Glenrose Xaba rocked the road on Sunday in a record-breaking way! Her debut Cape Town Marathon saw the athlete crowned champion of the race while setting a new course and national marathon records in the process!

Cape Town, South Africa (21 October 2024) — Cape Town roads were filled with a kaleidoscope of sneakers, cheers of enthusiasm and songs of endurance over the weekend. It was thrilling to watch as the sea of runners charged forward, one foot in front of the other, even when everything in their bodies told them to give it a rest (you could actually see some legs shaking in protest). While each had their own reasons for participating in the Cape Town Marathon, some were gunning for the big leagues, like champs’ titles and record-breaking moments. For Glenrose Xaba, both of these feats would soon be achieved in a feat of road-rocking moments!

 

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South Africa’s Glenrose claimed the Women’s win with a time of 2:22:22. Thanks to her, a South African got to stand on the top tier of the podium (the men’s title went to Ethiopia’s Abdisa Tola for a time of 2:08:16). Not only this, Glenrose set a new record both for the course and for South Africa’s marathon history; taking the baton on from Gerda Steyn’s previous record which was a time of 2 hours, 24 minutes and 3 seconds.

This was Glenrose’s debut Cape Town marathon, too. But, to be fair, she is the current South African 5,000 and 10,000 metre and 10km road record holder, with an obvious knack for long-distance dominance.

Nonetheless, it’s still remarkable that she achieved the feat on her first go around the Cape Town Marathon route. Moreover, her win was one of resilience, considering the relentless winds that ensued over the weekend.

“I didn’t want to say before the race, but my goal had been the course record,” the champ shared before adding that she was shocked to have broken both the course and national record.

“I’m humbled to have taken Gerda’s South African record.”

Sources: Cape Town Marathon

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Champion of the Robben Island to Blouberg crossing Howard Warrington is preparing for another icy plunge—his 200th! As it is so often for Howard, this swim isn’t just dedicated to making history. It could also be a lifeline for the many animals he has dedicated Swim 200 to!

Cape Town, South Africa (24 May 2024) — Champion of icy waters and cold crossings Howard Warrington is readying himself to take the plunge once again in what will be his 200th time doing the Robben Island to Blouberg crossing!

A historic moment in the making, Howard has broken ample records for his icy strokes. His 150th swim earned him his place in World Record history in 2022, while in 2023 he broke a Guinness World Record for swim 160 (something Howard described humbly as a ‘tad cold’ for waters between 10 and 14 degrees).

In the months that followed, Howard undertook many more swims and is almost at 200. But, the 200th plunge isn’t just dedicated to making history (he would be the first man to complete the crossing 200 times). As it so often is for the athlete, there’s a bigger push behind the plunge.

In 2022, Howard dedicated 100 swims to animals in an epic way (he raised a fortune for them!). Last year, the Heartlands Baby Sanctuary were in his heart as he crossed the sea.

This time, the swimmer has dedicated his upcoming crossing to the lives of animals once again, and at a critical time for the Cape of Good Hope SPCA. Through his swim, he hopes to throw a buoy of hope to the animal welfare heroes by raising funds for their animal hospital.

“The stakes have never been higher for our animal hospital where we face a daily tidal wave of challenges. With an annual loss exceeding 5 million Rand and a projected influx of over 23000 stray and surrendered animals in the coming year, the need for your life-saving support has never been more critical. Without your help, we’ll be in a sea of uncertainty,” shared the Cape of Good Hope SPCA.

Considering that the countdown to 100 swims surpassed its goal of R100 000, hope is soaring that the same can happen again!

Donations to support Swim4Survival can be made here.

Sources: Cape of Good Hope SPCA 

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The ‘Sky is the Limit’ Madswimmer Team have successfully achieved their ambitious mission to break the record for the highest-altitude swim! Beyond the chance to wave the South African flag higher than high, they have also dedicated the achievement to two local charities:

Global (15 May 2024)— ‘The Sky is the Limit’ Madswimmer Team triumphantly returned to a camp in Kagkot in the Himalayas on Sunday afternoon, marking their reconnection with civilization and their first steps on solid ground after a gruelling fifteen-day ascent on the icy slopes of Mt. Putha Hiunchuli in the Himalayas. Their mission was to complete the highest-altitude swim ever recorded.

On the morning of May 10th, at an altitude of 6,405 meters, the team achieved their ambitious goal! They surpassed the previous record of 6,370 meters set by Australian Dan Bull in the Andes Mountains in South America, thus shifting the highest swim record to a new continent under challenging conditions- a testament to the indomitable human spirit.

