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BENCHMARKING NAMIBIA
A recent comment made about running and times, has prompted a response. Nambia had an era where events were not all "fun runs" and were spread all over Windhoek and Namibia.
Distances were measured as accurately as possible, timing was a priority, measuring achievements was important and rewarding achievements was considered a must, as apposed to handing out lucky draws to all and sundry. Rewards at races and on annual performance.
The result was growth. Growth in personal achievements. Growth in numbers of participants. Growth in training groups. Growth in competition. Growth in support of fellow participants. And, not least of all, growth in camraderie on and off the road.
This is not an old fashioned concept. It is a concept that has stood the test of time. Below are links to times from 1997 to whenever we still documented times. There are some odd distances, but these were left in to be as accurate as possible.
Some of the the names are well known. Sadly, some will have been forgotten. Hope you get some motivation from these lists and realise you do not have to be an AVENGER to feature here.
Running
Walking
COPPER RUN
(Nigel Reynolds)
A brilliant revival of road running in Tsumeb over the weekend, with the "Kick out Cancer " Fitness & Fun Festival, benefiting CHICA, Children with Cancer in Namibia – the event included the Copper 21km half marathon and the 10km Run – both winding along the roads around the beautiful town of Tsumeb, as well as the 5 km Run / walk run and finished off with the Lions Bosses Fun Run.
A Fantastic turnout of locals dressed in Pink, to show support for our cancer awareness campaign, with visiting Running Champions from Namibia's National Defence Force Marathon Team, setting Course Records for years to come in both the ladies & Mens Category;
21km Mens 1st place Simon Shipingana (NDF Team) with a time of 1:08:39, 2nd place Paulus Liyambo (NDF Team), and 3rd place Hosea Frama (NDF Team) in the 21km Ladies; 1st place Helena Lipinga, (NDF Team) with a time of 1:22:25, 2nd place Ottilie Aimwata (NDF Team). While 21km Veterans was won by Johannes Gawaxamab of Team Power Line Africa
Some of the local businesses also set a positive momentum to this cause by entering in some of their staff, with 3 local employees, finishing in the top 3 of our men’s 10km. We incentivised the corporates that first 3 entrants within their various business teams would receive a bicycle from our Multisport Africa Bicycles for Humanity Project.
10km Mens 1st place, Mbambi (kupferquelle resort) with a time of 43:20, 2nd place Job Imene (Tschudi mine) and 3rd place Tangeni Shikolalye (Ohorongo cement). 10km Ladies 1st place, Estelle Lambert with a time of 58:55 (also 1st veteran lady), 2nd place Melva Steenkamp, and 3rd tied between local Ginmanisium teenagers, Julani Wahl and Ria Venter (tied 1st Junior lady).
Mr Hans Nolte, MD of Dundee Precious Metals, set an excellent example by entering the 10km race and finishing in 6th overall, positioning as the 1st Veteran Male to cross the finish line. The Dundee water table also won first prize for the best water table as voted by participants.
The Key strategy around this event is bringing the Community together to promote a healthy Lifestyle for local Sports Enthusiasts, of all ages and fitness levels, and to provide a platform for Businesses to encourage Sports participation and Team Building for their employees. The great thing about running is all you need is a pair of running shoes – so anyone can join.
Event Organiser Nigel Reynolds of Multisport Africa Namibia, a Sports Development agency based in Tsumeb, said Corporate Support & Social Investment in these types of events are critical to a productive & healthy Community. Recent studies of a one of the largest local Employers, has estimated over 60% of the work force to be obese. This has a serious Negative impact on Employees Health & Productivity. We believe that regular healthy sports activity can turn this statistic around. A healthy body helps to create a healthy mind, which in turn creates a well balanced, happy and productive person. Reynolds said we can also nip this problem in the bud if parents encourage their children to participate in Sports and play a role in promoting a healthy Diet.
We have a plan to roll out in the Future, a Series of 10km & 5km Challenges, in the region which will be a Feeder to the Marathon on a regional & National Level. With the likes of Dundee Precious Metals, B2Gold, Ohorongo Cement & Wetherleys in the region there is no reason why we cannot collectively revive Sport in the region & Build healthy & Productive Communities
A special thanks goes out to our Sponsors ; Dundee Precious Metals, Rubicon, Kupfer Quelle Resort, Securitas, Spar Tsumeb & Tsumeb Municipality’s Copper Festival Committee in particular Mr Andre Strewig for all his hard Work - who directly contributed to Bringing Namibias Top Athletes to Compete in the Half Marathon. Lastly a Thanks goes out to all participants, supporters and the Lions Tsumeb Team – every person contributed to making this a wonderful day for all.
