The in-form Samantha Coetzer delivered a commanding performance to win the women’s race at the Boksburg Athletic Club (BAC) Tommy Malone Memorial Race at Boksburg Stadium on October 19.

Vosloorus resident Karabo Ntholeng powered to victory in the men’s event.

In a gun-to-tape performance, Coetzer, a Bardene resident, took an early command of the race, taking the lead on the stretch on Jubilee Road to ultimately cover the 15km course in 56:47, becoming the only female athlete to finish the race under 60 minutes.

“I held back a bit because of the upcoming CGA 10km championships, which will be incorporated into the Thembisa Mile on Sunday, but pulled away after the start and never looked back. I’m happy with my performance,” said Coetzer.

The Nedbank Running Club athlete, sixth overall, was followed in second place by Hoërskool Dr EG Jansen alumna Corlize Stoltz, who was 03:47 off the pace after crossing the line in 01:00:33. Jeppe Quondam AC’s Kirsten Nolan completed the top three in 01:03:29.
Boxer AC’s Stoltz, the winner of the women’s 15km at the Springs Striders Race earlier this year, expressed gratitude after achieving her goal of finishing in the podium.

“The race was fine, but I felt it in the last 5km. Doing long runs on weekends is really helping me a lot. I’m really proud of myself, especially after all the injury setbacks. Next year is definitely going to be better. Otherwise, I’m happy with my performance today. My goal was to be in the top three,” said Stoltz.

Ntholeng got the better of defending champion Kabelo Mwahla to win the men’s race. The 22-year-old Maxed Elite athlete pulled away from the leading bunch after 3km when he realised the pace was too slow.

He covered the rest of the course unchallenged to eventually cut the tape in 48:15, almost two minutes ahead of runner-up, Mwahla, who crossed the line in 50:14. Mayibongwe Ndlovu of 32GI rounded up the podium in 50:43.

“I enjoyed it and am happy with the win, but not happy with my performance. I thought the pace would be faster, so I pulled away after 3km because I realised the guys were not moving,” said Ntholeng.

Qhubeka AC’s Mwahla, who lined up for the race after a night shift, said he gave everything to defend his title but was forced to ease his pace after being hit by a side stitch.

“It was not an easy race this year. I suffered a side stitch early in the race and had to reduce my pace to maintain it,” he said.

The BAC thanked CTM Boksburg, who will be coming on board  in a bigger way for next year’s race, for their contribution in making the event a success.

The BAC thanked CTM Boksburg, who will be coming on board  in a bigger way for next year’s race, for their contribution in making the event a success.

The race, which honours the late Comrades Marathon winner and BAC’s founding chairperson Tommy Malone, attracted a field of over 1 100 runners, who took part in the 15km main race and 7.5km fun run.

Gallery: