Dear Nedbank Running Club Members,

Nedbank would like to thank you for your continued support during the 2023 year. We wish you a joyous and safe festive season and look forward to seeing you in 2024.

Yours in Running

Message from Nick Bester – Nedbank running club national team manager

It is safe to say that in 2023, we finally felt that running was back to normal, after the world completely shut down due to the Covid Pandemic and races and events were either completely cancelled or postponed. It was the courage of every person involved in the Nedbank running club who motivated each other, the sponsors who stood by us, and we emerged even stronger in 2023 and if anything is to go by, the results from our team this year speak volume.

Our familiar Nedbank green gazebos came out once again at races and with no restrictions, and were jam packed and even more joyful than ever before. Sharing the war stories from the races, it did not matter whether you were a social runner or even a Comrades champion, our Nedbank running club family came together and we were stronger than ever before. For all of this, I thank each and every one of you.

In terms of results this year, I think they speak for themselves, and if we could mention every single victory, every podium finish and every success of each and every one of you, we would not finish by the time the 2024 newsletter comes around. There were many highlights this year that stood out for me, and you will read many of our highlights later in the newsletter in the 12 month recap, but our domination yet again at the Comrades Marathon where we took 50% of the total golds up for grabs on the day and we also smashed the course record is always going to be a day to remember. It would be an injustice to mention names here and not mention each and every one of you who contributed to our teams success through your achievements so to all of you, a big well done and let’s keep that fire burning in 2024.

The heart of Nedbank running club is all of the athletes who make up the numbers of over 3500 members of the green team, but without the sponsors, none of this would be possible at all. So to our sponsors, Nedbank, Biogen, Bavaria, Future Life, Nike and THIRSTI water, I cannot thank you enough on behalf of all of us in the team for the time, effort, amazing product and work that you put into this team.

I would also like to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to all of our different Nedbank running clubs, operating professionally, using initiative and motivating all of our athletes under very tough conditions by the capable and strong leadership of our Chairmen and various Club Committees. They must be applauded because they looked after the interest of our club members and sponsors of the Nedbank Running Clubs across South Africa and the rest of Africa.

As we head into the festive season of December, I would like to wish you all a merry and safe one, and we cannot wait to see you all on the roads in 2024.

A big round of applause to our partners and sponsors

We are extremely fortunate and grateful to have such amazing sponsors on board that make this team #MoreThanAClub. Without their support, none of this would be possible. From all the product we receive, to incentives and assistance at events, we thank you for everything. We thank our athletes who are active on various social media platforms for always promoting our sponsors and we encourage everyone on our team to please promote our sponsors and support them. To Nedbank, FutureLife, THIRSTI Water, Biogen, Nike and Bavaria, your support means the World to us.

Our mission for the Nike brand: To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world.

We exist to serve athletes and believe if you have a body, you are an athlete*.
Our teams believe in the power of sport and in the pursuit of better.
To help athletes achieve their full potential, we will fight, scrap, push ourselves and each other, and go again.
It’s up to us to inspire and enable every athlete to turn their dreams and ambitions into personal bests and achievements. Always remember the voice of the athlete.

Dear Nedbank Running club, members, partners & fellow sponsors.

On behalf of the Biogen team and the broader health & fitness family, we want to thank you for another unbelievable year of partnership. Our association with the ‘Green Dream Team’ is one of Biogen’s longest-standing sponsorship relationships, a testament to all of you, as well as the ongoing efforts, performances, and professionalism of this exceptional running club. As we look back on another great year together, we want to acknowledge the work done by Nedbank as title sponsor, and then of course Nick, Adriaan, Kelly, Cuan, Jacqueline, and all other regional managers and coordinators, as well as you the athletes, and club members. Thank you for wearing our brand with pride and representing us in the way you do. We wish you and your families the happiest, healthiest and most blessed Christmas ever. Stay safe, stay healthy and keep running … (and not too much Christmas pudding ??, just kidding, you’ve earned it)

As 2023 comes to a close, we at Bavaria Malt want to express our heartfelt gratitude for a fantastic year of partnership with the Nedbank Running Club. Your unwavering passion for running and dedication to excellence inspires us daily. We are immensely proud to support a community that embodies such remarkable strength, resilience, and endurance. Together, let's raise a toast to every stride taken and milestone achieved. As we eagerly anticipate 2024, we're committed to keeping the energy soaring, the runs more exhilarating, and the refreshment flowing. Here's to forging ahead with even greater zeal and shared success in the new year! Be safe this festive season and a Happy New Year to all!

