WATCH: First post lockdown race breaks record

The Alberton 10km Road Race saw runners from all over South Africa come to take part in the race.

“Runners from all over Johannesburg grabbed the opportunity to be part of the occasion, while some travelled from as far as Delmas, North-West and even Kwa-Zulu Natal to race again after months of being in limbo,” said Anton Ferreira, the club chairman.

Despite the limited number of runners competing due to the limitations of Covid-19 regulations, spirits were high among the athletes who were chomping at the bit to get back to competitive running.

The star-studded field included Comrades Marathon women’s champion Gerda Steyn and the local brother-and-sister running duo of Dylan and Nicole van der Merwe.

Runners maintained a high pace exemplified by the gold medal winner Mbuleli Mathanga who smashed the course record coming in at a time of 29:45.

He was followed by Dylan van der Merwe who finished in a time of 30:20 and Philani Buthelezi finishing in 30:53.
Not to be outdone Gerda Steyn bettered the ladies record for the course finishing in a time of 34:23.

Her competitors followed closely with second place Lebogang Phalula-Luthuli coming in in a time of 36:55 and Nicole van der Merwe finishing in 37:09.

Gerda Steyn commended Alberton Athletics Club on taking the initiative and hosting a successful and enjoyable race.

“We are very proud of the fact that we managed to put on a safe and well-organised event,” said Anton Ferreira.

“Other clubs and race organisers, as well as the regulating bodies, will now look at Alberton’s event as the standard for moving forward and hosting road running events in the country.”