Waddle with pride, Penguins! This weekend, 61 of our fearless Penguins took on the mighty challenge of the Sportsmans Warehouse 15km, and what a journey it was! The course wasn’t your typical smooth-gliding experience; it was filled with daunting hills that seemed to stretch into the sky, towering over us like icy mountains. For some of our runners, these hills were no ordinary obstacles—they were battles to be won, and win we did!
There’s something about the Penguin spirit that rises to the occasion when the road ahead looks tough. As the hills came into view, our Penguins gritted their beaks, fluffed their feathers, and kept moving forward. With each step, we reminded ourselves that no challenge is too great for a determined Penguin, and that perseverance is always rewarded.
In the midst of this hilly conquest, there were some standout performances that deserve a special mention. A HUGE congratulations goes to Kayla Nell, who crossed the finish line as the overall women’s champion! Her determination and grit shone through as she navigated those challenging inclines with the heart of a true champion. We are all in awe of her achievement and incredibly proud!
Also, a round of applause to Lynne Neubert, who didn’t just survive the hills—she owned them, finishing as the first woman in the 50-59 age category! Lynne’s tenacity and experience carried her through, and she’s a shining example of what can be achieved with perseverance and dedication.
But it wasn’t just about who crossed the finish line first. There were Penguins of all speeds and paces, and every single one of us pushed through those hills with a sense of camaraderie that kept us going. And, as the cherry on top of an already fantastic day, a few lucky Penguins waddled away with some prizes from the lucky draw—proof that sometimes a bit of luck helps you glide even further!
As the race ended and we made our way back to the starting point, tired but triumphant, there was a shared sense of accomplishment in the air. It wasn’t just about the distance we covered or the hills we climbed—it was about the journey, the effort, and the unity of the Penguin flock.
But, of course, the Penguin adventures never stop! This coming weekend is shaping up to be another double-header of action. On Saturday, we have the Spar Women’s Challenge, an all-women’s race that promises to be packed with excitement, energy, and plenty of Penguin power. And then on Sunday, we’re heading to the breathtaking coast for the Cape St Francis Resort Calamari Half Marathon and 10km, a race renowned for its scenic beauty. The picturesque views of the ocean and the fresh sea air will be a welcome change after the tough hills of the Sportsmans Warehouse race, but don’t be fooled—this race will still require every ounce of Penguin determination.
So as we head into another weekend of racing and waddling, it’s time to tie up those laces, give those flippers a stretch, and get ready for more Penguin greatness. Whether it’s on the hills or along the shore, the Penguins are ready to take on whatever challenges come our way.
Until then, stay warm, keep waddling, and we’ll see you all at the next starting line!