Thank you FutureLife for your continued support of our Nedbank Running Club athletes and having them Live a better, healthier life with FutureLife Smart Food

FutureLife

What a run 2023 has been! For THIRSTI, we’ve certainly come out tops in our partnership with the Nedbank Running Club – the support from the athlete’s has been outstanding as we’ve quenched their thirst throughout the year.
A huge thank you to Nick and his team – your professionalism, open communication, willingness to participate in anything we’ve ever asked of you and your passion has made THIRSTI proud to be associated with you and your athlete’s.
Festive greetings and happy running,

The year in review for the Nedbank running club

January –

The year started off with the annual Nedbank Skhosana road race in Pretoria, where athletes had the options of a 1 mile, 5km, 10km or half marathon to choose from, making it a truly family affair. Our Comrades legends Tete Dijana and Edward Mothibi also took part in the event and runners had the opportunity to share the road with them and catch up afterwards at our Nedbank RC gazebos.

February –

The second month of the year was all about one event, the Nedbank Runified Breaking Barriers 50km and world records were once again the theme of the day! For the 3rd year in a row, a new men’s world record was set and in the ladies’ race, the 2nd world record was set. Nedbank running club stars Tete Dijana and Onalenna Khonkhobe set a very fast pace up front, which saw the duo cross the official marathon mark in 2:12. Shortly after this, Dijana threw in a surge which took him all the way to the line to win in a new World record of 2:39:04 to shatter the previous record set in last year’s event by Stephen Mokoka. Khonkhobe held on for 2nd to also better the previous world record, running 2:39:41. 9 Nedbank running club athletes finished in the top 10 of the men’s race.

In the ladies’ race, Nedbank running clubs Emane Hayile set a world record tempo which saw her obliterate the previous women’s only world record time of 3:04:24 with her 3:00:30. Teammates Amelework Bosho and Hannah Lindholm completed a podium domination, with Nedbank running club ladies filling 9 out of the top 10 positions. In total, Nedbank running club ran away with 18 out of the 20 gold medals on offer on the day.

Besides the world records that were set, there were also countless world age bests as well as national and continental records set.

March –

The 2023 AGN Championships took place at the iconic Pilditch Stadium and the Nedbank Running Club Gauteng North had athletes that stepped up to the occasion, cementing the club more known for its road running domination to now be seen as a force to be reckoned with on the track. Rivaldo Roberts took gold in the men’s 100m running a world class time of 10.12. Teammate Reabetswe Moloi made it a Nedbank RC 100m double as she took victory in the senior women’s 100m in 11.68. Marione Fourie took victory in the ladies 100m hurdles. Fourie then followed that up taking gold in the South African Championships and becoming national champion for the 3rd year in a row over the 100m hurdles.

At the Om die Dam 50km, Nedbank running club’s Adele Broodryk won comfortably in what was essentially a training run. “I would say that the race went according to plan as I wanted to run the same splits as last year to compare my level of fitness,” said Broodryk.  “I managed to maintain the plan up to 40km, after which I slowed down when I heard the 10min lead ahead of the second position!”

April –

Thabang Mosiako ran the race of his life to finish 3rd at the Run Your City 10km in Gqeberha, running a world class 27:52 on the road. Teammates Abebe Mamo and Wellington Varevi finished 5th & 6th also running world class times of 28:06 and 28:07. In the ladies’ race, Nedbank running club’s Bekelech Wariyo took victory in a time of 31:36.

The 2023 Spar Ladies 10km grand prix series kicked off in Cape Town, and Nedbank running club superstars Hiyane Lama and Selam Gebre were in action. Double series winner Tadu Nare did not compete in the first leg due to an international commitment. Lama took victory on a very windy day in 33:42 with Gebre 2 seconds back in 33:44.

Having missed the first leg of the Spar Ladies race, Tadu Nare in her Nedbank running club kit stepped up onto the big stage, taking part in the prestigious London Marathon. She finished a credible 8th in 2:21:31 in what was dubbed as the world’s most competitive women’s race ever.

The annual Two Oceans 56km is one of the pinnacle events on the calendar and once again, Nedbank running club had a strong lineup of athletes competing. Running in his first Two Oceans Marathon, Dan Matshailwe who was 3rd in the previous year’s Comrades Marathon came oh so close to winning, as he crossed the line 2nd, a scant 22 seconds after the winner and having suffered from muscle problems from as early as 15km into the race.  “I was having some niggle sensations on the leg, and it was disturbing me,” said Matshailwe afterwards. Teammate Degefa Lafebo finished 6th to clinch another gold medal for the men in green. In the ladies race, Amelework Bosho finished on the podium in 2nd, leading home another 4 Nedbank RC ladies in the top 10 behind her. In the half marathon, Bekelech Wariyo came very close to winning but had to settle for 2nd on the day.

May –

The month of May kicked off with the very exciting news that Japanese International marathon runner Jo Fukuda would be running his ultra-marathon debut the following month at the Comrades Marathon in the colours of Nedbank running club. When asked what he knows about Comrades, Fukuda was quick to point out he knows some of the history. “I know it’s the world’s oldest and traditional ultra-marathon in the world and if you win it, you can consider yourself a real champion.”

The second leg of the Spar ladies 10km grand prix series made its way to Gqeberha, and series defending champion Tadu Nare made sure she competed, even with the London Marathon recently still in her legs. Nare easily took victory in a very fast 31:35, pulling teammate Selam Gebre to a new personal best when she finished 2nd in 31:53.  

June –

June can mean only one thing, the Comrades Marathon! After a very successful 2022 Comrades Marathon, the Nedbank running once again hosted a Comrades training camp which moved between Rustenberg and Dullstroom. Come race day, the runners were ready, and they put up a courageous fight! After surging at halfway and building up a 3-minute lead, Jo Fukuda from Japan in the colours of Nedbank running club was being hunted down by a pack of 5 Nedbank runners which was being spearheaded by dutchman Piet Wiersma who was running his debut. As they reached the top of Fields

Hill, Fukuda was swallowed by the pack which had now been whittled down to 3, made up of Wiersma, defending champion Tete Dijana and 2019 winner Edward Mothibi. A big surge up Cowies Hill saw Dijana accelerate ahead and build a lead which nearly came undone, as Wiersma put in a late charge through Durban, almost catching Dijana at the finish! Dijana was victorious yet again, smashing the course record by over 4 minutes with Wiersma only 2 seconds behind. “I want to thank my coach Dave Adams, my training partners who are my brothers and who shared the road with me today, my club Nedbank with Nick Bester as the

manager and all of our sponsors as this victory was not just mine but all of ours,” said an elated Dijana at the finish. “In our minds we did have that thought of a record but honestly the win was more important to get than the record so for me to get the record was just a bonus.” Mothibi rounded off the podium also under the old record to make it a Nedbank RC podium domination. 5 Nedbank RC men finished in the top 10. Fukuda the

early leader lost his gold medal finish over the last 8km, fading to 20th. In the women’s race, Adele Broodryk ran the race of her life to finish 2nd and smash the sub-6-hour barrier finishing in 5:56. She led home another 4 Nedbank RC ladies into the top 10. In total, Nedbank RC took 50% of the total gold medals up for grabs on the day.

At the NMB Half Marathon which also incorporated the South African Half Marathon Championships, Nedbank running club’s Thabang Mosiako was crowned the national champion when he took victory. Mosiako is an athlete who has climbed the ranks, starting out from the Nedbank running club development team.

The third leg of the Spar women’s 10km grand prix series made its way to Durban, and it was another podium 1-2 finish for the Nedbank running club. Tadu Nare once again took victory in 31:26 with Selam Gebre bettering her personal best again to finish 2nd in 31:37.

July –

The Spar women’s 10km grand prix series left the coastal town of Durban to the altitude of Mbombela. Tadu Nare once again took victory in a time of 32:28, with Nedbank running club teammate Selam Gebre 2nd in 32:51.

