Pule Sibeko and Loveness Madziva overcame tough conditions, including rain and strong winds, to win the Nelson Mandela Bay Runified City 50km race in Gqeberha on Sunday.
In the men’s race, Sibeko dug deep in the closing stages to chase down long-time leader Guillaume Ruel of France.
While Ruel still held a significant lead with 10km to go, Sibeko managed to reel him in with less than five kilometres remaining, breaking clear to win the race in 2:47:09.
“I managed to pace myself very well in the first kilometres with my training partners and teammates. We came from behind and then kicked forward,” Sibeko said.
“I was feeling very well near the end and the wind was pushing us from behind, so I just took my chance.”
Ruel held on to take second position in 2:47:32, breaking his own European record over the 50km distance, and Nkosikhana Mhlakwana ended third in 2:50:12.
“My race started well with strong pacemakers leading us and I completed the first 25km in 1:21:20,” Ruel said.
“Then we hit the cross winds and I lost a lot of time, so I really had to push as much as I could to catch up the time.”
The race incorporated the ASA 50km Championships, but Sibeko was competing as an individual in club colours and did not qualify for the national title.
Mhlakwana, turning out for KwaZulu-Natal Athletics, was crowned SA champion.
In the women’s contest, Madziva had it all her own way, coasting to a convincing victory in 3:22:49.
The 33-year-old Zimbabwean dominated from start to finish, finishing nearly 10 minutes ahead of her nearest opponent.
“The race was fine and the route was perfect. It was only the weather which was troubling us and I tried my best to finish,” Madziva said.
“My aim was to run under 3:20:00, and I tried, so I’m happy about that. I was running alone but I just tried to maintain my pace.”
South African athlete Silindile Chili took second place in 3:32:14 and Galetsang Mekgoe was more than three minutes further back, finishing third in 3:35:57. Chili and Mekgoe were both competing as individuals.
In fourth position, Makhosi Mhlongo won the national title, running in the colours of KwaZulu-Natal Athletics. She completed the race in 3:39:06.
In the 10km race, SA 5km champion Nicholas Seoposengwe, running for Ikhamva athletics club, emerged triumphant in a late sprint for the line, winning in 29:54. Ikhamva team-mate, Cwenga Nose was edged into second place, clocking 29:55.
Blandina Makatisi of Lesotho won the women’s event in 33:41. She was well clear of the rest of the line-up, with Malineo Mahloko taking second spot in 36:25.
Race director, Michael Mbambani, congratulated all the athletes who participated in the challenging weather conditions.
“The turnout exceeded our expectations, with over 1000 athletes, an incident-free race, lots of PBs and a European record!
“Together with our partners, the Nelson Bay Municipality, EPA changed this event from elite only to mass, with no regrets, we pulled out all the stops and our LOC worked exceptionally well together.
“The introduction of the 10km saw nearly 700 athletes enjoy this opportunity, so I cannot be more happy,” added Mbambani