Two runners excel at Human Rights Day half-marathon in Germiston

Bright Mikolongwe and Tristan Torr claimed the top honours at the Qhubeka AC Human Rights Day Race after winning the half-marathon at the School of Achievement in Germiston on March 21.

The pair wrote their names in the history books when they became the first winners of the 21.1km race, which the organisers added after athletes demanded a longer distance after last year’s inaugural race.

After winning the men’s 10km race last year, Mikolongwe, from Benoni Northerns Athletic Club (BNAC), set his sights on the half-marathon, which he said is his favourite distance.

Fresh from recording a PB of 02:19:31 in only his second marathon at the TracN4 Elands Marathon, the Malawian ran at 3:17min/km to win the men’s race in a quick-fire 01:09:09 and secure the gold medal.

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“The race was good. I had lots of challenges, but I can’t complain. I’m happy with my time despite the challenges on the course,” said Mikolongwe.

Gallopers’ top runner, Sakhile Sangweni, finished 01:31 behind Mikolongwe after clocking 01:10:40 for the silver medal, while his teammate, Lucky Miya, completed the top three in 01:14:46.

Nedbank Running Club dominated the women’s race when Torr, Gillian Farquharson and Azelle Grove made it a memorable day for the club.

Torr clocked 01:29:16 for the gold, and Farquharson arrived at the finish 11 seconds later. Grove completed the top three in 01:31:43.

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Ziyavuya Mwahla and Tashia Mbobo walked away with the men’s and women’s 10km titles, with dominant displays in the race.

Representing Qhubeka, Mwahla ran at a blistering 3:19min/km to complete the race in 33:06.

Isaac Mokgohla from Boksburg Athletic Club (BAC) finished second 53 seconds later, and Victor Sefitlholo rounded up the podium in 34:42 for the bronze.

Rand Athletic Club (RAC)’s Mbobo cut the tape in 41:52 for the gold medal in the women’s race, and Irun’s Kelly-Lynn Barkley claimed the silver in 43:32.

Makoma Batjie of Maxed AC claimed the top medal in 46:31.

Siyabonga Mbatha and Linda Mtshali won the men’s and women’s 5km fun run. Mbatha clocked 20:36 for the win, and Mtshali won the women’s race in 25:21.

Qhubeka AC chairperson Benzi Tenza said the race attracted over 1 200 runners, more than they expected.

“We excelled. All went well. The athletes were happy, and their feedback was positive. The race was sold out, and we still had people who wanted entries before the start.

“This was a team effort. Thanks to my team. Having a positive team made all the difference,” said Tenza.