Local athletes make it to the top of Colgate Race
Carol Smith won the women's 32km race while Clifford Malatjie won the men's event.
In an almost copy of their iconic duel on the home-straight at the 2022 Benoni Northerns Marathon, twin sisters Carol and Cobie Smith made it a top-two finish after dominating the women’s 32km at the Colgate Race on May 5.
Carol coasted to victory comfortably in 02:13:25 to defend the title she won last year and Cobie crossed the line 32 seconds later to grab the silver medal.
Melinda Janse van Vuuren rounded off the podium in 02:16:17.
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Men’s race
The Johannesburg Football Referees AC top runner Clifford Malatjie won the men’s race after clocking 01:50:06.
Speaking after the race, Malatjie said although the route was challenging because of the hills, he enjoyed the race and was happy to win.
He commended the race organisers for a well-run event, adding the win set him on course because he’s looking for a sponsor to help him run in bigger marathons across the country.
“I enjoyed myself. I’m trying to win most of the events I take part in. I use these races to market myself and improve my time in the hope of getting a sponsor to help me get my career off the ground,” he said.
Chillie Running Club’s Tinashe Guni clocked 01:59:46 for the silver medal and James Mgcina grabbed the third spot at 02:00:01.
Mwahla and Farquhason dominate 15km race
Kabelo Mwahla crossed the line in 50:27 to win the men’s 15km.
Behind him was Nedbank Running Club’s Keagan Botha who clocked 50:49 while Kwena Peu finished third in 52:03.
In his first 15km race, Mwahla ran a brilliant race and showed his intention early on, coming out of the blocks with the leading bunch.
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He said he came into the race intending to win because he started preparing for it at the beginning of the year.
“I am very happy with the win. This was my first 15km race. I came into the race ready. A big thank you to my coach, Benzi Tenza. His training plan was crucial to this win.”
Gillian Farquharson won the women’s race in 01:00:08 and her Nedbank Running Club teammate, Kate van Jaarsveld, grabbed the second spot 20 seconds later.
Kelly-Lynn Barkley rounded off the podium in 01:02:07.
“I didn’t expect to win after running and winning the Miway Wally Hayward 21.1km race on May 1. I came here to enjoy myself. We had a nice competition with Kate. She pushed me. I feel ecstatic,” said Farquharson.