For full photo album of the day visit our facebook page/Multisport Africa Tsumeb and we look forward to seeing you next year...
ROAD RUNNING AND AGE CATEGORIES
Unless otherwise advertised by the race organisers, this is generally what you can expect at a road racing event. The IAAF has ruled that Veteran's age groups will just be known as MASTERS. However, road running in this neck of the woods still tends to use the groups below.
Age is taken as the age on the day of the race.
AGES
Junior: Ages up to 18
Senior: 19-34
Sub-Vet: 35-39
Veterans: 40-49
Master: 50-59
Grand Master: 60 upwards
Open: Any age. Considered as the overall winners who generally win the larger amount of prize money. Open can also automatically include the SENIOR category.
Minimum age to compete:
Minimum age is 12
Under 14 max 10km
14/15 max 15km
16/17 max 32km
BADGES
It could be expected that MASTER athletes display an age badge prominantly on the running top. In South Africa, failure to wear a badge will elliminate you from category prizes. This will be done in the following groupings:
35 - 39: Badge 35
40 - 44: Badge 40
45 - 49: Badge 45
50 - 54: Badge 50
55 - 59: Badge 55
60 - 64: Badge 60
Etc. Through to:
95 - 99: Badge 95
100+: Badge 100
IAAF/AIMS Course Measurers
IAAF and AIMS have established three grades of course measurers: "A", "B" and "C". The three grades are allowed to measure the following:
"C" Local courses, including National Championship courses, but no races in the IAAF/AIMS joint calendar.
"B" As "C" plus Area Championship courses and races in the IAAF/AIMS joint calendar.
"A" As "C" and "B" plus World Championships, Cup and Olympic Games' courses (races run under IAAF Rule 12.1 (a), (b) and (c).
If any IAAF Member Federation or IAAF competition organisers wish to have a course measured by any other than a local "C" measurer - and this is necessary if the race is to be included in the IAAF/AIMS joint calendar - they should contact the relevant International Measurement Administrator who will arrange for a measurer to be appointed.
Nomination and Upgrade of Measurers
IAAF and AIMS wish to encourage the development of course measurement worldwide and there is a need for many more course measurers.
The following are the criteria for the three grades of measurers:
"C" Successful completion of a bona fide course measurement seminar that was managed by at least an "A" grade measurer.
"B" Nomination to be made by the Member Federation which will send the paperwork of four measurements to the relevant International Measurement Administrator. The International Measurement Administrator will then organise a fifth measurement under either supervision of himself or an appointed "A" measurer at the expense of the Member Federation. If the candidate proves to be satisfactory, the International Measurement Administrator will upgrade the measurer, subject to later ratification by the IAAF/AIMS Working Group.
"A" Must have been a "B" grade measurer for at least two years within which time he/she must have measured eight courses, two of which must be races in the IAAF/AIMS joint calendar. One of the two joint calendar courses must have been measured under the supervision of an "A" grade measurer who should send a report to the International Measurement Administrator. The paperwork for all eight measurements must be sent by the relevant Member Federation to the International Measurement Administrator and, if all proves to be satisfactory, the International Measurement Administrator will upgrade the measurer, subject to later ratification by the IAAF/AIMS Working Group.
Maintenance of "A and B" Grades and Downgrading
All measurers are required to send a copy of their paperwork for each course on the IAAF/AIMS joint calendar that is measured to the relevant International Measurement Administrator and the IAAF General Secretariat in Monte Carlo. They must also send a report to their International Measurement Administrator every two years listing their activity in course measurement. If they have not measured a course within two years, they will be downgraded.
IAAF RULE 4
(Para 2)
Requirements to Compete in International Competitions
Members (of the IAAF) may require that no athlete or Club affiliated to the Member may take part in an International Competition in a foreign Country or Territory without the Member’s written approval. In such a case, no Member hosting a competition shall allow any foreign athlete or Club of the Member in question to take part without evidence of such permit certifying that the athlete or Club is eligible and permitted to compete in the Country or Territory concerned. Members shall notify the IAAF of all such permit requirements. To facilitate compliance with this Rule, the IAAF shall maintain on its website a list of Members with such requirements.
