On the road – March 13

Dolphin Coast Striders

The more you polish a diamond the more it shines and the Dolphin Coast Striders is just that – a diamond.

The club is growing and sparkling. The enthusiastic and hard working committee really has Dolphins buzzing.

The time trial braai nights, sponsored by Mama G’s on the last Wednesday of the month, is super festive with live music, while morning runs are growing by the week.

The hard core Comrades runners are well into their preparation for the Big C.

The club’s runners boasts many Comrades medals between them so the training programme is in good hands.

There is a broad mixture of long distance weekend runs and “quality sessions” that alternate between speed work and hill repeats.

The quality work is hard but rewarding. Most runners hate it and love it at the same time.

There is no feeling like it in the world when you have finished a tough training session with all the endorphins racing through your body.

Dolphins are not just married to the road. Many members regularly run at Holla Trails and we have recently produced stunning results at the SA Triathlon Championships.

The Champs were held on March 1 in East London in near perfect conditions.

Ben Killian and Scott Duncan flew the Dolphin Coast flag high, racing in KZN colours.

Ben finished seventh in his age group and 36th overall in a time of 2:27:54. Scott was 12th in his age group and 78th overall in a time of 2:37:14.

Striders Warwick Taylor and Barry Holland recently completed the Dusi Canoe Marathon held over three days over 120km from Pietermaritzburg to Durban.

This tough endurance event is held annually and this year honoured its founder, Dr Ian Player, who passed away recently.

Ben Killian and Michelle Tall completed the fire ravaged Cape Town Cycle Tour last weekend and Nic Brits recently completed the Illovo Wartburg MTB Classic in the KZN Midlands.

So running, paddling, cycling, the Dolphin Coast Striders is no longer a single discipline club. We are growing and encompassing other disciplines. Watch this space as we bring you new developments in Ballito’s active lifestyle. Join us!

Barry Holland

Tongaat Panthers

It’s all systems go for the inaugural Tongaat Panthers Classic 42.2km race that takes place this Sunday, March 15 from Outspan Ground in Tongaat.

This race includes a 21.1 km run/walk and a 10km run/walk for the community and family members. It’s a new, fast and exciting beach route and is a single flat lap of 42.2 km.

The early 5am start will also allow the runners to clock some good times, giving them a good opportunity to qualify for Comrades.

Participants at the finish will receive t-shirts, hydration in the form of cool drinks and water, sandwiches and good prize money for the winners.

The entry fee is R140 for the 42.2 km, 21.1km is R70 and the 10km will be R30, which is the cheapest on the North Coast.

Please contact the chairman, LB Maharaj on 084 206 5342 if you need further information.

Strini Moodley