Runners praise Jeppe Marathon
Mini Jeppe Marathon made for lots of family fun as parents entered their eager runners to run.
Second year running without sponsorship did not deter Jeppe Marathon organisers from pulling off an excellent race during the morning of February 9.
The marathon, half marathon and mini marathon for children, were hosted by K-Way Jeppe Athletics Club (AC) at Saheti School grounds.
The Jeppe Marathon was a qualifier for the Two Oceans Ultra Marathon in March, and later, the Comrades Marathon.
The 41km male winner, Gladwin Mzazi, took first place with 2:26:42. He is from the Boxer Athletics Club.
Gladwin said he was happy with the course.
“Although the course was tough, I enjoyed it because I was running with Mbongeni Ngxazozo. He pushed me for 32 km, then from there I was running on my own,” said the winner.
Ngxazozo from Rocky Road Runners took second place with the time of 2:29:36.
The first female to cross the 41km finishing line was Carla Molinaro from Team Massmart with a time of 3:05:07.
The 41km marathon consisted of two laps around Bedfordview and Edenvale, with a downhill past Gillooly’s Farm for some relief.
The 21km was a one-lap marathon, and the popular 4km and 8km fun runs course were situated around Senderwood.
JMPD, volunteers and some security companies, were on the roads to ensure the runner’s safety on the roads.
Greenstone Hill Running Club (GHRC) was one of many clubs that erected their marquee’s right next to the finishing line.
They made sure they did not miss any action of the race.
The club members cheered and clapped for all their club runners as they finished.
Running captain of the GHRC Rob Squire has recommended the race to people who haven’t previously ran the marathon to enter next year.
“It was my first time running the Jeppe Marathon and it was a well-organised race.
“Fortunately the weather held out.
“A few GHRC runners achieved their personal best times,” said Rob.
Mini Jeppe Marathon made for lots of family fun as parents entered their eager children to run.
The children ran in different age groups, and the phrase “everybody is a winner”, was emphasised.
Fat Cats Athletics club parents wore matching running outfits with their children.
They were in full support of their little runners as they chanted and danced on the stands before the start of the race.
Edenglen’s local runner Sipho Marima was also spotted at the marathon.
Sipho said it was a well-organised race, and was impressed with how the water stations were spaced.
“There were enough water stations, and all of them had enough water; they did not run out.
“The weather was very good for running, and I enjoyed myself.”
Verified Twitter sensations such as Tumi Sole, a corporate attorney and founder of #CountryDuty and Sindisiwe Van Zyl, a medical doctor and Kaya FM radio DJ, participated in the Jeppe Marathon, among many other runners.
According to Warren Manson of Saheti, the school has been the venue for the Jeppe Marathon for the past 17 years.
“We have built a wonderful relationship with the club over the years, and the event is always hosted and run by Jeppe extremely professionally.
“We worked closely with Bruce from the K-Way Jeppe AC and his team to ensure a seamless event,” said Manson.
Bruce King of the K-Way Jeppe Athletics Club (AC) said the event was successful, although this was the second year without a sponsorship.
“The rain had its impact, but the marathon was well attended.
“I would like to thank the members of the K-Way Jeppe AC and Saheti School for letting us rent their facility.”
For information on how to sponsor the Jeppe Marathon, call the race office on 011 017 2700.
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Came with my Squad at the #JeppeMarathon pic.twitter.com/NPR3RJawx8
— Tumi Sole (@tumisole) February 9, 2020
The start this morning! #jeppemarathon pic.twitter.com/7Rm9Vhr0eI
— Jeppe Marathon (@JeppeMarathon) February 9, 2020
#RunningWithTumiSole #JeppeMarathon
Issa Mood! pic.twitter.com/JdAWY3ppc5
— Tumi Sole (@tumisole) February 9, 2020
I tried … #JeppeMarathon pic.twitter.com/l5W8Ah9zzr
— Duchess of Healing (@sindivanzyl) February 9, 2020
