News
Two extreme adventurers near Durban and the end of their Coastal Challenge
Durban – Endurance athletes Steve Black and Clyde Barendse are close to completing a gruelling 2000km race from Cape Point to Durban which involved with Black running alongside the shoreline and Barendse paddling a surfski, to raise funds and awareness for cancer sufferer Lettie Heyns.
Dubbed the “Coastal Challenge”, the “race” started on May 17th when Black left Cape Point, while Barendse had to sit out the first three days while the Cape was being battered by gale force winds.
“This is a vehicle for raising much needed funds for Lettie Heyns to overcome something far greater that any of our efforts,” said Black.
Black, the veteran ultra-endurance runner from Underberg, has been following trails and dirt roads, only resorting to tar near cities and when it simply is unavoidable. His aim is to run the over 1900km in 28 days, which works out as roughly 66km per day.
Barendse, or “Skinny Cappuccino” as he is known, is an experienced paddler from Durban, describes himself as “just an average bloke with some accumulated leave”. While he has less distance to cover on the ocean, he is more exposed to treacherous weather and ocean conditions. Conditions will dictate distances each day, but ultimately, Barendse has Black’s schedule to contend with. 
Both men are members of the Mamu Loman Federation, an underground adventure group whose fundamentals are health, vitality and mobility.
Black, who had to break his run to fly to Johannesburg for his mother’s funeral in Johannesburg, is currently leading Barendse, who has had to deal with several days of massive seas, thanks to the succession of cold fronts that have swept over the country in recent weeks.
Black started the race carrying a niggling injury and came close to quitting in the first week.
“Leaving Cape Point I started doubting that I will make Port Elizabeth let alone Port Edward, but (photographer and athlete) Andrew King got me though the first days encouraging me to manage my injuries,” said Black.
Black was joined by Keith Clark who ran with him from the Gouritz River mouth to Storms River, before completing the next 450km on his own, supported by his wife Lulu along the way.
Andrew Mackay then joined Black 20 km south of East London and ran with him to Port Edward in eight days.
“All this time Skinny was paddling through massive surf and steadily gaining on me and overtaking and then falling back when the wind was wrong,” says Black.
“The madness continues with hopefully a 60 km day taking me to Hibberdene and then onto Durban for Friday afternoon,” he added.
“For Clyde there is a big westerly on its way so I’m sure the race is going to be close at the end,” he said.
Black and Barendse at expected to reach their ultimate destination Addington Beach in Durban some time on Fridayafternoon.
More information can be found at www.coastalchallenge.co.za where donations to the cause can be made online.
Ultra endurance athlete Steve Black will reach Durban on FRiday afternoon, completing the 1900km Coastal Challenge to raise funds and awareness for cancer sufferer Lettie Heyns. Photo by: Andrew King/ Gameplan Media
Author: Tee
Tired of spending a fortune on toys your kids play with for five minutes, only for them to get bored? We get it! That’s exactly why Playtime Rentals was born, a smarter, more affordable way to keep playtime fun, fresh, and exciting for your little ones.
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Playtime Rentals provides a wide range of high-quality toys for boys and girls aged 3 to 7 years.
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Author: Shelley
Author: Shelley
Discover the heart of KZN at Westown Square in Shongweni – a vibrant, growing destination where shopping, dining and lifestyle come together in perfect harmony.
Here, local craft, artisanal homeware and unique products find a home, bringing the very best of our region to life.
At the centre of it all is The Town Square, your gateway to The Barn & Makers Market. Stroll through an eclectic mix of locally sourced art, beauty, fashion, homeware, food and
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More than just a market, The Barn is the beating heart of Westown. It’s where the community gathers each week for live music, entertainment, and a celebration of local talent.
#ItsTimeForTheWest
LOCAL IS LEKKER and we’re celebrating all things Heritage this month, in this beautiful province of KZN that we call HOME! There’s something for everyone, so follow us on social media to keep up to date.
THIS WEEKEND!
OPENING OF THE PADDOCK at Westown – 27 September
Westown is excited to celebrate the opening of The Paddock– a unique new place and the ‘home’ for Westown Trails. It’s fun for the whole family, whether you’re on horseback, on your mountain bike, running or walking. Our network of marked trails, suitable for a variety of sporting codes, enhances and extends the spectacular outdoor character the area is renowned for.
* Time: Hub Opens – 06:00
Official Start – 07:00
* Venue: The Paddock at Westown
* Cost: No cost and complimentary bike and wash service from Cycle Science Shongweni
SPRINGBOK RUGBY IN THE BARN
Come & support The Bokke at the Westown Square Fan Park in The Barn at Westown.
Catch the live action on the big screen – our DJ will be in the house for the pre-match warm-up and post-match fun.
Saturday 4 October – SA vs Argentina
*Time: 15:00
* Venue: The Barn at Westown Square
Pre-match fun in the Rugby Kids Zone:
* The Garvz Sport Activation (13:00 -16:00) & Kids Activities (14:00 -16:00) including:
Baby Bok, toddler soft-play area, face painting, balloon sculpting and crafts activities
PASSION PAINT & SIP – 1 October
Release your inner artist with an evening of fun and creativity. This guided class is open to all, no matter your competency level. Be prepared to be surprised at what
you can create!
Date: Wednesday 1 October
Time: 18:30
Venue: The Barn at Westown Square
Cost: R250 pp incl. a complimentary drink & all materials to make your own work of art.
Booking: Quicket or WhatsApp Kirsty on 083 2555 736
OCTOBER SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAMME – Follow our social media pages
Westown Square is THE PLACE TO BE this October, with a School Holiday Programme to delight kids of all ages!!
FREE MOVIE NIGHT AT WESTOWN – 3 October
Bring your picnic blankets and camp chairs for a free outdoor movie night under the stars.
Food and beverages will be sold – no food/ beverages may be brought into the venue.
* Date: 3 October
* Time: 18:30
* Movie: How to Train Your Dragon
* Venue: The Bowl at Westown Square
* Cost: Free
BLASTER WARS – the ultimate interactive fun for kids aged 5 – 13 years. Jump into action-packed group games, bouncing from one awesome game to the next, all with hands-on
safety. Activities include:
•Blaster Wars fun battles and blaster games
•Target shooting challenges
•Fun races and games for all ages
Date: 7 & 8 October
Venue: Grass Area/Lawn on Level 4
Time: 11:00 -13:00
Cost: R120 per child
Bookings: Tel: 066 236 8100 or email: info@blasterwars.co.za
FRIDAY FLASHBACK
Get a jump-start on the weekend with our vibrant weekly Westown Wind-down. Turn after-work drinks into a full night out at Westown Square, as we dial back the clock, with our weekly 80s-themed Friday Flashback retro music experience with DJ Spike & James VN on the decks and Happy Hour food and drink specials.
Date: Every Friday
Time: 16:30-21:30
Cost: Free entry
SUNDAY SOUNDTRACK VIBES
Join a line-up of Durban’s hottest musicians, every Sunday afternoon, from 12:00-15:00 in The Barn at Westown Square. Choose a bite and beverage from a diverse selection of eateries and settle in for the afternoon.
– Sunday 5 October
A regular favourite at Westown Square, Angel is in the house for this Sunday’s session.
– Sunday 12 October
Popular songbird Carmen Rodrigues is back at Westown Square for a laid-back chill
interlude.
Author: Shelley
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