Zitha and Nzuza put in solid shift at Thembisa Mile
They were part of over 4 000 runners that took part in the Running Party.
Middle-distance sensation Azelia Zitha clinched the junior women’s 10km title, while Dineo Nzuza won the U10 girls’ mile to lead the East United Athletic Club (EUAC) charge at the Thembisa Mile at Olifantsfontein Sports Ground on October 25.
The Running Party, as the race is affectionately known, attracted more than 4 000 runners, who enjoyed one of the country’s most eagerly anticipated road mile races.
Running in scorching conditions and on a challenging course, Zitha swept aside a decent junior women’s field, breaking clear early to win in 43:06, crossing the line 03:36 ahead of runner-up Kai Hattingh.
“I’m still not yet at full fitness. I’m happy with how the race went. It really proves that my hard work is paying off,” said Zitha, who represented CGA at the ASA cross-country champs last month.
Hattingh, who clocked 43:23 at the Benoni Northerns Night Race four days earlier, finished second in 46:43, while Mamepe Striders’ Nqobile Maseko from Daveyton completed the podium in 49:02.
Also Read: EAC’s Nzuza victorious at the Thembisa Mile
Emma Pallant-Browne won the open women’s title in 35:05, beating national women’s 10km champion Zanele Maisa, who was second in 36:24. Elizabeth Hutamo finished third in 36:52.
In the senior men’s race, won by Chris Mhlanga in 29:40, Joy Modiselle put in a solid shift, clocking 33:37, while Mpho Shabangu finished his race in 33:48.
Meanwhile, Nzuza clocked 05:54 to clinch the U10 girls’ mile. She finished eight seconds ahead of Wanderers AC’s Owethu Maluleke, who finished the 1.6km race second in 06:01. Warriors of the West’s Oriswikisa Nemathaga was third in 06:23.
In the U10 boys’ mile, Katlego Dlamini lost the title to Reiger Park middle-distance standout Adriano Jooste by just a second. He crossed the line in 05:57, while Jooste cut the tape in 05:56 for the victory.
Dlamini’s teammate Alwande Mtolo rounded off the podium in 06:07 as EUAC took the silver and bronze in the race.
Club chairperson Phindi Nzuza was pleased with the youngsters’ performances, saying it has become their tradition to participate in the Running Party every year.
“This is a huge achievement for East United AC. We are happy that every year we have athletes representing the club and finishing on the podium,” she said.
Also Read: Zitha wins first 10km race
