Giyani Gallopers runners smash F21 Foskor Half Marathon
Giyani Gallopers dominated the F21 Foskor Half Marathon with the most participants and standout performances.
LIMPOPO – The Giyani Gallopers Athletics Club made a strong showing at the recent F21 Foskor Half Marathon in Namakgale, Phalaborwa, fielding the highest number of participants. The local club had 60 runners taking part, edging out Mzansi Athletics Club with 56, PMC Athletics Club with 55, and the hosts, Foskor Athletics Club, with 46 members.
Beyond their impressive turnout, the Gallopers also delivered strong performances in both the 21km half marathon and the 10km event. In the half-marathon, Zekei Maluleke led the way with a solid time of 01:23:28, followed by Gift Mashavani in 01:31:28. Samuel Pandelani Munyai completed his race in 01:32:01, earning him fourth place in the 60–69 age category.
Aletta Ngoveni also stood out in the women’s 21km race, finishing in 01:55:47 and proudly representing the Gallopers.
Several other local clubs also had commendable performances. Justice Marima of Malamulele Athletics Club ran an impressive 01:20:10, while his teammates Steven Masinge and Photani Antony Chauke crossed the finish line in 01:25:20 and 01:43:43, respectively.
From Shikhumba Athletics Club, Pfunzo Mabade had a solid finish at 1:31:28. Mabade told the Herald the race went well despite falling short of his goal time.
“My biggest challenge was that I wore the same shoes I used at the Comrades Marathon; they’re worn out. I started strong, averaging 03:40 per kilometre in the first 10km, but in the last 11km, my feet began hurting, and I had to slow down. My goal was to finish under 01:20:00, but overall, I enjoyed the F21. It’s a well-organised event, and the community support was incredible.”
In the elite men’s race, Thabang Mosiako of Athletics Central North West claimed victory with a blazing time of 01:02:47.
The highlight of the day, however, came from Glenrose Xaba, who broke a 26-year-old record in the women’s half marathon. Xaba, coached by Olympic champion Caster Semenya, finished in 01:10:03, smashing the 1999 record of 01:12:19 set by Elana Meyer. After missing the record by just 12 seconds in 2023 and sitting out last year’s race, Xaba said she was thrilled to finally achieve her goal and looks forward to defending her record.
