Ashworth praises BNAC for well-organised race
She finished the women’s half-marathon seventh overall in 01:38:24.
Comrades Marathon winner Ann Ashworth proved once again that she hasn’t lost as a step after tackling the Benoni Northerns Athletic Club (BNAC) Marathon 21.1km route on April 13, with ease to finish second in her category.
Ashworth, winner of the 2018 down-run in 06:10:03, rolled back the years with a 01:38:24 for seventh in the women’s race and second in the veterans’ category.
Despite retiring from competitive running, the nine-time Comrades finisher continued her commitment to staying strong, fit and healthy with yet another half-marathon after clocking 01:34:55 in the half-marathon of the Sasol Sasolburg Marathon on March 29.
Commenting on her performance in Benoni, she said, “I’m very unfit and slow. I ran with friends and enjoyed it. I love Benoni Northerns. It’s a really great club. The course is great. The tables and supporters are fantastic. It’s a well-organised race”.
The former Comrades Marathon race director was pleased with the number of youngsters in the 5km and 10km, saying these events are good introductions to road running.
“The 10km race was well supported. It’s exciting because people who run the 10km can run the 21.1km and those finish the half-marathon can run a full marathon.
“Once you run a marathon, one day you’ll run your ultras like Comrades and Two Oceans. It’s really great to see people doing the 5km and 10km.”
With two golds, two silvers, one Isavel-Roche Kelly and four Bill Rowan Medals, Ashworth plans to do the Comrades one last time to earn her green number.
“I’m retired and racing for fun. I’m going to run one more Comrades but not this year,” she said.
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