Johan Roelofse produced a thrilling sprint finish to win the men’s 10km title at the Benoni Northerns Night Race on October 22, while his sister, Lyndi, completed a memorable family double with a commanding victory in the women’s race.

The race was sponsored by Jan L Jordaan Inc Attorneys.

In a spectacle of light and colour that lit up the streets of Northmead and Rynfield, the Roelofse siblings dominated the competition, dismantling a strong field in both the men’s and women’s races to return home with the titles.

Men’s race

Johan opened up a 50m lead over Benoni Northerns Athletic Club’s Mpumelelo Mokoena in the second half of the race, but the Tuks athlete began to fade in the closing stages, allowing Mokoena to close the gap. However, Johan dug deep when it mattered most, producing a powerful sprint on the home straight to edge the Daveyton runner by a single second.

“I tried to maintain a sub-03:31min/km pace in the first half of the race. My legs gave in after 5km, but I kept going because Mpumelelo was closing in. I knew I lacked speed, but I remained calm because I knew I would beat him in the sprint,” he said.

The Benoni Northerns Athletic Club’s (BNAC) Mokoena was second in 31:15, with Bright Mikolongwe from Nedbank Running Club third in 31:39.

Women’s race

Lyndi stormed to victory in the women’s race, crossing the line in 38:32 ahead of local runner Kate van Jaarsveld, who had been tipped by commentators to win.

The Boxer AC athlete had battled to dip under the 42-minute mark before this race, crediting her breakthrough performance to relentless hard work and a never-say-die attitude.

“Running at night is a little freeing. It’s my first 10km victory in a long time. I’m happy and would like to continue this way to see how fast I can go in the 10km,” she said.

“I’m 100% happy with the time. Last year, I couldn’t break 42 minutes to save my life. I’ve seen a huge improvement this year. I’ve almost knocked two minutes down in the 10km. The training is clearly working. I can’t wait for the next race.”

Van Jaarsveld finished almost a minute behind in 39:31. Benoni Harriers junior standout Kiana Pepler wrapped up a fine season with a strong third-place finish, adding to the silver medal she earned at the SASA Cross-Country Championships in White River earlier this month. She crossed the line in 39:42.

In the 5km race, Nedbank Running Club junior runner JP Van der Berg clinched the men’s title in 16:54. The Brakpan resident crossed the line 20 seconds ahead of runner-up David Hadley, who finished in 17:14. Samukelo Msibi of the BNAC completed the podium in 17:24.

Irun AC’s Megan-Ann Roberts won the women’s race in 18:16. She was followed eight seconds later by runner-up Tumishang Seroka of the BNAC.

Melany Mans, also from Irun AC, rounded out the top three in 19:53.

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