Dear Club Member

All of us at the club cannot believe how fast this year has passed us by. We would like to thank each and every one of you for the contribution you have made to our club by representing us out there on the road, the trail or the track.

2016 will be a bumper year for Nedbank Running Club Johannesburg and we look forward to welcoming you at all the races and club events we have lined up.

To those that celebrate we wish you a merry christmas and a very happy new year. A well deserved rest to everyone of you! If you are travelling stay safe and enjoy those special holiday season training runs!

See you all in 2016.

Kind regards

NRCCG Committee

In this newsletter:

1. Nedbank Wellness Day

2. Member of the month

3. NRCCG Away Race - Kaapsehoop Marathon

4. Sponsored Athletes - Update

5. Annual Awards function and dinner

6. Annual Pub Run

1. Nedbank Wellness Day

On the 8^th of November the Nedbank Head Office in Sandton held its Wellness Day and a lot of members from the Nedbank Running Club attended.

The focus of the day was to promote a healthy lifestyle to Nedbank’s employees. It also gave employees an opportunity to socialise with the Nedbank Dream Green Team who stood out in their light green colours.

Future life, 32GI and Nike also attended to shed light on all that goes into supporting an elite team of runners. This was not only of benefit to the employees but to other runners who dream of being part of an elite team.

The Team reflected on 2015 and are looking forward to what 2016 will hold for the team. This was helped along by the input from various Team sponsors on what they provide to make the team a well-oiled machine. Team manager Nick Bester also outlined the Team’s vision and plans for the next five years.

Manfred Seidler, a freelance athletics journalist, was also in attendance in a first for the team. He provided insight on how the media works, thinks and what they look for to help the Team improve their exposure. In this session he also covered how the team could improve their relationship with the media and further improve their exposure. This session was well received by the Team.

2012 Comrades Marathon Champion and Club Stalwart Modibe Ludwick Mamabolo showed his leadership skills stating that the Team can reach new heaights together. He also said “For me it is a great privilege to be part of this team and have the continuing support of Nedbank. We as a team must repay that loyalty by always giving our best and showcasing the colours of Nedbank.”

Overall the day was a great success and thanks to everyone who joined. We look forward to next year’s Wellness Day and hearing more of our Dream Green Team’s achievements and successes.

2. Member of the month

Liz Ruickbie has proved that nothing can slow down an intrepid runner. At 68 years old she has broken records, both personal and national, and is an inspiration to many. Despite being injured this year she is still pushing to improve on her times and set many new records next year.

Liz turned 60 in 2007 and became a grandmaster. She has had amazing runs since then, breaking her personal bests in the 10, 21.1 and 42.2 categories respectfully. In 2009, two short years after becoming a grandmaster, Liz was the Masters World Champion; as well as being awarded national colours in 2011. She has also been the South African 10km, 21.1km and Marathon champion, each a more impressive feat than the last.

Last year Liz set two new SA master records for track and field. The first was in the 5000m at 22.43m and the second in the 10 000m at 44.50m. To add on to these amazing achievements this year Liz was awarded the SA Masters female of the year for track and road running.

Liz is an inspiration to all runners and definite proof that all you need is the will to succeed. So from the Nedbank running congratulations to Liz Ruickbie, here is too many more years of record breaking, we look forward to hearing about more of your amazing achievements.

3. NRCCG Away Race - Kaapsehoop Marathon

The Kaapsehoop Marathon was held on the 7^th of November in Nelspruit and was the first away race organized by Nedbank Running Club CGA. Nick and Jo Sfarnas hosted the successful event where 11 of our runners participated. Thanks to everyone who joined and supported our runners as well a major thank you to Stephen Meijers from the ELB Group for sponsoring our bus. We would also like to congratulate a few of our marathon runners on their times.

• Franci Myburgh-3:23
• Justin Sher-2:57
• Daniel Mosue-2:57
• Brett Sinclair-3;57 

We would also like to make a special mention. Congratulations to Lauren Khoury on her first marathon and her time of 4:18:02.

Well done to all runners who took part!

4. Sponsored Athletes - Update

Monique Rene Hoosain is a Juniour athlete sponsored by the Nedbank Running club. She is currently running 10km races all around Gauteng and placed first in her category at the Fred Morrison 10km on the 13^th of September - Congratulations! Monique is also training to run her first 21km in January at Dischem in January 2016 – we wish her all the best for her endeavour.

Daniel Mosue was sponsored by NGCCR to run the Cape Town Marathon. He finished in 2h44m46s and placed 68^th overall. He was the 62^nd male runner and placed 54^th in his age category. Well done!

5. Annual Nedbank Johannesburg Awards function and dinner

The Nedbank Running Club Johannesburg held its annual year end dinner and awards function on 3 December 2015 at the Nedbank head office in Sandton.

More than 60 club members, Yvonne Verrall (Nedbank Marketing Manager – Sports Affinity), Nick Bester (National Manager) and members of Nedbank’s successful Green Dream Team attended the event. All enjoyed a delicious dinner as well as the annual prize giving and awards ceremony. The club recognises special achievements of its members during the 2015 running year at these awards.

The evening as a huge success and was the perfect platform for our members to share the challenges and celebrations of 2015 in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.

2015 Nedbank Running Club Awards Winners:

6. Annual Pub Run

The club held its annual pub run on 9 December 2015 from George Lea Park. Runners were treated to various pit stops where intoxicating refreshments were served. Much fun was had by all that participated, many of who dressed up to keep with the festive spirit. The run finished at George Lea Park where pizzas (accompanied by, what else, more drinks) welcomed the group.

A huge thanks to Grant Hallowell and Ed Stoddard who organised the event and hosted our participants.