2011 has been a successful year for running. With many athletes flying the SA flag high at events both locally and abroad, it’s been difficult to narrow down the list! Here are our top heroes of 2011.
Bruce Fordyce
9 times Comrades winner, Bruce Fordyce has a soft spot in every South African’s heart. This year, South Africans countrywide were left with white knuckles and tears in their eyes as the Comrades King narrowly missed the silver medal Comrades cut off by 28 seconds. He now refers to the 2011 event as “one of the tough ones”.
Bruce bounced back from heartbreak at the ING New York City Marathon, where he ran an astounding 2:58. Prior to Comrades, he ran his 27th Two Oceans Ultra. He deliberately ran slowly so that he’d cross the finish in 06:00:43 – thereby getting the complete set of Two Oceans Ultra medals.
Ryan Sandes
A year ago, Ryan Sandes was in the firing line of the ever-critical naysayers, who claimed the ultra-trail champion was simply a big fish in a little pond. This year, Ryan has succeeded in shutting up the critiques by adding an admirable list of achievements to his name.
Locally, he won the Crazy Store Table Mountain Challenge team event, and broke the records for both the Otter Trail Run and Fisherman’s Trail Challenge.
On the international circuit, he won the grueling Leadville 100 and conquered alpine trails at Racing The Planet: Nepal.
The chilled-out Hout Bay local has secured himself as a household name this year: but is he a favourite?
Rene Kalmar
Nedbank runner, Rene Kalmer, finished the Yokohama Women’s Marathon in an astounding time of 2:29:59. Not only did she knock almost 5 minutes off her PB, but she became the 4th South African woman to break 2h30 in a marathon, since 1999.
Rene joins the ranks of Elana Meyer (current SA record holder of 2:25:25 at the 1994 Boston Marathon), Colleen de Reuck and Frith van der Merwe.
George Ntshiliza
George Ntshiliza produced a late surge to break the 8 year foreign stranglehold on the Two Oceans Ultra Race.
The 31 year old South African became the first local athlete to win the 56km race since 2003. He crossed the finish line in a time of 03:08:31.
Reader Nominations:
Shaun Meikeljohn (nominated by Bob Norris): “for his superb comeback to racing Comrades and now the World 100km champs – where he finished second in his age group.”
Don Oliver (nominated by Lisa): “he continues to contribute something positive to the sport, even though he can not run. Don Oliver helps thousands get through not only comrades but the six months preceding with his practical book.”
Vlam Pieterse (nominated by Lisa): “Vlam is in charge of one of the Comrades buses and keeps hundreds motivated on the day of the race.”
GET VOTING! WHO DO YOU THINK SHOULD BE THE RUNNING HERO OF 2011?
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Go Ryan!
I would go with all those nominations. Bruce’s comeback has been prenominal, George’s performance commendable; Rene’s attitude and resilience is magical; Ryan’s perfromances remarkable.
I would add another contender in Shaun Meikeljohn for his superb comeback to racing Comrades and now the World 100km champs where he finished second in his age group.
I agree Bob
Unsung hero Shaun Mieklejohn 23 Comrades…1 win, 10golds 13 silvers. Doesn’t know what a bronze or Bill Rowan looks like…..yet alone a Copper (Vic Clapham) Will be the first triple green only with golds and silvers!
Okay – should read phenominal.. and performances…getting ahead of myself as usual..
Ryan first, with Bruce a close 2nd.
I agree, Ryan then Bruce close 2nd..how ever they all deserve recognition as inspiring fellow South Africans….
Shaun Meiklejohn first by miles If Ryan wins Western States 100 miler next year He’s got it! At last an extreme/ major/ trail race with prestige/competition / history and importance!! I’ve offered to second him…. as I watched the athletic excellence in 1985 and understood that this is seriously important event.
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In my opinion, a hero is not necessarily someone who has won all the races or performed the best in their category. Whilst I’m not taking anything away from the guys above, what about someone like Don Oliver? Who continues to contribute something positive to the sport, even though he can not run? Don Oliver helps thousands get through not only comrades but the six months preceding with his practical book.
Or something like Vlam (sorry not sure of surname) who’s in charge of one of the buses and who keeps hundred motivated on the day of Comrades? (Although maybe not a candidate for 2011). To me he is a hero!
Absolutely, Lisa! We simply chose the top performers, and opened up the nominations to you guys. Vlam (Pieterse, btw :) ) and Don are definite candidates. Thanks for the nomination!
Well I will come clean Rene Kalmer will always win my vote..a true inspiration for other youngsters and old guys like me
Go Sandes! The best was that he showed the world what he’s made of in the Leadville, against all expectations (except mine).
How about adding 2011 Soweto Marathon winner, Michael Mazibuko, a grade 11 pupil from FreeState to the list. In terms of inspiration, he is the type of runner that SA should find and nurture. Even more impressive is what appears to be his dedication to getting a quality education. Now there is a real-life inspiration!
All 7 nominees are winners in their own right.