August 2005 NEWSLETTER

The past 3 months has been relatively quiet as can be expected during the winter months.  However, we have had many more people attending time trials at this time of year as you will read below.  We would like to welcome our new members and wish them enjoyable running with us – Barry Coombe, Nadia Nel and Guy Musson.

Time Trials

These continue to be well supported despite some of the bad weather conditions and the early 5.30 start.  At the last Thursday in July, 24 people pitched for the time trial which is a record for that time of year.  With the worst of winter darkness behind us, we will be once again be starting our time trials at 6.00pm early in September – watch the press for details.  Jingles Ferreira has unfortunately left the Hermanus Times, but they continue to give us good support.  Our thanks to Hugh, Club Captain, for sending in the reports and Carien Gooding for compiling the results.

In September, we will be starting a 3km time trial route as well.  This is to encourage juniors and more walkers to take part.  As you know, the time trials are organised by Whalers, but offered as a service to the community at no charge.  Anyone who can run, walk, or jog is welcome to come along.

Road Races

Whalers has been well represented in local races and Frank Gillion being the most consistent performer to date.  Congratulations to Andre and Carina van der Merwe  and LP le Roux for their credible performances in the Comrades Marathon.

Designated Race

The next designated race will be the “Foot of Africa” in Bredarsdorp on 8th October.  All distances are catered for and we would like to encourage Whalers to participate.  Entries close on 9th September 2005.

New running kit

Anzel du Plessis has received new stock, and can generally be contacted at the time trial.

Saturday morning long training runs

These runs start at 7.30am at the Hemel-en-Aarde Wine Village.  Distances vary from one Saturday to the next depending on the weather, who attends and what they feel up to.  Sometimes it is decided at the time trial and if you are not there and wish to come, contact either Les Hanna (3163820) or Hugh Waters (3161464) on the Friday before the run.

Masters athletics

We congratulate Leo Benning for being selected to manage the South African Masters team to the World Championships in Spain this year.  The championships take place over a 2 week period as from 22 August.  The team consists of 26 athletes.  We know that Leo will not only be managing but participating as well, and we wish him and his team the best of luck.  Break a few world records for us Leo!

Whale Half Marathon – 24 September

The Whale half marathon has traditionally been hosted by the Hermanus High School with Carina van der Merwe in charge.  Profits from the race were used to boost school funds.  This year the run will run in conjunction with Whalers and the Club will benefit financially.  This also means that the Club will actively assist with organisation and we will need help from members. If you are available to help, please contact Carina.  If you want to help and also run, there are plenty of jobs that can be done before the race takes place eg registration.

However, and as a result of runners who will be totally committed in organizing the race, we would like to have a Club run covering the half marathon route the week preceding the official run with a social get-together afterwards.  Watch for further announcements in the press or at time trials.

Whalers committee

Personalities in the Club - Les Hanna

It is only right to start these sort of articles with the Club Chairman.  Les has been running for 29 years.  He started running in Upington and soon joined Transnet Club.  Never being a “long distance” runner, he specialises in half marathons, and has never run a race longer than 21km. He seems to be improving with age and his best time this year was 1hr 46minutes in the Peninsula marathon.  If you want to know about Les, the best thing is to join the Saturday morning runs where he is caught off guard and has confessed to:

Seriously though, Les has made a huge difference to our Club.  He is well organised, keen and has been the driving force behind our growth.  He has got the job of Club Chairman for life!