Berea cop races to the top
Berea policewoman Capt Elizabeth Squires has added another running accolade to her cap after finishing second in the national police marathon.
CAPTAIN Elizabeth Squires has done her herself, the Berea SAPS station and police in the province proud by once again excelling in athletics. This month the keen runner, who was selected to represent KZN in the SAP National Marathon Championships, was placed second in the province.
The prestigious yearly event was especially significant for Squires as it was hosted by KZN this year. “Top runners from the nine provinces and Head Office participated. We were selected at the beginning of the month so had less than a month to train,” said the SAPS Striders Athletic Club runner.
Selected runners underwent a rigorous training camp from 1 to 5 September in preparation for the 21km marathon where they worked on speed and core strength training. “I always keep fit but realised I was was competing with young girls in the open category and was a bit nervous, but after the race when they said I came second, I was so happy and thought it was in the veteran division but realised it was overall, I couldn’t believe it!” she added excitedly.
Squires said the experience was “fantastic” because she got the chance to meet and run alongside police runners from clubs across the country.
“It was also my personal best, so I am especially proud because I’ve improved by 12 minutes. I honestly didn’t expect it but I must say that the marshalls and supporters were so motivating and encouraging along the route,” she added.
This was the first time Squires participated in the marathon as the race was held in other provinces previously and she had family commitments. “I would definitely do it again, will just have to keep up my fitness to make the team next year,” she added. The police captain said she usually runs between 8 to 10km a day, core training and tries to eat healthy to maintain her fitness levels although its “discipline and commitment” that keeps her focused.
Squires has previously completed many races including, Two Oceans, Comrades and recently the Nelson Mandela Marathon.
Lt PN Naidoo, spokesman for Berea SAPS said Squires had done the station and the province proud being the second woman in the country to finish the marathon and the first KZN runner. “Col Thulani Mhlongo of the SAP Striders also said Capt Squires did the KZN proud by finishing first in the province and second overall,” he added.