In Switzerland, 100m hurdle sensation Marione Fourie broke the South African record when she ran a 12.55.

August –

Nedbank running club athletes Dan Matshailwe, Adele Broodryk, Galaletsang Mekgoe and Stella Marais were all named part of the South African team which would take part at the World 50km championships in November in India.

At the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Marione Fourie made it all the way to the semifinals, getting knocked out when she finished 6th in her heat.

Tadu Nare wrapped up another successful Spar grand prix series when she took victory at the Tshwane edition of the event. Her winning time of 32:56 saw her finish comfortable ahead of teammate Selam Gebre who was 2nd once again in 33:49. This result also saw Gebre end 2nd in the series for 2023.

September –

The final leg of the RYC 10km series ended in Johannesburg and ended in a high note for the Nedbank running club. Namakhoe Nkhasi emerged victorious, unleashing a lethal kick over the last km to take victory.

With the Spar grand prix series title already wrapped up, Tadu Nare sat out the final leg of the series which took place at Mark’s Park in Johannesburg. Having been dubbed the perpetuail bridesmaid with all her runner up finishes in the series, young Selam Gebre finally got a taste of victory, breaking the tape in 33:41.

October –

After earlier in the year clinching the national half marathon title, Thabang Mosiako ventured onto the world stage, finishing an amazing 6th in the World half marathon championships clocking a world class 59:52. This incredible performance also saw him lead home team South Africa to a bronze medal in the team competition.

Tadu Nare once again stepped up into the world marathon majors as she took part in the Chicago Marathon. She finished 5th in another incredibly fast time of 2:20:04.

The Nedbank running club dominated the SA run for cancer event with Onalenna Khonkhobe taking victory in the 48km in 2:37:57. Teammate Dennis Kipkosgei finished 3rd. In the ladies’ race, it was a 1-2-3 Nedbank running club podium domination. Margaret Jepchumba took victory in 3:03:31 ahead of teammates Shelmith Muriuki and Slindile Chili whop rounded off the podium.

November –

November started out as a tough one for some of the Nedbank running club athletes. Set to represent South Africa at the World 50km championships, problems arose with the team travel and athletes Dan Matshailwe, Adele Broodryk and Galaletsang Mekgoe found themselves stranded at the airport with no flight to catch. Teammates Stella Marais and Deanne Laubscher made the trip to India and were rewarded with outstanding 6th and 10th placed finishes respectively.

The Soweto Marathon saw a large contingent of Nedbank running club athletes toe the line. In the men’s race, it was so close for defending champion Daba Debele who could not hold on towards the end and finished a very credible 2nd. Teammate Joel Mmone, Namkhoe Nkhasi and Dan Matshailwe who was a late entry into the event after the world champs’ issues finished 6th, 9th and 10th respectively. In the women’s race, Selam Gebre held on bravely for a 2nd placed finish, leading home another 6 Nedbank running club ladies in the top 10 behind her.

Nedbank running club setting the bar for development in the country

Week in and week out, the green clad Nike vests of the Nedbank running club dominate races around the country with some of Africa’s best athletes proudly donning the famous kit affectionately known as the green dream team. Whilst the club has many stars, it is the development branches of the club that are producing tomorrows stars today so to speak.

The Nedbank running club has development programs situated in Soweto, Central North West, Bloemfontein and Vanderbijlpark under the watchful eyes of some of the best coahes in the country, including former athletics legends Pio Mpolokeng and Matthews Temane who head up the Central North West branches and Siyaya Khoza who heads up the very successful Soweto branch.
“A team can be successful based on the results they get, but I believe that the biggest success is being able to train up the future stars from a young age and develop the countries next generation of athletes,” says Nedbank running club national team manager Nick Bester. “We have seen huge success in our development programs where athletes have gone on to have successful careers in their running and also represent the country on the world stage.”

There is still a chill in the air as the Johannesburg winter comes to an end and coach Siyaya Khoza is at the Rietvallei Ext 3 school grounds where you will find him often during the week, whistle in hand, and guiding tomorrows stars through yet another training session at the Nedbank running club Soweto development branch. With 23 athletes falling under the development banner, Khoza has seen his athletes win national titles at both junior and senior level and this year a number of his stars had focussed on the South African xc champs where this year some of his athletes represented the country at the World xc championships which took place in Australia.

