----------Original Message-----
From: Cansaf Accounts Dept
Sent: 14 Sep 2009 12:03
To: ’Wild Frontiers - Debbie Addison’
Subject: Marathon
The town of Victoria Falls was abuzz great excitement early in 2009 when the organisers of the Victoria Falls Marathon announced all plans were "go", despite whispers that the marathon could be postponed another year. For a small community, we have a wide range of running ability, from the Jogging Mummies to the Real Marathoners that also participate in Two Oceans and, ultimately Comrades. I have the great fortune to slot into the Jogging Mummy group, and although we may be less impressive in ability, our intent and regime is no less serious than the ultra distance gods.
Registration day suddenly dawned on us, and whilst waiting in the queue, it was daunting and uplifting to see how many participants had travelled from far and wide to enjoy the sights of the Victoria Falls area, as well as participate in the race. There were running clubs of every description ranging from..
The wheel chair athletes arrived in force too. The selection of wheelchairs ranged from rickety 1960 hospital variety, to sleek racing three wheelers. It is always sobering for any runner who takes his sport relatively seriously, to realise the difficulty these athletes face, and overcome not only on race day, but simple every day life.
A carnival atmosphere eased jangling nerves and flip flopping tummies as everyone jostled for their spot, listening to foot tapping music and friendly banter, particularly amongst the locals. Real Marathoners at the front stretching, pacing some checking heart monitors and sports watches, Jogging Mummies fiddling with iPods and sunscreen at the back, after dashing for the 17th "wee stop" that morning. The Real Marathoners exploded into action at 06h30, winding down the road like a millipede with its hundreds of legs. Shortly after, the wheel chair athletes lined up their front wheels on the line, waiting for the start. The crowd cheered them on, many with large lumps in their throat, as these inspiring individuals set off on the long, hot hilly course.
At last it was the half marathoners turn, and we all set off with great excitement, and mostly still needing the toilet. The trip across the Victoria Falls Bridge makes for a spectacular start to the run. The Falls are still relatively full of water and the early morning sun catches the spray, causing beautiful rainbows from all angles. Then on to Zambezi Drive with tempting peeks at the river, some places still raging over rocks, others just quietly pooling in bays.
The presence of armed National Parks scouts throughout this section remind one that this is indeed a wildlife area, and most folks were periscoping left and right on the off chance that some creature might pop out of the bush. All along the Vic Falls residents, and an impressive amount of supporters from the region, lined the roads, shouting encouragement and clapping us on. If that wasn’t inspiring enough, we heard a little four year old voice shout "That’s my mum ! She’s our supermum !" Every water point was festive and had its own charm.
From 18 km onwards, some of the folks had frosty beers in one hand, whilst handing out water sachets with the other. It did cross our minds several times to make a lunge for the more inviting beverage, if we thought he would part with it without too much of a scuffle.
The finish line seemed to suddenly be only 5 minutes away, and running into Victoria Falls Primary School for the last 500 metres happened all to quickly. A lap of honour around the school field, across the finish line, and sadly it was all over for another year.
It is hard to describe the fun, laughter, camaraderie and friendly atmosphere of the Vic Falls Marathon week end, you have to experience it to know it. One thing is for sure, we’ll all be there next year !
Jo Brown
-----Original Message-----
From: Thenjiwe Moyo
Sent: 27 Aug 2009 16:59
To: ’Vanessa Bell’
Subject: RE: follow up
Dear Vanessa,
We thoroughly enjoyed our mini break at the Vic falls. The marathon tour was well organised and everything happened as scheduled. The run itself was different and very scenic and I enjoyed myself immensely. The organisation was great and there was a stretch where a lady was actually driving up and down giving us water because the heat was intense towards the end of the race as you can imagine. It may be a plan for them to actually consider a 5am start given that but obviously there’s also logistics at play in that.
The kids enjoyed the Kingdom. We’d initially picked the Vic Falls hotels if you remember? I’m glad for them that Kingdom had won the day.
Thanks so much for organising our trip with Anita.
Kind Regards
Thenji
-----Original Message-----
From: Bashir Vally
Sent: 04 Sep 2007 12:56
To: ’Wild Frontiers - Tracy Edwards’ Subject:
RE: Vic Falls Marathon 2007
Hi Tracy , hope U are well .... Thank Yooooo ! the trip was excellent & so was the marathon . As for the activities .... that gorge jump was really something !!! & so were the others ... an adrenalin rush like no other .
Furthermore the organising from you guys side is commendable . It was truly a good experience.
Kind Regards
B A Vally.
-----Original Message----
From: Estelle Hoffman
Sent: 11 September 2006 10:47
To: Debbie Addison
Subject: Re: 2006 Victoria Falls Marathon Press Release
Hi Debbie,
Have been meaning to send an e-mail, but you know what time is like in this crazy town.
Please would you pass our thanks on to Linda, and everyone else who was involved in the organisation of this trip. It was a truly fantastic experience, and the organisation from start to finish was flawless. The race itself was fantastic, and there are some major races here that could learn a few things from the organisers of the Vic Falls Marathon. So if you have occassion to speak to anyone involved in the race organisation, please thank and compliment them from us!
As to the shoes, I can happily drop them in Kyalami, but if it’s going to be a hassle for you guys, I quite understand. I was feeling guilty replacing my shoes after 700kms, when there are so many runners who would kill for a pair of shoes.
Once again, our thanks for a trip of a lifetime, and work permitting, we are really hoping to join you for Kilimanjaro 2007!
Regards,
Estelle & Mark Hoffman
PS: Thought you might be interested in my post on the Runner’s World Bulletin board - put in a bit of advertising :-))
Wow! What a weekend! We had an absolute jol.
Absolutely no hiccups in the organisation, from leaving Johannesburg on Friday to leaving Livingstone this morning, Wild Frontiers had everything under control - all we had to do was pitch up at the relevant times.
The run was brilliant - a large part of the first 21kms was run through the game reserve. Those who drove the route on Saturday reported seeing lots of elephant and buffalo on the route. Quite sobering, especially when every kilometer marker board had a ranger with a rifle on duty. And since the field was small, for long stretches it was just me and the bush - no sight of the runners in front of me or behind me. Â Not the easiest 21 I’ve ever done, but certainly one of the most enjoyable.
Didn’t see elephant or buffalo (not sure if I’m sad or glad), but did stop for a few minutes to watch 4 kudu cows standing about 20 metres off the road, watching the runners go by.
The race organistaion was fantastic - some of the major races here could learn a few things. The start was festive, and on time. Tog bags were handled with no stress. The watering points were great - coke and ice-cold mineral water at every one, and some had sponges soaked in ice-cold water. The marshalls were friendly (not to mention very smart, dressed all in white, with green blazers), the people on the route were friendly, the traffic police were friendly.
The finish was festive, and the medals are great. The T-shirt must rate as one of the best I have received - I can actually picture myself wearing it for something other than running!
On Sunday afternoon we went for a booze cruise on the Zambezi, and watched a herd of elephant swimming across the river right in front of us. Also saw lots of hippo, and some beautiful birds.
Then on to the marathon after party, which turned into a raucous event, with everyone partying like they were 18 again!
We met a bunch of fantastic people, and generally had a superb weekend. So my best advice is....
START SAVING FOR NEXT YEAR!!!!
