Kearsney Striders race kicks off running year
With more than 1 000 runners on the route, the race was a resounding success.

THE 22nd edition of the Kearsney Striders Half-Marathon and 10km Run/Walk, held on Sunday, January 21, proved to be a great success, drawing more than 1 300 entrants. The race, a staple on the KwaZulu-Natal road running calendar, showcased some amazing talent and remarkable achievements with 601 finishers in the 10km race and 607 individuals completing the challenging 21km course.
Despite a week of heavy rainfall, the weather smiled upon the event as Sunday dawned with perfect conditions. With clear skies and only a gentle breeze throughout the morning, it was an ideal backdrop for runners to push their limits and achieve personal milestones.
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Race director Jenny Rigby expressed her satisfaction with the staging of the event and extended her gratitude to the South African Police Service (SAPS), Metro Police and the Botha’s Hill Community Police Forum for their invaluable support in keeping the runners safe on the roads. Rigby also thanked the sponsors, with a special mention to the title sponsor ND Engineering, and expressed her appreciation for the dedication of the volunteers who played a crucial role in making the event a seamless experience for race-goers.

“Both our Half-Marathon and our 10km events were a great success, but putting on an event of this size is a team effort. It would simply not be possible without all these wonderful people who give their time to make it a success,” said Manning.
Elvis Green, the managing director of ND Engineering, echoed Rigby’s sentiments.
“We’ve been sponsoring the Kearsney Striders Half-Marathon for the past four years because, apart from being members of the club, it is something we wanted to do for the sport,” said Green.
“It has been great to watch this event grow, and it is incredibly rewarding to see the enjoyment and camaraderie of every person here today.”
“The Kearsney Striders Half-Marathon not only celebrates athletic achievement but also fosters a sense of community and shared accomplishment. This year’s success has solidified the race’s status as a highlight on the regional running calendar, promising even greater success in the years to come,” added Andrew Fleming, Kearsney Striders chairman.

Results:
21km Open Men
01:10:08: Mphatso Nadolo, Entsika (KZNA)
01:12:16: Makwande Mngcwengi, Hollywoood AC (KZNA)
01:14:12: Mancoba Nhlabatsi, No Club
21km Open Women
01:31:20: Makhosanane Mhlongo, Hollywood AC (KZNA)
01:40:06: Lisa Collett, DHS Old Boys (KZNA)
01:41:18: Lieketseng Cecelia Molefe, Chiltern AC (KZNA)
10km Open Men
00:35:24: Lindelani Mjwara, Orcas Academy (KZNA)
00:38:22: Bongumusa Ngcobo, Orcas Academy (KZNA)
00:38:40: Fikinkosi Zondi, Hillcrest Villagers AC (KZNA)
10km Open Women
00:46:08: Amanda Nkomo, Hillcrest Villagers AC (KZNA)
00:50:40: Kayleigh Lindeque, Hillcrest Villagers AC (KZNA)
00:51:04: Robyn Greyling, GetFit KZN (KZNA)
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