Melikhaya Frans successfully defended his title at the Nelson Mandela Bay Choose to Challenge 10km race with an excellent performance and a chase to the finish line in 28.44, closely followed, seven seconds later, by Ikhamva athletics club team-mate, Thabang Mosiako, who finished second in 28.51.
The top five men all finished in under 31 minutes, with Ikhamva athletics club runners clinching the top four positions, with Cwenga Nose in third place, in 30.02, and Sinethemba Jilingisi in fourth place in 30.34. Nedbank running club’s Andile Motwana finished fifth in 30.37.
The race, organised by EPA, was held at Cillie’ High School’s JJ Engelbrecht Sports Grounds in North End in superb weather conditions on Saturday, 5 August.
Over 600 athletes participated in the NMB Choose to Challenge 10km and 5km races, themed to celebrate women during women’s month.
MMC Bassie Kamana, responsible for Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts & Culture showed his support for women at the event.
“We are happy to celebrate women today at this event which encourages a healthy mind and body – women give us life which we must celebrate, they are precious and must be treasured,” added Kamana.
Kelly van Vliet, of Nedbank running club, flew to the finish and first in her 35-39 age group, in 37.35, followed by Kayla Nell, of Charlo athletics club, in 38.44. Lindie Steyn, of Midack athletics club, finished third in 39.09, and Adri Wessels, of Run 4 Christ athletics club, finished fourth and first in her age category (40-49) in 40.00. Kaitlyn Wolff, of Achilles athletics club, took fifth position in 40.04.
Khaya Gqwetha, of Vukani, won his 35-39 age category in 32.59, and Luyanda Tshangana, of Ikhamva, won the 40-49 age category in 31.32.
Desmond Zibi won the 50-59 age group category in an impressive 33.30, with Christine Claasen, of Nedbank running club winning the women’s 50-59 age category in 44.10.
In the 60-69 age category, Mzoli Mpalala, of Boxer athletics club, won first position in 41.30, with Margie Saunders, of Nedbank, the first women home in this age category in a superb time of 47.21.
“I really enjoyed my run, it was a lovely course in superb weather and it’s simply amazing to celebrate women! said Margie one of the event’s ambassadors this year.
Candice Richards, of 32Gi club, who was also an ambassador for the event, first finished her 10km and then returned to the route to motivate and bring home her fellow runners who all finished before the cut off.
”A few of the runners doubted they would finish in time but I kept them focussed and they all finished,” said Candice.
Hannes Els, of Madiba Bay Warriors, defended his title to finish first in the 70+ age category in 45.42, with Jos Els of Madiba Bay Warriors, finishing first in this age category in 59.01. Liz Jenkerson, of Muirite Strider, running in the 70-79 age category, finished her race in 1.02.22.
In the 5km race Simthandile Goliath was the first male home and Kylie Dorfling was the first female to finish.
Top local runner, Ntombesintu Mfunzi, who is expecting her first child in two weeks, and has continued running throughout her pregnancy, finished the 5km run in 28 minutes.
“My son is due in two weeks, and I am celebrating his birth in women’s month which is extra special.
“I would like to encourage all women to keep exercising as running is really the best therapy, it untangles the mind,” added Ntombi, who is passionate about motivating women through their personal challenges.
Caption 1: Celebrating Women – from left, Ntombi Mfunzi, awarded the top three women winners of the 35-39 age category their prizes, Zandile Rubushe, third in her age category, Kelly van Vliet, first overall women finisher and first in her age category and Lindie Steyn, second in her age category and finished third female overall.
Photo Credit: Petrus Rademeyer Photography
Caption 2: Ikhamva team-mates, Melikhaya Frans and Thabang Mosiako, led the 10km charge from the start, with Melikhaya finishing first in 28.44, followed closely by Thabang in 28.51. Photo Credit: TaniaZ Photography
Ends.