A sweet victory for Van Jaarsveld at Colgate Race

Samuel Moloi and Jennifer Koech secured first place to win the main race of the 2022 Colgate Race on May 8 at Boksburg Stadium but it was Kate van Jaarsveld who warmed the hearts of many after dominating the women’s 15km event.

After being denied a first-place finish following a mishap by the lead cyclist at the Johnson Crane Marathon earlier this year, the Farrarmere resident posted an impressive 59:41 to win.

The Murray and Roberts athlete told the City Times this victory was sweet.

“I train every day. I run 21km on Sundays and 8km on weekdays. This is my first 15km win. I came in second at Johnson Crane.

“I feel happy for winning this race. I pushed myself towards the end. It’s a remarkable achievement for me. The route was fairly flat. The first 2km were a bit uphill but the majority of the race was downhill which was good for me. I managed to pick my pace on the downhills.”

She thanked her coach for playing a crucial role in her development.

“I had my coach running next to me. He’s 56. He’s such an inspiration to me. He decided to run with me today because he knew I could potentially win. It ended up being a fantastic race.

“I’m going to run in the Spar 10km Women’s Challenge next.”

Zandile Menze and Lou-Ann Smit rounded up the podium, finishing at 01:00:40 and 01:00:41 respectively.

Race veteran and multiple winner Derocious Makhobalo again proved his dominance after posting an impressive 48:39 to win the men’s sub-event.

He was followed by Thabo Moloi who crossed the finish line in 49:42 and Honest Mathe who posted 50:50 to complete the top three.

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Moloi and Koech dominate

Moloi stormed to the finish line at 01:46:30 to win the men’s 32km event.

The Ikhaya Lethu Athletic Club runner told the paper that the strong line-up made the race challenging but he was happy with his win.

“The race was okay although a bit challenging because of the competition on the road. This route is fantastic. It allows you to run your race because it’s flat with a few uphills.

“I prepared well. My training included 15km morning runs and speed sessions in the evening. Next, I’m going to take part in the Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi Ultra Marathon.”

He was followed in second place by Benoni Athletic Club’s Bright Mikolongwe who finished at 01:53:24.
Mikolongwe said he was proud to represent the BNAC.

“I try to push. I can’t give up. I try to represent the BNAC and finish in the top five. Today I pushed myself until I finished in the top two. Thanks to God for giving me this talent.”

Mandla Nkabinde completed the men’s podium after posting 01:54:19.

Koech posted 02:11:53 to claim the prize in the women’s 32km. The Kenyan stated that her training included long-distance runs and speed sessions.

“In the first 7km of the race it was cold but after that, it warmed up a bit and I adapted very well. I’m going back home to prepare for the Comrades Marathon,” she said.

Boksburg’s Cobie Smith finished second behind Koech after posting 02:12:17.

The Murray and Roberts athlete stated that her plan for the Comrades Marathon is in full swing.

“This year things started slow. But we are building up to the Comrades Marathon and hopefully no injuries until then. Next, it’s the Om Die Dam ultra-marathon and hopefully, I finish in the top 10.”

Sesepe Bonoko finished third to round up the top three.

Also Read: De Waal agonisingly misses target in Colgate Race