Pheeha wins annual nite race

It was fun, sweat and tears at the recent annual Arwyp Neon Nite Race at Barnard Stadium.

The 5km fun run and 15km race is hosted by Kempton Road Runners and sponsored by Arwyp Medical Centre.

Victor Pheeha finished first in the men’s division in the 15km race in 48:24.

“I am happy to have won the race and beat my personal best time. I am glad I entered, it really is an amazing race,” said Pheeha.

Ten seconds later Givemore Mudzinganyama crossed the finish line claiming second place. Mudzinganyama told Express the race was well prepared and it also served as part of his preparation for a marathon he is training for.

Closing the podium positions in the men’s 15km division was Scaw Athletics Club’s Thabang Motaung with a time of 51:06.

As more athletes crossed the finish line to collect their medals, the cheers from supporters became louder as they welcomed the first 15km female finisher, Nobuhle Tshuma.

Tshuma, who is Mudzinganyama’s wife, finished the race in just under an hour with a time of at 58:34.

“This is my second race of the year and I am happy to have completed on such a high note,” said Tshuma.

Tshuma is also, like her husband, preparing for a marathon. In second place and seconds after Tshuma was Massmart athlete Katy van Meter with a time of 60:16, followed by Cobie Smith from Nedbank in 60:42.

Arwyp Medical Centre’s executive marketing manager Chantell Rudolph said the hospital was privileged to have sponsored the race for the past eight years.

“We are honoured to bring the community together to celebrate health and wellness. We thank Kempton Road Runners for organising once again a successful and enjoyable race that the hospital looks forward to being a part of in 2020.”

East Rand Youth Choir members were among the over 2 000 athletes who were part of the race and grabbed people’s attention when they voluntarily performed on the field after the race.

“We had 1 050 finishers in the 15km road race and well over a 1 000 in the fun run this year,” said Gail Elliot-Wilson, club secretary for Kempton Road Runners.

“Thank you to the community for their support and patience with all the road closures and we are happy the weather played along and the rain stayed away.”

Other race results:

Men:

Veterans: Malose Mabote (first), Mthetho Goxo (second)

Masters: Lawrence Chipangaan (first), Alfred Mantji (second)

Grandmasters: André Bredenkamp (first), Theo Swanepoel (second)

Juniors: Danny Toko (first), Bongani Nyanguru (second)

Women:

Veterans: Sunette Eybers (first), Tarren Meyer (second)

Masters: Elmarie Coetzee (first), Mariet Geyer (second)

Grandmasters: Lettie Coetzee (first), Cathy Southey (second)