Although not as fit as she used to be, Parkrand resident Dianè Botha ran a disciplined race to win the junior women’s half-marathon at the inaugural MNS Attorneys Carnival City Marathon on May 1.
Botha, a member of Brakpan’s Irun Athletic Club, averaged 05:37m/km to chest the tape in 01:58:15 for first place in her category and ninth overall in the women’s race.
“It was a nice race. I enjoyed it. I’m not as fit as I used to be but I pushed myself,” she said.
Although victory was not part of her goals going into the event, Botha was in sublime form. She ran the first 13km in 01:09:33, running at a decent 05:26m/km. The pace dropped to 05:53 as she covered the remaining 8km in 48:42 to cross the line in 01:58:15.
Although this time was 06:53 off Botha’s half marathon PB of 01:51:22 from last year’s Totalsports Two Oceans half marathon when she finished as the eighth junior, the North West University B-Com marketing student was chuffed with her performance.
“The goal was to just enjoy the race. I didn’t come to run for a place. My brother and I are used to running in the Two Oceans. This course was very flat compared to the Two Oceans route,” said Botha.
The athlete, who dabbles in netball, started running as a youngster. She’s expressed gratitude to her coach, Jared de Waal, for his guidance.
“Jared is amazing. I’m grateful to him for his mentorship. I have a passion for running. I started in primary school and I’ve done the sprints, middle-distance and long-distance races. It has continued until now.”
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