working with multiple Comrades gold medalist, Prodigal Khumalo. He’s also won the 100km Ultra-Trail Cape Town twice, among many other incredible achievements. I’m busy working with Prodigal’s teammate Nkosikhona Mhlakwana, who came 11th in the 2019 Comrades Marathon after collapsing inside the stadium when he was meters away from nineth place. Only a few weeks ago, he completed the Two Oceans Marathon in second place, and he’s a strong favourite in this year’s Comrades Marathon. Another highlight was working with a client who lost over 50kgs over a two-year period,” said George.

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Impressive track record

George has an impressive track record of his own, having completed the Two Oceans Ultra Marathon twice. He will tackle his eighth Comrades Marathon this year, having completed seven consecutive Comrades in times ranging from 07:42 to 08:18. Aside from road-running events, George has tackled several trail runs, including the 50km Mont-Aux-Sources Challenge, known informally as Monties, and two 100km SkyRun events.

“SkyRun is basically a self-navigated trail run at very high altitude along the Lesotho border. You have to be completely self-sufficient – carry your own food, water, medical supplies and run through the night often in sub-zero temperatures. One year, we ran through knee-deep snow. The other year, there was a heatwave of 43 degrees where 50 percent of the field dropped out,” said George.

Participants have just 30 hours to complete the race.

A sporty family

Fitness is in his blood, having grown up with an active family with inspirational parents.
“My father ran every single day before work regardless of the weather conditions. He also worked out with free weights every other day. Although a little slower now, you will still see him running most mornings, along Inanda Road in Hillcrest, at the age of 76. My mom is just as active – she was big on keep-fit aerobic classes in the 80s, then later moved onto the gym scene and played tennis at league level. She still plays three to four times a week at the age of 73,” said George.

He grew up in Westville where he joined his first running club at the age of seven.

“The rest was history. Running was in my blood. I ran weekly time trial races with my dog, Tug. From the age of five, I used to get up every year to watch the start of the Comrades on TV. Then my dad and I would follow Bruce Fordyce and the top 10 bunch on his motorbike, and race back just in time to see them on TV,” reminisced George.

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