Mikolongwe’s tactical mistake costs him first place at Colgate Race

The history books will tell how Benoni Northerns Athletic Club’s top runner Bright Mikolongwe led and dominated the men’s 32km at the Colgate Race, on May 7 at Boksburg Stadium, but failed to win the race.

Mikolongwe led from the gun but couldn’t cut the ribbon after his legs gave in 26km into the race to end up in third place after crossing the line in 01:51:23.

“It was a tactical mistake because Mikolongwe pushed himself hard too early,” said race winner Sakhile Sangweni.
“It was the way he started,” Sangweni said.

“He started with the 15km group. Remember the 32km is a double lapper so Bright paced himself with the 15km runners. He led us from the start, meaning that he pushed himself too early when he should have pushed from the second half of the race.

“When he reached the 26km mark, I passed him because I could see he was getting tired.”In his first 32km race, Sangweni cut the tape in 01:48:48 to beat the star-studded line-up that included last year’s winner of the Johnson Crane Marathon, Kemang Khunonyana, who finished in second place after clocking 01:49:35.

The Gallopers runner attributed the win to his training, which includes long-distance runs every Sunday.

“I’m excited to win my very first 32km distance. All along I’ve been partaking in half-marathons. I’m happy with my performance and my time,” Sangweni said.

Although his legs failed him, Mikolongwe was not going to give up.

“As a runner, you don’t give up. I thank God and my club for achieving another podium,” he said.

The Malawian said his job as a gardener keeps him motivated to always aim for podium positions because he wants to improve his life.

“I worked the whole day yesterday but today I kept pushing even when I got tired. Other runners here are sponsored and their jobs are better than mine but I just keep moving. That’s why I always ensure I’m either on the podium or in the top 10.”

Khunonyana advised Mikolongwe to work on his strength, adding that the Malawian could have won if he had someone supporting him.

“The way I see it, he had no one supporting him. The wind also affected him because he pushed himself too early. When we caught him, he was too tired.

“Bright is a strong runner but he needs to add strength training to become a fierce competitor.”

The women’s 32km was won by Murray and Roberts runner Carol Smith who clocked 02:12:35. She was followed by Onneile Dintwe who finished in 02:14:22. Last year’s winner Jennifer Koech from Kenya settled for third place after crossing the line in 02:20:02.

“The race was not that bad but it was windy, which played a part in my performance. I’m happy with my result. I will come back next year and try to win.

“This was a good preparation for the Comrades Marathon,” said Koech.

Bennett Seloyi from Thembisa won the men’s 15km after finishing the race in 48:41. 1Run’s Cayde de Waal from Brakpan took the second spot after clocking 49:48 and Lubabalo Xoza rounded off the podium after crossing the line in 50:37.

Boxer and Central Gauteng Athletics top runner Cacisile Sosibo beat last year’s winner Kate van Jaarsveld to win the women’s 15km after clocking 52:57. Van Jaarsveld clocked 59:40 for the second spot and Corlize Stoltz claimed third place in 01:02:30.

Keagan Botha and Kelly-Lynn Barkley won the men’s and women’s 5km fun run.

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