Jean Craven, expedition leader and founder of Madswimmer noted that the trek to the swim site was the most arduous part of the journey. Following three flights and a nerve-wracking 17-hour Jeep ride along steep cliffs, the team embarked on a 138km uphill trek that lasted 15 days. With the aid of eighteen sherpas and a caravan of 35 donkeys and yaks, they transported over a ton of equipment and supplies essential for their survival. They faced harsh icy conditions, battling wind and snow, and navigated treacherously near crevasses that threatened to collapse beneath them.

Describing the swim, Jean recounted, “The last accessible liquid (swimmable) water was found at 4,900 meters. To achieve a world record, we needed to venture higher and create a suitable swimming environment at 6,405 meters. We carved out a swimming hole in the ice and melted ice in large drums that preserved the liquid water overnight. The swimming hole was covered under a tent canvas to prevent refreezing at night. The next morning, we removed the canvas, filled the ice hole with the liquid water we preserved, and took turns swimming in it for about three minutes each, wearing Speedos only. The water was chillingly cold at 3.7 degrees Celsius, with the outside temperature at minus six.”

The expedition was conducted with a commitment to environmental stewardship. After their historic swim, the water was carefully returned to the mountain, where it refroze.

Dr. Chiara Baars, the team doctor, diligently monitored the members’ vital signs and general health throughout. Oxygen levels were measured in the morning and again at night and it was interesting observing how sleep aided their acclimatisation overnight. Despite most team members lacking experience in high-altitude climbing, none suffered severe shortness of breath or other altitude symptoms. Three members took medication to facilitate acclimatisation, which was discontinued as they began their descent. Post-swim, everyone was warmed in heated tents, dressed in warm clothes covered with hot water bottles, ensuring their bodies recovered well from the extreme cold.

The team emphasised that their expedition aimed to witness and document the impacts of climate change. They encountered alarming signs, like running water appearing nearly 5,000 meters above sea level. The solid ice is crucial for binding the soil in these frigid zones. The melting of it threatens devastating land and mudslides that could obliterate communities. With global awareness campaigns initiated by Nepalese tourism and the vivid documentation by Madswimmer, the team hopes to spark meaningful discussions and highlight the urgent need to address climate change.

Beyond the call for awareness, the ‘Sky is the Limit’ Madswimmer Team has nominated two charities in honour of their swim—The Red Cross Children’s Hospital in Cape Town and the Adolescent Oncology Unit, Universitas Academic Annex Hospital in Bloemfontein.

Red Cross Children’s Hospital, Cape Town

The Red Cross Children’s Hospital in Cape Town provides critical paediatric care to children from across South Africa. Support for this hospital ensures the continuation and expansion of their life-saving work, offering a brighter future for children in need.

Adolescent Oncology Unit, Universitas Academic Annex Hospital, Bloemfontein

The Adolescent Oncology Unit at Universitas Academic Annex Hospital in Bloemfontein focuses on providing specialised care for teenagers battling cancer. Donations help fund renovations, create a lounge and entertainment area, and ensure that teenagers receive the best possible care during their fight.

So far, the BackaBuddy campaign has raised R24,200 of its goal with the support of 17 donors, and you can support the remarkable effort here. 

Sources: Supplied— BackaBuddy 

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Mother of marathons Gerda Steyn has made South Africa proud again after she conquered an age-old national record at the Valencia Marathon 2023:

Valencia, Spain (06 December 2023) — Gerda Steyn is officially the South African female speedster to have conquered an age-old record of the national history books after a stellar performance in Valencia this past Sunday.

South Africans everywhere know Gerda as a long-distance legend, and her recent run in Spain defended this title yet again.

So pleased with a new marathon PB and National Record of 2:24:03 It was a great day in Valencia!!! #valenciamatathon2023 #oneveryhappygirl pic.twitter.com/2mpEe0GfeJ

— Gerda Steyn (@gerdarun) December 3, 2023

Gerda finished the Valencia Marathon (almost 43 kilometres) with a National Record of 2:24:03. This was a personal best for the athlete as well as a new era for the record previously set by Elana Meyer’s Boston record in 1994.

“Marathons are all about finding that thin line between your maximum effort for the distance and pushing too hard! You have to be 100% confident in your ability to do the job you set out to do, against all odds!!” Gerda shared of the successful stretch.

She added:

“This running life is not always the easiest, but it is by far the most incredible one, and I can’t thank everyone enough for all the support!”

With a new record under her belt, this recent achievement sits among many other victories, including one from earlier this year at the Comrades, where she broke the women’s times record with a 5:44:4.

Beyond this, the mother of marathons is a 2x Comrades Marathon and a 4x Two Oceans Marathon champion. Her determination, openness, reflective nature and success all afford her the status as one of the greatest runners in South Africa of this generation.

Sources: Various (Linked Above)

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Have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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