Night Race a tremendous success
The rain and chilly weather that has plagued previous Rowlin National Night Races was a nonentity this year, when hundreds of participants laced up their running shoes and gathered in Brodigan Street for the festive Benoni road race, on Wednesday, November 6.
The event is organised annually by Benoni Northerns Athletics Club and has become a staple feature on the Benoni sports calendar.
The runners took on the 15km, 10km or 5km events in accordance with the rules of Athletics South Africa (ASA) and Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA).
Serious runners bolted ahead at the start, while the less competitive participants soaked up the community spirit that was created along the Rynfield route by Benoni residents and members of BNAC, who were located at various points along the way.
One such participant, Donna Cavaliere, had a lot of praise for the race, saying: “I took part in the night race and it must be said that the people of Benoni rock!
“Not only was it extremely well organised, the public were out in full force, lighting up the roadway for the participants with Christmas lights and carols, and with one family, in particular, on Hartley Road, Rynfield, singing Christmas carols to all those going by, accompanied by the family guitarist.
“The race marshals and Metro Police must also be thanked for their efforts, as a race cannot be successful without them.”
According to race organiser Jan Jordaan, this year’s event was a huge success and he praised his fellow members for a massive team effort.
“It is very important for the club, as it brings our members together,” he said.
“We have extremely competent people at our club and I thank everyone for going the extra mile.”
He added that 791 runners completed the 10km and 633 finished the 15km, while there were over 1 000 5km fun runners.
In the competitive 15km run, it was previous winner (2012) Vusi Malobola, of Bonitas, who steamed in to claim victory in a time of 34:16.
He finished ahead of second-placed Andrew Roodt of UJ (36:13).
The winner of the women’s 15km race made it a family victory.
As the wife of the men’s winner, Tshifhina Malobola (Bonitas) claimed first position in a time of 63:34. She was followed by Nedbank’s Tracy Rankin (72:15).
Other results from the race are:
n 10km, men, open: 1 Thulani Sebeko (Daveyton Hearts) 34:16, 2 Andrew Roodt (UJ) 36:13, 3 Jacov Lalou (Nedbank) 36:37.
Veterans: 1 Wynand Strydom (Boksburg) 39:13.
Masters: 1 Dean Passmore (Boksburg) 40:02.
Grandmasters: 1 Arthur Valasis (Hamlett On-Line) 50:02.
Walkers: 1 Wayne Scott (GS) 64:00.
Women, open: 1 Simone Weitz (Kempton) 40:43 disqualified, 2 Robyn Kalternbrunn (Benoni High) 41:39, 3 Done Grove (Temp) 45:57, 4 Michelle Meyer (Boksburg) 46:14.
Veterans: 1 Daphne Passmore (New Balance) 61:18.
Masters: 1 Rita van Wyk (Boksburg) 49:10
Grandmasters: 1 Maz Moore (Breakthru Midrand) 68:15.
Walkers: 1 Ronel Viljoen (PMWC) 68:15.
n 15km, men, open: 1 Vusi Malobola (Bonitas) 49:14; 2 Tumelo Mhlangu (Temp) 50:32, 3 Mbuso Gazu (Daveyton Hearts) 52:51.
Veterans: 1 Ian Brown (Temp) 55:31.
Masters: 1 Johan van Staden (Kempton) 63:14.
Grandmasters: 1 Mike Hirst (Striders) 62:29
Women, open: 1 Tshifhina Malobola (Bonitas) 63:34, 2 Tracy Rankin (Nedbank) 72:15, 3 Surika Maree (Temp) 74:24.
Veterans: 1 Tracy Rankin (Nedbank) 72:15.
Masters: 1 Estelle Viljoen (Kempton) 88:36.
Grandmasters: 1 Marylin Gillbee (Kempton) 2:00:58.
Walkers: 1 Loritha Jacobs (RWFL) 1:47:34.
