Dassie Dispatch – Edition One
Conquerors of the Comrades – We Salute You
Whether you crossed the finish line or gave it everything you’ve got out on the course, we see you. The 2025 Comrades Marathon isn’t just a race, it’s a rite of passage. It’s guts, glory, and a touch of madness, all rolled into 90 unforgettable kilometres. You trained through rain, climbed through doubt, and pushed when your legs said no. And that, whether you have a medal or a story, is what makes you part of something extraordinary.
For those who want to carry a piece of that journey with them, we’ve still got a limited stash of our Comrades 2025 gear, custom-designed belts and packs that capture the spirit of the Ultimate Human Race. Crafted for performance, built for legacy.
Coaches Corner
“Run Smarter: Mastering Intensity with RPE and Heart Rate Zones”
Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) and heart rate zones are two distinct methods for measuring running intensity, each with unique benefits.
Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE)
RPE is a subjective measure based on how hard an effort feels, making it highly adaptable to changing conditions, such as fatigue, terrain, and weather. It follows a scale from 1 to 10, where 1 represents effortless effort and 10 represents maximum exertion.
- Easy training runs should be at RPE 3–4, allowing for comfortable conversation at speaking pace.
- Race effort typically falls between RPE 5–7, where speech becomes difficult.
RPE is particularly useful for trail and ultra-running, where external factors impact heart rate and effort levels.
Heart Rate Zones
Heart rate zones are physiologically based, dividing effort into zones from easy (Zone 1) to maximum effort (Zone 5). They provide structured training benefits, making them ideal for road running.
- Zone 2 (60–69% of max HR) is optimal for building endurance, improving fitness, and preventing injury—best for long runs.
- Zones 3–4 are commonly used in racing, depending on distance and intensity.
Which Method Should You Use?
Some runners favour RPE for its flexibility in adapting to daily conditions, while others prefer heart rate zones for precise training targets. Many coaches recommend using both together for a well-rounded approach.
For training on trails, stick to RPE. For road running, heart rate zones provide more structured guidance.
Info provided by Gary Britz
Trail Tested. Tribe Proven.
Spotlight: Anele Bans Takes On the MUT 100 Miler
When the mountains call, Anele Bans doesn’t just answer—he charges up them. A proud Rock Rabbit ambassador and ultra-trail phenom based in the Western Cape, Anele recently took on one of South Africa’s most brutal trail challenges: the MUT 100 Miler. The result? A gritty, hard-fought 5th place finish on a course that chewed up nearly 8,000 metres of climbing over 165km.
“The plan was simple – stick close to the front, stay in control,” says Anele. “But when that unraveled, I had to shift gears and grind it out. Plan B became the mission, and it worked.”
His success didn’t come out of nowhere. Anele credits long, vert-heavy runs, strength training, and relentless hours on his feet. But even more than that, it’s his mindset that carries him through: “I run knowing there are people waiting at the finish line. I’m not just running for myself. I’m running for them.”
Fuel, gear, and grit, Anele doesn’t cut corners. “Without proper nutrition and hydration, you risk not finishing. And the right gear? It makes a massive difference – comfort, safety, performance, all of it matters on race day.”
What’s next on his horizon? Winning the UTCT Miler, racing in Europe, and ultimately representing South Africa at the UTMB Grand Finals in France.
And his advice to newcomers chasing their first ultra? “Get a coach. Dial in your diet. Spend real time on the trails. It makes all the difference.”
From Addo to Dubai, from solo sunrise miles to global podiums, Anele’s journey is one of purpose, perseverance, and passion. We’re proud to have him on the Rock Rabbit team.
Gear Guide
The V4 Eco Pack Is Here
The new V4 Eco Road & Trail Runner Hydration Pack is redefining what it means to move with purpose. Designed for runners who care about performance and the planet, 60% of this pack is crafted from recycled plastic bottles, certified by REPREVE®, a global leader in sustainable fibre innovation.
But it’s not just about what it’s made of, it’s about what it lets you do. With a 2-litre reservoir, breathable design, and a bounce-free, body-mapped fit, this pack is your go-to for road missions and trail adventures alike. It’s streamlined, rugged, and ready to keep pace with every step you take into the wild.