Local runners shine at SEESA Jozi Triathlon at CR Swart Dam
Paige Mills from Edenvale powered to victory in the women’s sprint at the SEESA Jozi Triathlon at CR Swart Dam on September 27.
Paige Mills honoured her late grandfather with a heartfelt tribute after powering to victory in the women’s sprint distance at the SEESA Jozi Triathlon at CR Swart Dam on September 27.
“I’m happy with the victory. My grandfather passed away a few days ago. I dedicate this win to him. He loved running and cycling. I’m glad to honour him,” she said.
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The Edenvale resident clocked 01:15:56, improving her performance from last year’s event by 02:27, to claim the women’s title. Ava Moore secured the runner-up spot in 01:16:38, with Sharvani Governdar finishing third in 01:21:50.
Despite struggling with a niggle in the latter stages of the race, Mills held on to claim her first win after finishing second last year.
“The swim was quite good. There wasn’t much current, but the water was a little cold. The bike course started with an uphill section but was downhill from there. I found the run nice.
“I struggled with an injury on my right side, but I’m happy with my overall performance. My training in the lead-up to the event and my support system really helped push me through when I didn’t want to,” Mills said.
Men’s sprint race
Nicholas Horne successfully defended his title with a commanding gun-to-tape victory.
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The Meyersdal resident was first out of the water after covering the 750m course in 11:17, opening a healthy lead going into the bike leg.
He covered the 20km cycling leg in 33:35 before completing the 5km run in 17:45 to finish in 01:02:38, 05:08 ahead of runner-up Eric Beedt. Benonian Luke Spencer, who finished second last year, claimed third in 01:09:08.
“It was a good race. I led from the beginning. I came out of the water first. The water was really cold. I had a solid gap going into the bike. The bike was tactical and the run was really nice. I’m happy with my performance,” said Horne.
Other results
Paiton van der Merwe and Kyle Dukoff-Gordon won the women’s and men’s super-sprint events.
Van der Merwe clocked 37:55, finishing ahead of Emma Cox in 38:13. Melinda Dippenaar claimed third in 39:47.
Dukoff-Gordon won the men’s race in 38:59. Malachi van Zyl was second in 40:38, while Zimbabwean Taanashe Makosa took third in 41:35.
