A FIELD of over 1000 runners powered to the finish of the Rafis BayRun with Discovery Vitality which started and ended at the Cape Recife High School on Saturday.
The cold and wet conditions did not dampen the spirits of the runners and there was a festive atmosphere at the race. Team Vitality running club members added some colour to the grey skies with their pink shirts and enjoyed the post -race hospitality snacks at the Team Vitality hospitality area.
Mari Leach, Wellness Specialist at Discovery Vitality complimented the event.
“What an enjoyable 13th leg of the national Vitality Run Series, which consists of 17 running events across South Africa.
“It was great to see walkers and runners coming out to participate despite the cooler, wet weather.
“The camaraderie amongst the runners was inspiring, from beginner walkers to those looking to improve their personal bests, these events really have a place for everyone!,” added Leach.
In the men’s 21km, Sinethemba Mirele, of Nedbank running club, finished with a wide lead in 1.13.29, followed by Lonwabo Mkonza, of Hollywood Bets, in 1.17.55 and Phathutshedzo Tiou, of Madibaz, in third position in 1.18.01.
Cherise Carreira, of Boxer athletic club, was the first woman home in 1.21.12, with Kayla Nell, of Charlo athletics club, in second place, in 1.27.44 and Nosipho Dlamini, of Waterfall athletics club, finishing third in 1.38.35.
There was a tight finish in the 10km race, with Sinawo Poti, of Ikhamva athletics club, finishing first in 31.22, closely followed by Thabang Mosiako, of Nedbank running club, in 31.23 and Simon Sibeko, of Boxer athletics club, finishing third in 31.24.
Nedbank running club team-mates shone in the women’s 10km with Kelly van Vliet, finishing first in 38.04, followed by Refeloe Solomons in second place in 40.43 and Ntombesintu Mfunzi, third in 42.44.
“I made the decision on the morning of the race to change from 21km to a 10km speed set, said Kelly van Vliet.
“Due to the wind I didn’t think I would get a decent long run in, but the 10km route was great, very wet and windy with amazing marshalls,” added Kelly.
Rafi Selvilya, local race sponsor from Rafi’s Appliances & Mattresses, finished the 10km in a brisk walk, whilst his wife, Shelley enjoyed the 5km with her friend, Roma Kraitzick.
“I want to thank all the runners for supporting our event in the rain, it was fantastic to see such a strong turnout and we are happy to partner with Discovery Vitality and their National Series.
“I also want to thank Jonathan Mandell, the race director, and his hardworking team from 32Gi athletic club, as well as Achilles athletics club members who marshalled the route, for a well-managed event which was enjoyed by all.”
“Our aim was to host an event that catered for all types of runners, from fun to serious, and looking at the crowd today, I believe we achieved this goal,” he added.
The 5km men’s race was won by Sizwe Khumalo, of Madibaz, in 19.24, and Cleo Jacobs was the first woman to finish the 5km in 20.35.
Ends.
Caption: 1: First woman to finish the Rafi’s BayRun 21km, Cherise Carreira, of Boxer athletics club.
Caption 2: First man to finish the Rafi’s BayRun 10km: Sinawo Poti, of Ikhamva Club.
Caption 3: Rafi Selvilya, (centre) finished the 10km in a brisk walk, his wife, Shelley (left) and her friend, Roma Kraitzick, finished the 5km of the Rafi’s BayRun with Discovery Vitality.
Caption 4: Rafi’s BayRun race director, Jonathan Mandell, of 32Gi athletics club, right, Rafi Selvilya, centre, who finished the 10km in a brisk walk, and his wife, Shelley who enjoyed the 5km.
Caption 5: Fast start for the 10km race for the Rafi’s BayRun with Discovery Vitality