Runners take on Noordheuwel’s steep hills
"The trail was tough because of all the steep hills and turns. But I didn't mind at all. It was a good run."
Runners on the West Rand once again had the chance of proving they are the fastest and most agile athletes at the McCarthy Roodepoort night race on Wednesday, 1 February.
They lined up in front of the red and white tape at Khosa Sports Club in Kenmare just before 7pm and awaited the anticipated shot from the starting gun. In front of them, a brand new VW Amarok bakkie warmed up its engine to be a guide for the runners. On the loading area of the bakkie stood a man with a microphone, encouraging runners to be safe.
And off they went, with the fastest ones pulling away with great vigour.
Their 15km path was lit with with more than 300 candles and the trail was illuminated just enough to make it seem like they were running in an enchanted forest.
Then the 5km athletes lined up and as soon as the starter’s gun went off the road was full of colourful takkies and shirts representing their clubs. Here and there groups of people had matching shirts on. It was clear that this was not the usual one-man running game, but rather a team effort where athletes could encourage their friends to keep going even though they wanted to give up.
After just 16 minutes and 55 seconds, the first athlete, Ezra Ferreira, crossed the 5km finish line. He is a well-known athlete on the West Rand as he has won various medals for distance running.
“I would usually run the 15km race, but I am recovering from the trail I ran last Sunday,” Ezra said. “It was 10km long. This weekend I will be resting and the weekend after that I will be running another race.”
After he crossed the finish line there were quite a few athletes who finished before the winner of the 15km race emerged. Mbongeni Ngxozozo, a private runner, won the 15km race with a running time of 49 minutes and 42 seconds.
He said the trail was tough because of all the steep hills and turns. “But I didn’t mind at all,” Mbongeni said. “It was a good run.”
Just behind him, Libonto Tootse finished second. He runs for Colossus Running Club. Abram Khumalo, who won the President Hyper 15km night race, ended third.
“The second half of the trail was very tough,” Abram said.
Members of the Krugersdorp Police, including Captain Paula Terblanch and Sergeant Tshepiso Mashale also ran the 15km to ensure they stay fit for their jobs.
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