SPORT...OR NOT
Those results are not available, because there was no timing. There are many possible responses. Yours at running.namibia@gmail.com will be posted. Two questions need to be examined:
SPORT
Road running is either a sport or not. Experience teaches us that participants expect to be treated as trained runners. Be it first over the line or last, young or old, runners would like to have their racing times and would like measurements of routes to be as accurate as possible. There is no such thing as a 21km fun run/walk. Or, a 10km? Training is required. Dedication. Hence, regarding timing, is it fair to treat the first placed athlete any differently than the last placed? The thesaurus says that a participant is also a contestant.
Athletes should also be extended the courtesy of having events listed well ahead of time. This enables enough time to prepare. And, once listed, dates should not be changed willy-nilly. This information should be disseminated freely.
COMMERCIAL
If an event is regarded purely as a commercial or PR excercise to promote a company, cause or other entity, participants should be well informed. No timing? Distance not guaranteed? No problem. Just be upfront about this.
THE IAAF
AND
ROAD RUNNING
Excerpts from a letter. Although not the full story, the gist is accurate.
Over the years Road Running has developed tremendously around the world, to the point where it is the largest participation area of the sport of Athletics. Internationally, statistics suggest that those taking part in road races represent between 70-80% of the total participants in Athletics and the participation figures continue to grow despite the global recession and a diminution of participation in in-stadium Athletics.
The challenge from the point of view of the IAAF Member Federations is how to benefit from this development by creating a synergy with the race organisers that will promote our sport...
How to Cooperate The first step in any relationship is dialogue. Good communications need to be established between the race organisers and the Federation. This becomes easier when there is mutual respect, as opposed to one party trying to assert its position over the other without necessarily showing any appreciation for the work that is being done...
As stated above, the basis of building a strong relationship is dialogue and mutual respect and we would encourage all member Federations to do their utmost to work in harmony with Road Race organisers for their mutual benefit.
Please do not hesitate to contact the IAAF Senior Manager Road Running...
Kind regards,
Pierre Weiss
General Secretary
Lucky Star 2001
Some familiar faces running the 2001 Lucky Star. Ten years younger and chomping at the bit to hit the road. This is the start in Swakopmund and running to Walvis. In those days the event alternated the route to and from Walvis to Swakop.
RACE REPORT:
Gawi at Xanagas
The Desert Flower Run – 2011
I am Chuck Fletcher from the US and I always look for interesting events to do on the weekends while on business, in this case I was in Botswana with a small team working with the Botswana Defence Force and the Ministry of Defence, Justice and Security on financial management. I stumbled across the announcement for the “Desert Flower Run” on the Runner’s Guide website: Runners Guide Link
I was really hooked on the idea of a Run/Trek through the Kalahari and this sounded like a great chance to see the desert and meet some wonderful people. Unfortunately, the race was cancelled before I arrived in Botswana. I talked to Gawi upon arrival and he agreed to host the race anyway and see who would show up. I recruited Iain from our team and we made plans to do the race.
My notes about the trip and Race/Trek:
Getting there - We drove about 7 hours along the Trans-Kalahari highway from Gaborone, Botswana. It was a pleasant drive; the highway is very nice and lightly traveled. We made good time getting there; the main hazard is the cows, goats and donkeys that wander along/on/across the road. We also saw a few antelopes, ostriches and other game animals. The turn-off from the highway south to New Xanagas is about 60 KM from the Namibian Border and just past Karakubis. The road is about 40 KM of good dirt/gravel. We had a small rental car and it was fine. New Xanagas is a village of Nharo Bushmen of which only about 7,000 are left. Their language (Nharo) has clicking sounds, so listening is a little strange, but it sounded musical to me – I have not heard any Bushmen language before. Our host was Gawi Joubert - a South African missionary, who came to Botswana for the Dutch Reformed church over 25 years ago and never left. Now he is a citizen of Botswana. He is as tough as nails. He sleeps outside, cooks over a fire and does not have electricity. He comes to New Xanagas to preach and work on community projects. He is part minister and part mad scientist. He has projects going to grow the little red beetles used for coloring of makeup (Cochineal), to grow useful bacteria, to build a biofuel plant, he has a garden of plants that he grows "to see if it will grow". He is a super guy who really cares for the Bushmen and has a vast knowledge of the Kalahari. Gawi started this race because he ran with a GPS 42 Km through the desert from his house in Xanagas to his new house in New Xanagas. He has raced in the Comrades ultra 5 times (90 km). When we got there Gawi was cooking a big stew of meat, vegetables, and potatoes in a big black pot he called a potjie (Africans for small pot). There was another pot of "Pap" which was boiled corn meal. At about suppertime about 25 Bushmen arrived to eat and everybody dug in to the food. The stew was delicious and everyone ate to their fill. We were fortunate to hear some of the Bushmen ladies singing – they have great voices and the clicking sounds of their language (Nharo) were truly wonderful.
