WITH less than 24 days to go to the 2014 down run from Pietermaritzbug to Durban on 1 June, all Amanzimtoti Athletics Club members are reminded that their qualification race times need to reach Comrades by 6 May.
The official Comrades substitutions close on 30 April.
The last change for athletes to qualify for Comrades will be the 53km Cavanagh Marathon on Sunday, 4 May at Wagendrift Dam, Estcourt, which starts at 6am. For enquiries, call Andrew on 082-567-5998.
The Comrades bus leaving Lords and Legends on Sunday, 1 June at 3am has started filling up. There is only place for 60 people. Pay Belinda R50 for club members and R80 for non-members. The cut-off date to pay is 25 May or once the bus is full. The pasta evening will once again be held at Lords and Legends on Friday, 30 May. Limited seating is available.
On the walking side, Cornel van Antwerp represented KZN athletics at the SA masters champs held in Rustenburg over the weekend. Cornel had some excellent races amid a high standard of competition from athletes all over South Africa. He achieved a third place in the 5km walk and a second place in the 10km. The club congratulates Cornel on his great achievement and on keeping the Toti AC colours flying high. With no sponsorship Cornel had to finance his trip, accommodation and transport to Rustenburg out of his own pocket.
A large group of Toti AC members took part in the Chatsworth Freedom run on Sunday, in either the 52km or 25km events. This year the start of the route was changed, and with over 2,000 athletes at the start, a great day of running was expected. As the runners know, this is a tough run, as Chatsworth is notorious for lots of hills and some big climbs up Higginson Highway and through the nature reserve. The weather was cool, with a strong south-easter blowing Ncando, the club’s first male athlete in the 52km home in 3:55. The first woman home was S Linden in 5:15. The 25km walk was also a tough route and Toti AC first woman walker and in fourth position overall was Irene Bohmer 3:13. Irene was also the only Toti walker on the day as members know how tough Chatsworth can get. The club hopes to see more walkers next year.
Karin Sobrino managed to come seventh overall out of the women in the Boston to Big Sur Challenge. Well done Karin.
Toti AC juniors do track and field training at Lords at 4.45pm from Mondays to Fridays. Call Riaan on 078-457-1936.
For senior strength training, meet at Lords at 5pm on Tuesdays. Call Cecil on 079-895-4323.
At Saturday’s club long run at 5am, runners must wear club vest and black shorts for visibility.
Visit www.totiac.co.za for more club information. If you are a club member or plan to join the club, join up with coach Cecil Clarke’s training group for training and advice about Comrades and ultra-marathons.
