Inaugural Lesedi Easter Marathon draws over 500 runners to Heidelberg Aerodrome
The organisers hope the annual race will boost tourism.
The inaugural Lesedi Easter Marathon brought energy and excitement to the Heidelberg Aerodrome on Easter Sunday when over 500 enthusiastic runners laced up for the challenge.
The event featured four race distances – a Comrades Marathon qualifier of 42.2km, a 21km half-marathon, a 10km race and a fun 5km run.
The two longer races, the 42.2km and 21km, started at 06:00 in the crisp morning air, with dense fog initially limiting visibility. The 10km and 5km races followed at 08:00 as the conditions gradually improved.
The Suikerbosrand Athletics Club, in partnership with the Lesedi Local Municipality (LLM), organised the event.
The men’s winner of the 42.2 km was Given Baloyi (2:34:15), second was Omo Hlungwane, and third was Vincent Seng.
The over-60 winner was Dieter Stapel, and the winner of the 50-59 years was Shavile Sidumo.
The women’s winner was Elizabeth Potter (3:16:49), second was Charne Woordupp, and third was Louise Kriel.
Over-60 winner: Brigette Madlener.
The 21km men’s winner was Phumelisa Papa (1:11:42), second was Sifiso Nqumakhwe, and third was Honest Mathe.
The over 60 years winner: Moji Mokobori;
50-59 years: Randolph Moses;
40-49 years: Joel Nkadimeng.
The women’s 21km winner was Kedibone Monamane (1:34:40), second was Chantell du Plessis, and third was Lettie Seabela.
60 years and over: Malie van der Walt;
50-59 years: Molene Sheepers.
The 10km men’s race was won by Ras Mabs (00:35:24), second was Poponki Nkoane, and third was Skhumbuzo Lubsi.
60 years and older: Alpheus Moloi;
50-59 years: Lethu Shamase;
20-29 years: Nkulelo Nkosi.
Ladies’ winner: Wiepke Schoeman (00:40:30). Second was Lerine Kruger, and third was Nqabisa Ndobisa.
60 years and over: Sibylle Engelbrecht;
50-59 years: Thoko Molefe;
40-49 years: Yolandi Blignaut.
The LLM mayor, Mluleki Nkosi, and other LLM members participated in the 5km fun run.
During the prizegiving, Nkosi thanked everyone involved in organising the event and those who participated in the road races.
“This is the first race I have participated in, and it will not be my last. It has been a nice experience to be part of the event. This race unites us in all aspects because it does not matter what race you are. We are all equal and help each other out. This unity must be preserved. We will have the event every year now. We hope it will boost our tourism,” said Nkosi.
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