We hung around the fire and looked at the stars (the bushman TV). Since there was no moon, no electricity in the town and no town for 30 miles - it was pretty dark, and cold. The stars were quite nice.
We got up at 0500 and it was freezing. We wore everything we brought and loaded a truck to go out about 15 km for the "race". We were the only ones there, so one bushman (Henri) went with us to make sure we didn't get lost and to give us some tips about travel through the desert. We got dumped off after an hour truck ride and it was still cold. We had a GPS, two electronic compasses, one magnetic compass, water, food, whistles and various other safety and comfort items. Henri showed up with a few oranges and a bottle of water. He walked 15 km straight back to the start without a compass or GPS. There were lots of thorns, lots of sand. We saw some antelope, deer, wild chickens, and other wildlife on the way back. It took us 3+ hours to return through the desert, where we meet a few other Bushmen out doing their chores, herding cattle, milking and tending to the farm.
Henri stopped along to way to point out plants, animal tracks and other interesting things about the terrain. I think that the trek back was great – I am not sure if I would have enjoyed a real “race” very much. I think I would have been torn to shreds by the thorns and probably carried a few kilos of sand in my shoes if I tried to run. There was so much to see and learn that running past would be a waste.
When we got back to New Xanagas, Gawi was waiting with a pot of boiling water. We had coffee, a little bit of lunch, washed up a little and then left for Gaborone at about 1200. Gawi was a great host and we really enjoyed the visit and the trek. Henri was a great guide for us and showed us a part of the world that was different and special. Another nice 7 hour drive and we were back at the hotel. The “prize” for attending the 2011 Desert Flower race was a seed of the Devil’s Claw plant.
Hopefully, this event will continue in some format and Gawi will find the time and energy to host others for a day or a week to show this unique environment and people to others.
Anyone wanting a personal reference or other information about this race, please email either of us for details:
Chuck Fletcher cvfletch@yahoo.com
Iain MacArthur iainbarbmaca@hotmail.com
Peter Kisbey-Green
I have not been back to Windhoek since Easter Holidays. I’m not sure when I will be back again. Currently enjoying more time with my family and working on local projects in Johannesburg.
Thanks to Windhoek Harriers for all you do for running in Namibia. It was great for me to have a friendly club to run with whilst working in Namibia and I’m sure I will be back one day. If ever anyone from Windhoek is in Gauteng and wants to come and run the Fourways time trial on a Thursday evening, just give me a call and I will give you details and arrange access to Fourways Gardens Estate.
Before Comrades I managed to finish the Elandsvallei Marathon in 3H05, and I decided to aim for silver at Comrades. That was just stupid. If they handed out medals at Drummond I would have walked away with silver, but alas! You have to run all the way to Pietermaritzburg, and the second half took me 5 hours to finish in a total time of 8h46. Not a bad time, but it was a long , tough slog to the finish.
Congratulations to all the Windhoek Harriers that managed to finish under 12 hours, especially Shannon who only had 11 second to spare and Cecilia, the 25th grand master lady. Well done to all of you.
Keep up the running/walking
Two Oceans
1985
Back from left:
(1) Sam Myburgh (3) Aldine Viljoen (4) Lloyd Saunderson
(5) Dave Godfrey (7) Roger Lawrence
Front from left:
(4) Frank Fielding (5) Tommy Bezuidenhout
A trip down memory lane during 1985. There may be some faces you recognise. The trip was sponsored by four Windhoek businesses and some good times were achieved. Ian Law 3:56 (silver), Trevor Nicholson 4:27, Ray Bartlett 5:07, Roger Lawrence 5:17 and Guido van Langenhove 5:42.
The Birth
of
Windhoek Harriers & 30 Years
Fantastic to think that Windhoek Harriers is 30. "From little acorns mighty oak trees grow”, as the English saying goes. Five of us started it in 1981:- Mac; Trevor Simons; Greg Sinden; Willy Van Wyk; and myself. The first race was a half marathon sponsored by Novel Ford (and Shell) and attracted the huge field of 15, including of course all the Founder members.
