Seloyi and Phalula-Luthuli clinch CGA champs

They will represent CGA at the national half-marathon championships in Gqeberha in June.

April 29, 2024

Lebohang Pita 2 minutes read

Bennet Selyi (middle), Lucky Mohale (right) and Rirhandzu Rhangani.

Bennet Seloyi and Lebogang Phalula-Luthuli won the Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) half-marathon championships at the Benoni Northerns Sports Club on April 21.

The championships, incorporated into the Benoni Northerns Marathon, were held to select the team to represent the province at the ASA half-marathon championships in June.

Seloyi battled his idol, veteran runner Lucky Mohale, for the top-prize. He pulled through clear on the home straight to beat Mohale by 43 seconds after clocking 01:07:43 to win his first 21.1km race.

Lebo Phalula-Luthuli (mddle), Farida Zwane and Catherine Hammam with CGA official Hloni Masoleng.

Rirhandzu Rhangani was third after completing the race in 01:08:52.

This was the Waterfall AC runner’s first race after the World Cross Country Championships where he represented the country. After returning to the country, he battled a bout of flue and only resumed his training recently.

“I enjoyed myself. It’s my first time running the 21.1km. I want to thank Lucky Mohale for helping me out there. He’s a legend and someone I look up to,” he said.

Karen Brough (middle), Martine Garrioch and Pam Dirkson with CGA official Hloni Masoleng.

He added, “I won the Northern Academy Race and the ASA 10km champs and also went to the world cross-country champs. I wanted to test my fitness because after the worlds I had flue. I started training a week ago after my recovery.”

Phalula-Luthuli, who held back for the first 15km, won the women’s race in 01:19:48. Behind her was Rockies runner Farida Zwane, who clocked 01:20:20 for the second spot. Katherine Hammam was third in 01:24:43.

The Boxer Athletics runner explained she’s ready for the nationals, adding that her goal is to improve her personal milestone to 01:12.

Lebo Phalula-Luthuli (middle), Gina Ngoetjana and Nadia Groenewald with CGA official Hloni Masoleng.

“I didn’t want to kill myself in the first 15km. I took it easy and stuck with Farida. In the last 5km, I pushed. I’m ready for the national champs. I’ve been running around 1:20 and 1:30 at the nationals. It’s very bad for me. I want to improve to 01:12. If I win or finish in the top eight is a bonus,” she said.

The 40-year old said she’s focused on winning and her goal for the year is to shine because she wants to take a break next year to extend her family.

“Compared to the two years where I battled depression, I’m more focused on myself. I won’t succeed in my career if I focus on what others are doing. I’ve decided to focus and train hard for my son. This year is my year,” said Phalula-Luthuli.