For more information on 2008 philanthrophy trips to South Africa please contact: dave@threadsafrica.org PHILA JABULA: COMRADES IN HEALTH 2008 This year a small group of people will be returning to South Africa to run the Comrades Marathon - the world famous 54-mile ultra-marathon run in 2008 from Durban to Pietermaritzburg on the east coast of South Africa. For more information on philanthrophy trips please contact dave@threadsafrica.org WHY PHILA JABULA? Phila Jabula means "alive with joy" in the Zulu language of South Africa. The phrase "Comrades in Health" is derived from the marathon we will be running. The Phila Jabula program is an expression of the philosophy at Rough-Fit that contributing to the health and well being of one's community and society is an integral part to being a fit and healthy individual. THE COMRADES MARATHON The Comrades Marathon, which was first run in 1921, has become the "holy grail" for marathon runners worldwide. Although this is an extremely challenging 54-mile race, most of the 13,000 participants that run each year are not super athletes, they are just ordinary recreational runners who want the opportunity to experience and achieve something extraordinary. This is a race where the loudest cheering from the thousands of spectators is not for the winner, but for the people who cross the finish line in the last hours of the race. This is where complete strangers help each other across the finish line. The Comrades spirit is the reason why people return year after year, if not to run then to encourage those who do decide to take on the challenge. For more information on the race and its history go to: www.comrades.com COMRADES TRAINING: Training starts in October 2007 with runs of up to 10 miles. By December the team will be running longer runs of up to 18-20 miles. By the time the group departs from Los Angeles to South Africa on June 7, 2008, they will have logged nearly 1000 miles of running, with runs of up to 40 miles. You can view training schedules at: www.comrades.com LAST YEAR'S TRIP INFO Blog for last year's race: http://www.roughfit.com/sites/Rough-Fit/Blog/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?ID=7 Photos of 2007 team: http://www.roughfit.com/sites/Rough-Fit/Photo/default.aspx MORE RACE INFO: HISTORY The Comrades Marathon started in 1921 when 34 determined runners left Pietermaritzburg for Durban to commemorate their comrades who fell during the Great War. This traditional event has occurred every year, with the exception of the World War II years, and has grown from 34 to over 13 000 runners annually. The Comrades Marathon is a cherished national treasure and attracts thousands of runners, spectators and television viewers every year. The Comrades Marathon has become one of Africa's greatest adventures. LOCATION KwaZulu-Natal is often referred to as the "Garden Province" of South Africa, a province of extremes. The coastal regions being lush with green sub-tropical vegetation, the Midlands with its rolling grass hills and meandering lanes and finally the giant basalt peaks of the breathtaking Drakensberg Mountains. This is also home to the Zulu nation and the greatest ultra distance road race - the Comrades Marathon. The 2008 Comrades Marathon is an "up run", starting in Durban at 05h30 and finishing in Pietermaritzburg at 17h30. ENTRY FEE Foreign Competitors US $150.00 This includes: Special runner's package; viewing of the route by coach; visit to the Comrades Marathon House and Museum; Foreign competitor's area at the Bonitas Comrades Experience in Durban to register and collect your race numbers; Race brochure and route map; medal and badge to all finishers; foreign competitor's area at the race finish - with limited seating; tog bag service. ABOUT OUR COMPANY Rough-Fit has been one of the top outdoor fitness companies in Orange County since 2002. Our team works with men and women of all ages and fitness levels and we offer a wide variety of programs to suit every need. We stay on top of the latest research in the industry and use a mix of core strength training, flexibility and balance exercises, and cardio training. Lindsey Fernandez, owner and Rough-Fit's top trainer holds a Master of Science Degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion as well as certifications from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and the American Council on Exercise (ACE). She is a certified Personal Trainer and Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant.