“We’re in this journey for the long haul”, Hollywood Athletics Club signs Rutendo Nyahora and the Jansen van Vuuren Twins
Hollywood Athletics Club sends out a strong statement with the signing of Rutendo
Nyahora and the Jansen van Vuuren twins.
They join the Purple Family, which already boasts the likes of Irvette van Zyl and Mathews Leeto, who were signed at the beginning of the year. The new signings go with the statement made by the Club President Morgan Shandu, “We’re in this journey for the long haul, we have a plan and
a strategy, and we want to gradually build.” Shandu made this statement after the signing of middle-distance runner Mathews Leeto, who, after signing with the Hollywood Athletics Club, represented South Africa in the World Cross Country Championships in Bathurst, Australia, last month.
Nyahora represented Zimbabwe at the 2016 Olympic Games in the Marathon, and the 2017 and 2019 World Marathon Championships in London and Doha respectively. She brings with her a wealth of experience and a real determination in working hard and improving. Boasting bests of 32:55 for 10km, 1:14.56 in the Half Marathon, and 2:34.49 Marathon, “Ru”, as she is affectionately known in the running community, is determined to bring down her 10km times and is also looking to once again qualify for the World Championships in the Marathon in Budapest in August.
“I’m really excited to join the Purple Team of Hollywood Athletics Club. They are a club known for a great atmosphere and a club that looks after their runners, so it is great for me to join them. I know I will be able to run well with their support,” said Rutendo.
The twins, Melinda and Melissa, will strengthen the club’s Ultra team and greatly support the club’s leading Ultra athlete, Ann Ashworth, who is also their coach. Ashworth, the 2018 Comrades Marathon champion, has the pair focused on the Comrades Marathon with a view of building them into major contenders for the Ultimate Human Race, the Comrades Marathon.
Their addition to the club will strengthen the Purple Team and see the club’s colours showcased even more. “The addition of the twins, Melinda and Melissa, is an exciting one. They are really enthusiastic, enjoy their running and with the support of a good coach in Ann Ashworth, another Purple runner, we look forward to watching them improve throughout the year,” said Club Chairman Greg Glossop.