Embracing the Elements: A Morning Walk to Remember

Despite the chilly 8 degrees Celsius and the promise of rain, a small yet determined group of five walkers braved the cold for our club’s usual Saturday morning walk. Starting from the village supermarket, we embarked on our journey towards the island under an overcast sky.

As we made our way to the lagoon, a weak but beautiful rainbow briefly graced the sky. The lush, leafy suburb welcomed us with a gentle dusting of rain. The sight of the lagoon, its placid waters mirroring the grey sky, filled us with inspiration.

A light shower afterwards did little to dampen our spirits as we continued exploring new pathways on the island. Walking along the rim of the lagoon towards Placid Waters Hotel, we enjoyed views of both the serene expanse of the lagoon and the impressive mansions facing it. Our efforts were rewarded with the sighting of a lone Grey Heron, casually feeding in the waters—a rare and thrilling moment.

Feeling joyful and accomplished, we returned to our starting point. Braving the weather brought us not just closer to nature, but also to each other, proving once again the rewards of persistence and camaraderie.

Celebrate 25 Years of Scenic Racing: Join us in Sedgefield!

Click this link below to listen to our interview on Algoa FM

https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.algoafm.co.za%2Fpodcast%2Fthe-tortoise-tuff-a-race-like-no-other&data=05%7C02%7CSimon.B%40algoafm.co.za%7C8bdbb2acd045444f5b8408dcad47bb5d%7C9117c1a5cde64e31baa2ef83707f341a%7C0%7C0%7C638575770793079275%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=rFSO3Dvlt4Wy6YJhJ1RYlW7PyJh5NBVaWxprgvFQMrg%3D&reserved=0

This exciting race has been in the making for 25 years. There’s a 21km run for the serious marathoners, a 10km run/walk for the sprinters, and a 3km fun walk/run for the family. The route takes runners through our quaint little town and truly showcases the beauty of Sedgefield. Participants will enjoy a scenic route along the shimmering lagoon, with breathtaking views of the ocean, lush greenery, and charming streets lined with vibrant flora. This race is an annual highlight for the community, attracting runners from all over the country to take on this picturesque challenge.

I must add that this event would not be possible without the support of our sponsors. We’d like to give a big shout out to our local Pick and Pay family store, Engen 1 Stop, and all the other sponsors for their wonderful support. They are an integral part of this community and have been helping us throughout the years. We want people to come out to support the runners and make this event a success!

Tortoise Tuff Articles

Supporting the community: Top Gear Sport’s Generous Contribution to the Tortoise Tuff Race

Ters Giliomee, (left), owner of Top Gear Sport in George, is seen here donating a pair of running shoes as a spot prize for the Tortoise Tuff race, with Nic Brummer (right), receiving the donation on behalf of Sedgefield Striders Running Club. Ters has been doing this for many years, and besides running a great business with top-quality shoes, he and his staff always provide excellent service.

Sponsors like Ters play a vital role in the success of our events, helping us provide memorable experiences for all participants.

Thank you, Ters for all your unwavering support and for helping make our event special.

#SupportLocal #TortoiseTuff #TopGearSport

About Us

Welcome to Sedgefield Striders

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Garden Route, Sedgefield Striders is more than just a running club — it’s a vibrant community of passionate runners. Our club, situated on the lush, scenic east coast of South Africa, thrives in a landscape dominated by a vast lagoon and towering, fossilised dunes.

Despite our modest size, Sedgefield Striders boasts a big heart and an unwavering spirit. Our members are drawn not only by the natural beauty of our surroundings but also by the camaraderie and support that define our club. From early morning runs along the lagoon’s serene shores to challenging hill sprints up the verdant dunes, our training sessions are as diverse and dynamic as the landscape itself.

Our club is extremely active, hosting a variety of events and training sessions throughout the week. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or a beginner looking to start your running journey, you’ll find a welcoming and encouraging environment with us. Join Sedgefield Striders and become part of a community where every run or walk is an adventure, and every member is celebrated.

Training

Time Trials

Sedgefield Striders meet on Wednesday evenings for 5km time trials and fun walk/ run at the Sedgefield Bowling Club. Starting times vary according to the season. Beginners are assisted with a training program that allows them to start with shorter distances.