“Besides seeing my athletes doing well in the sport, I want to see running open doors like it did for me to better education and also run on the world stage and don the national colours,” says Khoza. “The support that Nedbank running club and the club sponsors give to our athletes really makes a huge difference in their lives and is one of the reasons that they excel so quickly.”

A number of Nedbank running club athletes from the 4 development branches took part in the South African cross-country championships and just like last year, there will be many medals and podium spots that will be the goal for many. “Cross country running and track is the stepping stone to the road and you need to go through these phases to become a superstar in the sport,” said Bester.

“We are proud to say that through the Nedbank running club development programs, we have had national title holders at school level, junior level and senior level as well from the track to the cross country and also the road.”

Even though athletes may be running in different clubs now, the Nedbank running club development wing has also seen current stars start their careers with the Nedbank running club development team and rise through the ranks. Previous Nedbank running club development athletes include Precious Mashele, Matthews Leeto and Tshepo Tshite. This year Tshite narrowly missed making the final of the World championships over the 1500m, and Mashele has gone on to win numerous national titles as well as represent South Africa at the Tokyo Olympic Games in the 5000m.

Current Nedbank running club green dream team athlete Thabang Mosiako is another athlete who has risen through the ranks thanks to the development initiative. The 28-year-old picked up a national title whilst still in the development wing, and now, based in Gqeberha where he is coached by Michael Mbambani, has had his best season to date. He picked up the national half marathon title in June when he clocked a world class 1:00:29 and ran 27:52 over 10km on the road. He then went on to finish an amazing 6th at the World Championships where he led the South African team home to an incredible bronze medal in the team competition.

Runners guide app at your hospitality suites and Club gazebos.

Runner’s guide will be making feather flags or banners for all the Nedbank Running Clubs with the QR code on that you can display at races to get any runner ore athlete-Even from other clubs - to come to your site and scan the code on their cell phones for further use as described below.

The Nedbank Runners’ Guide app is more than simply a digital replacement of Tom Cottrell’s road racing guide. Yes, the app does have all the information you would expect from the Guide, but there is more. You can conveniently find upcoming races near you, as well as get directions to the start.  You can enter races on your phone and even access Strava course information. The comprehensive Runners’ Guide information coupled with the command of the RunnersGuide website makes this the most powerful running app available. And now it’s as easy to download as pointing your camera. Just aim your camera at our QR code and the world of South African running is on your phone. It’s freely available to all keen runners and walkers on both Android and Apple platforms. South African road racing has never been so convenient.

Watch the 2 x movies in the links below to see more!

1. The Five Minute Movie….Click this

CIRCULAR 41 OF ASA 2023 – ISSUING OF 2024 PERMANENT LICENSES AND RELATED REGULATIONS

2024 Comrades Expo – Bookings now open

No Doubt - Nakanjani

One of the highlights of holding the world’s biggest, oldest and most famous ultramarathon is the hosting of an annual Comrades Marathon Expo which coincides with the race’s official registration.

The Comrades Expo takes place at the Durban Exhibition Centre from 6th – 8th June 2024 and bookings for next year’s Comrades Expo are now open.

Attracting nearly 50,000 visitors over 3 days, the Comrades Expo is not just about collecting race numbers, goodie bags and the must-have race T-shirt. It’s also about soaking up the pre-race atmosphere, stocking up on race day essentials; and experiencing all the latest in lifestyle, sport, health and nutrition that South Africa has to offer.

The Comrades Expo caters for all sports enthusiasts, for families who are supporting their runners and for the newbies who aspire to be on the start line one day.
The Comrades Expo offers an exceptional opportunity for your participation as an exhibitor. From showcasing your current product line, introducing new products or just creating brand visibility – it should not be missed.

Join us at the Durban Exhibition Centre from 6th – 8th June 2024 and connect with a diverse and enthusiastic audience, allowing you to engage with potential customers and showcase your brand and products at this iconic event.

Book your stand and pay the deposit by the 14th of December 2023 to qualify for the early-bird discount.

For enquiries, please contact liezle@hgexpo.co.za