FEBRUARY 2007 NEWSLETTER

The committee of Whalers would like to wish all its members the best in road running/walking, cross- country and track and field in 2007.  The club always loses a number of members at the end of a year due to various reasons and it is pleasing to note that Whalers still appeals to people and our membership continues to grow every year.  Welcome to new members Willie Loedolff, Wilhelm Cooper, Ronelle van Zyl, Richard Meiring, Max Visagie, Ronel Bootha,  Anneline Hugo, Arina Fyfer, Philip Fyfer, Johan Hugo, Jason Meiring, Michael Adant, Skipper Motabogi, Whitey Motabogi, Christaan du Plessis, Alida Laing, Barney Louw, Hanli Grant and Elaine Gibson.

We have purchased a number of licences for 2007 so if you intend getting a number please do so soon, and contact Ruby Waters.  If you have left it too late you may not get the same number as last year.

The year got off to a good start with 20 members running the Bay to Bay 30km on 13 January which is 25% up on 2006.  This was followed  by the Redhill 36km and 42km in which 16 members competed. The Club has an excellent relationship with the Hermanus Times and all our results are published here.

Races and the race calendar

In the past we’ve had a list of designated races which we encouraged members to take part in.  This year we have a Boland road running league which we think our club members would like to take part in. We have therefore decided not to have designated races but will encourage participation of some of the league races on an ad hoc basis.   Participation will be largely dependant on the number of vehicles going.  So if you can be of assistance in this regard please contact Hugh or Les. At some of these races we will try to erect our Gazebo (weather permitting) so we can get together afterwards and enjoy  a few free drinks. The following is a list of races that will be used in the Boland road running league competition.

Date Race Junior Open Organiser
3 February Prison to Prison - 21km Brandvlei AC
13 February Valentine 10km 10km Worcester AC
10 March Swartland 10km 21km Swartland AC
1 May SAD 10km 21km Wellington AC
12 May Mitchells Pass 10km 21km Ceres AC
2 June Robertson 10km 21km Robertson AC
28 July Stellenbosch 10km 10km Stellenbosch AC
11 August S.A. Championships 10km 10km Boland Athletics
1 September Paarlberg - 21km Paarl AC
22 September Whale Half - 21km Whalers AC
6 October Masters 10km 10km Boland Masters
3 November Dwars Rivier 10km 21km Dwars Rivier AC

Annual General Meeting

The AGM and prize giving will be held at 11.00 on 21 March 2007.  We hope to have an informal get together afterwards which will be a bring and braai with limited drinks sponsorship.  We are hoping to get the cricket clubhouse as a venue and will keep you informed.  Please make a note of the date, which is a public holiday.

Track and Field

Leo Benning is arranging an athletics meeting on 17 March at the Hermanus High School.  With sprints, field events and a 5km event it’s an exciting programme which we encourage you all to participate in.  Further info will be given at the time trials.

Road Running

The Onrus 10/5km run on 16 December 2006 realised ± R5000 for the club and our thanks go to Carina van der Merwe, the race organiser and her helpers.

There have been changes made to the format of the 2007 1000km challenge.  Please contact Johan de Kock (083 7020891), or see him at the time trial for further details.

A reminder that Saturday long runs start at the Wine Village (currently at 0600) and all are welcome as we cater for the fast and the not so fast. A vehicle goes along for those who don’t want to run too far.  Generally Saturday runs happen unless the club is participating in a particular race.  We normally make an announcement at Thursday’s time trials.

A few members have stuck their necks out and are contemplating running Comrades this year.  Good luck to all of you with your training schedules.

Time Trials

Participation at time trials on Thursdays is increasing again – this week it was 56.  On the last Thursday of the month, there will be a lucky draw for two pairs of running socks

The Stanford time trials are up and running again in the New Year.  They are on Tuesdays at 6pm starting from the Magic Moments Café. Please check with Andries de Villiers (082 9277794) if you are going to go out there. The route is pretty and the hospitality great.  And, boys, you might even get to meet Chantel!

Running Kit

Remember that running in a race with a Club number means that you should wear the Club kit, ie Whalers running vest or top and dark blue shorts. It has been rumored that Boland officials will fine Clubs that don’t run in their Club kit.  So if you need kit, see Nicky Payne.  Meanwhile, Nicki has got exciting things in the pipeline regarding kit. 

Bits and Pieces

Personality of the club – Andre van der Merwe

Andre is a founder member of our club and, in fact, was Chairman at one stage.  So he is well connected!  Andre is one of our dark horses – he doesn’t say much about himself, but has done a lot. What’s more he is adept at swimming which means he enjoys and participates in the triathlons!  Last week he took part in one at Langebaan and as a result has been chosen for the Western Province team. At school and university, his particular passion was hurdles and he represented the Eastern Province Team and WP Team in the SA Champs.   In 1988, he got Western Province Colors for the Duathlon.  Since then he has done many road races, and among them  – 7 Two Oceans (best time 4.19), and 3 Comrades marathons (best time 9.15).  Let’s not also forget 13 Argus Cycle races! And this year he is competing in the Iron Man Competition!  So this is no small man, in fact, a monster of a triathlete!  There is much more we can say about you Andre, but we know it will only embarrass you. Andre, for all your achievements and your modesty, we salute you!

Whalers Committee