Summer: Runners and Walkers 17:30 (October to May)

Winter: Runners and Walkers 17:15 (June to September)

Social training

Runners and walkers meet on Saturday mornings for less formal training (meeting venues and routes are confirmed by the Walking and Running Captains on the Friday). Starting times vary according to the season, the two groups choose their own distance and route. Runners are generally in training for the next big race so distance varies while walkers normally walk 10 – 12 km.

Walking Captain contact details: Doris Nayler on 083 993 6340.

Running Captain contact details: Bomber Webb on 072 516 4701.

Summer: Runners 06:30, Walkers 07:00. The Saturday training sessions often culminate in a good breakfast at one of our local coffee shops where the topic of the day can vary from politics to the latest in running shoes!

For starting times, distance and routes, you can ask the relevant captains to include you onto their WhatsApp group where weekly updates are given.

Ladders

Sedgefield Striders maintains a running and walking ladder which is updated on a monthly basis. See here

Training programs and stretching techniques

Tried and tested training programs and stretching techniques are available from members of Sedgefield Striders or links to the following websites, training and stretching. These cover all manner of distances and experience of athletes taking part. Secret recipes on what to eat/not to eat before races, can generally be obtained from members who frequent the weekly socials after time trials!

Tortoise Tuff

Sedgefield Striders Athletic Club is very proud to host their 25th Tortoise Tuff on Saturday, 10 August 2024.

Entries open… to be advised

How to enter:

Information to be provided

Download the 2024 entry form:

Information to be provided.

NB NO CASH DEPOSITS OR CHEQUES WILL BE ACCEPTED

All enquiries: Derrick Main, Secretary 082 716 7448

Entries closing… to be advised

LATE ENTRIES:

We regret no late entries will be entertained on race day. No up or downgrades either. Late entries with a fee of R20.00 will be accepted on Friday 9th August 2024.

REGISTRATION:

To be advised

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE SEE ASWD WEBSITE

This years’ Tuff was dedicated to Brian Merrills a much-loved founder member of the Sedgefield Striders.

It was the 17^th year that Sedgefield Striders hosted this race and the club is thrilled to record a total of 545 entries across all four distances. It was the third year that Sedgefield Striders has made use of a pre-entry and electronic timing system (first year that ASWD IPICO team did the electronic timing).

The 10km distance attracted 170 participants and served as trials to select a race walking team to represent Athletics SWD at the South African Road Race Walking Championships later this year. Congratulations to Hannes van Rooyen of Sedgefield Striders the first 10km Male walker who came in with a time of 00:59:26 and Annamarie Harris from New Balance Multisport Club Eden the first Lady walker who came in with a time of 00:08:55. Gershwill Jacobs from Nedbank Running Club won the 10km run open category for men with a new record time of 00:31:10. Merida Leen from Mossel Bay Harriers won the 10km run open category for women with a new record time 00:38:41.

The 30km or the Big Tuff is notorious for its varied route and this year was no exception! The route led 171 athletes along single track, tarred road, gravel and beach. Annatjie Botes of Nedbank Running Club showed her worth when she came in with a time 02:16:27. George Ntshiliza from Nedbank Running Club Port Elizabeth claimed the win with a new record time of 01:41:32. Aletta van Rensburg from Outeniqua Harriers the first lady walker came in with a time of 03:43:16 with Nico Bobotyane of the SANDF was the first male walker with a time of 03:44:20.

The 21km Goukamma Trail Run proved very popular again in 2014 with 64 trail runners completing the event. Melikaya Msizi of Knysna Marathon Club came in with a time of 01:36:53 and Lizelle Keet of New Balance Multisport Club Eden came in with a time of 02:09:36 leaving Chantal Nienaber’s time of 01:52:44 set during the 2014 event in tact.

The Tortoise Tuff wouldn’t be the success it is without the fun run! This attracted 110 runners and walkers, school children from surrounding schools, parents, youngsters and parents pushing youngsters! All finishers received a medal and refreshments.

Thank you to all the athletes, Sedgefield Striders, the Organising Team and Race Convenor Paul van der Spuy. Special thanks to all our generous sponsors!

See our Gallery for 2014 Tortoise Tuff photos – courtesy of Luana Laubscher, Barry Hardie and Jennifer Brummer.

See results for a full list of Category Winners.