We had a lot of trouble getting permission from the traffic department who were not at all keen to have the roads cluttered up with runners? One of our earlier races was a fun run, a sort of charity day sponsored by Standard bank and included a very short run for school children and a 5k run for the more serious runners with a prize awarded for the most original costume. Trevor and I won that because we carried his canoe the whole way round and I think then Windhoek Observer had a great photo of Trevor and I jogging past the statue on the hill of the German trooper on horseback up by the church near the Alta Feste.
I am immensely proud to have been in at the start of something which is now 30 years old and which has been so important in so many ways to the social and athletic life of not just Windhoek but to the greater Namibian community.
Harriers brought people together in the dark days of apartheid, who would not otherwise have met. The club played such an important role in that regard in the 80's.
Throughout its 30 years it has always set high standards of organization, behavior and great credit must go to all those peoples who have served on the committees and put in hundreds and hundreds of hours of voluntary time to make the races and events so successful.
Thousands of people have benefitted from Harriers, countless scores of people have had their lives changed and enriched by the Harriers activities and many of us have had so much fun and laughter from being a member of Harriers. I am very proud of my honorary life membership and now that I live most of the year in Cape Town I hope to be able to join you for a beer sometime, although sadly my running days are over (knees). I try to come to Namibia at least once a year so if you are planning any sort of special celebration please let me know and If I can I will try to be there .
I don't suppose there are many around who remember me but if there are, please give them my regards and to all Windhoek Harriers may I wish you all many happy hours of injury free running and comradeship.
David Godfrey
RÖSSING MARATHON CHAMPIONSHIP
10km RACE
A new Rössing Marathon Champion was crowned this morning.
Pineas Embashu of the Namibian Defence Force became a first-time champion in the 42.2 km race with a personal best time of 2:25:58, a second slower than last year’s champion Erich Goeieman of Walvis Bay, who did not participate this year.
“I am very happy to be a winner this year. Last year I suffered a hamstring injury and did not participate. This is a good motivation for me to take part in up-coming marathons”, said a delighted Embashu. Short on his heels was Simeon Shipingana, also from the NDF, in a time of 02:29:08 and Salomon David in a time of 02:32:58. The 46 marathon runners ran in misty and wet conditions with a light drizzle on the Henties Bay road, with conditions clearing towards midday. The marathon record is still held by Luketz Swartbooi who ran it in 2:11:23 in 1992.
The Marathon Ladies Open winner was NDF runner Helaria Johannes (02:57:25) followed by NamPol runner Ottilie Aimwata (03:00:27) and Racher Akukethela (03:07:25) in third place. Helaria said: “It was the first time to enter the Rössing Marathon and I am happy that I won. This was successful preparation training for the up coming Two Ocean Marathon in April”.
The Men’s Open and Ladies’ Open winners won N$10 000 each and a newly introduced N$20 000 each sponsorship for a year. The total prize money in all categories was N$60 000.
In the very popular 10 km race 131 runners participated. Taking first place was Hosea Frans of the NDF in 32:15 followed by Johannes Naiitembu in 32:18 and Robert Kaxuxwuena (NDF) in 33:27. The first lady in the 10 km race was Alina Armas of NamPol in 37:21 and in second place was Monika Lazarus (43:39), followed by Andreas Johanna (47:06). Rössing’s recently appointed Chief Operating Officer, Mpho Mothoa congratulated the winners. “I would like to thank all the runners and walkers who participated in the 20th Rössing Marathon Championship. I am so pleased to see that you have made the most of your abilities and showed that you are fine sportsmen and women, able to compete in any global stadium. I am also very pleased to see the great interest in this event within our community with our walkers and supporters present here today. What we have achieved here this morning is to promote a healthy lifestyle amongst us all”.
Mothoa urged other companies to emulate Rössing in promoting fitness and a healthy lifestyle through sports.
The fun filled 5km Charity Walk attracted about 125 walkers bringing in a donation of N$1585 for the Cancer Association of Namibia. Prizes were in various categories, among these the youngest walker who was three years old and the oldest walker at 80 years of age.
See results at: DOCS & RESULTS to the left.
That yawnie guy below is Greg Sinden. Taken in the 80's. Die man woon nou in Kaapstad en hardloop nie meer nie (of so se Douglas). He only moves up and down, because he is at a well known lift company.
