ACAC Management
COMMITTEE
Marina le Roux
Chairman
My Running Career:
What started as a casual 5K with a friend in 2015 sparked a passion that changed my life. Running has become more than a sport—it’s a journey of growth, resilience, and community. Since joining Alpha Centurion Athletics Club, I’ve completed 4 Comrades Marathons and embraced different challenges from 5Ks, 10Ks, 21Ks, Marathons, Ultras and triathlons and duathlons. In 2026 I will be focusing on hybrid training that combines running with functional strength. This club is my heart and soul, and I’m honored to serve and inspire our incredible community alongside my fellow committee members. Together, let’s keep pushing boundaries!
Eugene Viviers
Vice Chairman
My Running Career:
I have participated in running for 30 years, completed 7 Comrades.
Jaco vd Merwe
AGN
My Running Career:
I have always enjoyed running and being active (MTB, Road cycling, short distance running). During December 2022 and early January 2023 two major events took place in my life 1. realized that I have gained a lot of weight and needed to do something about it and 2.
I had a major personal experience that forced me to relook my life. These two events led me to search for a higher meaning in life and I decided to search for a running club. Alpha Centurion came highly recommended and they did not disappoint, I joined the club in May 2023 (just after the Wally Hayward Marathon) and fell in love with the Skillie Experience. I made so many friends in the last 5 months and can only see things are going to get better. I am now preparing to do my 1st marathon and am looking forward of extending friendship to everyone on the road.
Peet Mienie
Treasurer
My Running Career:
I began my running journey in 2017, gradually building my endurance and passion for the sport. My breakthrough moment came in 2019 when I completed my first Comrades Marathon, an experience that motivated me to join the ACAC and push myself further. I returned to Comrades in 2022 for my second finish, marking a significant milestone in my running career. Since then, I’ve enjoyed tackling a variety of races, including the challenging Rhodes Trail. Looking ahead, my goal for 2025 is to conquer the Otter Trail, a race that promises to test my limits and take me to new heights as a runner.
Nolene Botes
Secretary
My Running Career:
I started running when I joined the ACAC Couch to 5km training program in February 2022. It significantly changed my life!
There have been some learning moments and so many highlights, one of which was completing the 21km Jacaranda City Challenge in 2024.
The Skillies are a very special group of people!🐢
I assist in coaching the Couch to 5km program we host twice a year, and it is such a privilege to join new runners on their running journey!
My Running Goals for 2026:
Grow stronger and faster and achieve a sub 3h PB in the 21km. And to continue encouraging and helping new Skillies start this life changing journey!
Crystal Mclaughlin
Captain
My Running Career:
I started my running journey in 2008 as a student looking for a way to stay grounded during a demanding period of studies — and to regain my fitness. What began as a simple outlet quickly became a source of resilience and confidence. Running taught me discipline, strengthened my self-belief, and gave me the balance I needed.
A special chapter began when I started running with my dad. We entered Comrades together, and created memories that shaped my love for the sport.
In 2015 I joined the Skillies, where I was welcomed with open arms. What started as running with strangers soon became running with family. Over the years we’ve shared early mornings, tough kilometer, sweat, tears, and countless moments of joy. Being part of the club has made the journey richer.
Sharlene Theron
Newsletter
My Running Career:
I have always loved running. 5km here, 6km there, the odd 10 or 21km race. But i never thought about actually putting some real effort into it.
Watching Comrades 2022 on tv, like I've done every year of my life where possible since I can remember, I decided that next year is a good year to do it. Happy birthday to myself! And so an epic journey started when we joined the skillies. Why didn't we do this years ago I keep asking myself on a regular basis.
Comrades was ticked. And so the bug bit, and it got stuck.
I hope to do at least 3 ultras in 2024. Let's see what the year brings! Excitement and hard work awaits!
Anne Morgan
Social
Anne Morgan
Social
My Running Career:
I've been running for years and do it for the love of running. 21km is my distance, it's far enough😅.
Bernhardt Rusch
Vice Captain
My Running Career:
A couple of years ago, a fellow Skillie invited me to a Time Trial. After joining a few times, I knew that becoming part of the club was the right decision. Initially, it was just something to do during the week to maintain fitness while cycling on weekends. But it didn’t take long for the club’s infectious spirit to win me over, and soon I felt a true sense of belonging.
Running has since taken center stage, and I’ve achieved milestones I never imagined possible.
Lindie Pretorius
Social Media
My Running Career:
I started running in 2011, quite by accident—or maybe fate had a hand in it. One evening, a friend called me up and convinced me to join a 5km fun run. I didn’t even own proper activewear, but I thought, “Why not?” So there I was, running the majority of the route and, to my surprise, thinking, “Maybe I could do this.”
The very next week, I entered a 10km race and that’s where my love affair with running truly began. In 2012, I took on my first 21km, and by 2014, I was crossing the finish line of my first full marathon.
Since then, running has become a part of who I am. I’ve completed five Comrades Marathons, some Ultras, and a few marathons along the way. Every race, whether it’s a triumph or a challenge, has taught me something new—about running, resilience, and myself. In 2023, I joined the Skillie Runners, and it felt like home!
Lizette Gordon
Clothing
My Running Career:
I started running in 2004 and have completed 5 Comrades marathons to date,
Joined the ACAC family in 2013
Dirk Brink
Club Manager
My Running Career:
My running journey spans over many years. It began at the age of 27 with my first half marathon, a night race. My first marathon was at the age of 29, during the OK race in Sasolburg. At the age of 30 (in 1988), I became a member of the old Verwoerdburg Marathon Club. I qualified in the same year in the OK-Sasolburg marathon, subsequently completing my first Two Oceans 56 and Comrades. After that, I participated in many other marathons and ultras. I had the privilege of receiving 1 silver and 2 Bill Rowan medals in the Comrades. In 2023, I completed my 31st Comrades and achieved 8 permanent numbers in ultras. I also take part in cross-country and trail running