January 2020 - The Running Mann

26th January 2020

Run4Cancer Ultra (Sex, Politics & Religion in Limpopo)

[MARATHON #229 / Unique Marathon #131 / 26 October 2019]

It’s said that sex, politics and religion are the three topics one should always steer well clear of. I am well known for ignoring sensible advice and tackle all three in this race report.

Ultra marathons are hard to come by in the second half of the year in South Africa. As summer heats up, the ultras dry up and by the time you get to the last quarter there is just one road ultra to service your running thirst: Polokwane’s Run4Cancer 48k (which also happens to be the only ultra marathon in the Limpopo Province).

I try to make one running trip a year to Limpopo’s capital city and, since Run4Cancer was the only marathon missing from my Polokwane portfolio, it was the logical place to drag my family over the mid-term school holiday (before anyone calls child services, I did include the sweetener of a couple of nights in a game reserve after the race).

One happy bunny enjoying the only road ultra marathon in South Africa over the last quarter of the year.

Continue reading “Run4Cancer Ultra (Sex, Politics & Religion in Limpopo)”

18th January 202014th February 2020

The Running Mann’s Guide to February 2020 Marathons

This article provides detailed information on all South Africa’s February marathons including race descriptions, recommendations and travel information.

Marathon running is making the most of the leap year: February is the busiest month for marathon running in 2020 with 29 days and 27 options. There is something for everyone – from big marathons like Jeppe, Pretoria and Peninsula through to the the smallest qualifier marathon in the country with – Spitskop in Upington who had just 6 finshers in 2019. Continue reading “The Running Mann’s Guide to February 2020 Marathons”

12th January 202019th January 2020

Voet van Afrika Marathon (Scratching the seven-year itch)

[MARATHON #228 / Voet #11 / 12 October 2019]

Before I started running there were three marathons that I wanted to complete: Two Oceans, Knysna and the Voet van Afrika. I’m pleased to say that I managed to place large green ticks next to each race in my first year of running in 2002.

After I started running there were three marathons that I wanted to complete ten times to earn a permanent number. No prizes for guessing that the same three entries made the list. I managed ten in a row at Two Oceans and Knysna but the arrival of my second daughter meant that my tenth Voet was delayed by one year*. Continue reading “Voet van Afrika Marathon (Scratching the seven-year itch)”