Runners set the CGA marathon tracks on fire
The two-race distance of 21km and 10km took place at different times following Covid-19 protocols and regulations.
Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) hosted the CGA 2021 Half Marathon and 10km Provincial Championships on April 11 at Germiston Stadium.
The two-race distance of 21km and 10km took place at different times, following Covid-19 protocols and regulations to ensure all athletes and officials were safe on the day.
Atiso Molefe, the CGA PR, said the day kicked off with some thrilling performances from Gladwin Mzazi, Desmond Mokgobu and Precious Mashele in the senior men’s 21km, which was combined with the veteran race.
“The race was fast from the start, which saw Mzazi taking lead in a kilometre, followed by Mokgobu who ran toe to toe with Mashele for the whole race. “In the last 7km, Mokgobu took the lead to pass Mzazi along with Mashele; however, Mashele fought to finish the race in a photo- finish style with Mokgobo crossing the finish line in 01:04:38 to claim the gold medal.”
Mashele secured the second position in 01:04:39 while Mzazi claimed a silver medal in the time of 01:05:35. “Today’s race was meant to help me to prepare to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics Marathon,” said Mokgobu.
South African long-distance runner Lebo Phalula, who competed in the Women’s Marathon event at the 2016 Olympics Games, was confident to triumph over CGA Half Marathon after winning the 5 000m women’s race at the CGA Track and Field Championships held in Boksburg last month. Molefe said Lebo dominated the CGA 21km women’s race to earn a gold medal in a time of 01:16:32.
ALSO READ: Germiston Callies help marshal CGA Provincial Championships
In a post-race interview, she indicated that she enjoyed the race as she is also preparing for the National Championships where she will be running the 5 000m event on April 15 to 17 in Pretoria.
“The highlight of the 10km race was the senior men’s event, which saw Kabelo Seboko sprint away into the final bend, finishing with a straight win in a time of 30:35:00.
“Kabelo Melamu settled for the silver medal and missing the provincial title by 19 seconds, clocking 30:54:00,” said Molefe. In the 10km senior women race, Cacisile Sosibo concluded the championships with some additional buzz of excitement when she paced up the race tempo to claim the first prize in the time of 36:57:00.
Nicole van der Merwe attempted to close a gap in the last 2km to finish second with the brilliant time of 37:10:00.
“We are so pleased to put this event together since we have not allowed athletes to compete and qualify for the National Championships in the distance of 10km and Half Marathon. It is important to encourage clubs that it is possible to host road races for our runners during this era of Covid-19,” said CGA Road Running chairperson Colleen McNally.
The respective provincial 10km and Half Marathon teams will be announced in due time and a special thanks to the media, coaches and all athletes that took part in this well-organised race.
Contact the newsroom by emailing: Marietta Lombard (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za, or (Journalists) Busi Vilakazi busiv@caxton.co.za , and Lebogang Sekgwama lebogangs@caxton.co.za.
