TZANEEN – Runners from Tzaneen delivered strong performances at the Comrades Marathon on Sunday, June 14.

Several clubs from the region were represented, with the majority of athletes completing the gruelling up-run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg.

Silver medals and standout individual results

Arnó de Wet of the Nedbank Limpopo Club was among the fastest runners from Tzaneen. He finished in 7:28:08, earning a silver medal. His teammate, Stephen Madiye, narrowly missed out on silver after clocking 7:34:21. Thomas Magagane secured a Bill Rowan medal with a finishing time of 8:12:31.

Monique Smit was the fastest female runner from the club, finishing in 8:42:24, while Lilize Erasmus followed as the second-fastest female in 11:28:53.

Reflections from top finishers

Speaking to the Herald, De Wet said he was pleased with both his medal and his overall race execution.

“I’m grateful to God that I was able to run well without injuries or complications. I planned to finish in 7:28:40, but I managed to run 32 seconds faster, which I’m very happy about,” he said.

Smit also expressed satisfaction with her performance, noting that she finished faster than her target time of 8:45:00.

“The last hill was tough, but I’m happy that I managed to cross the finish line,” she said.

Club-by-club results from across the region

At Tzaneen Marathon Club, JJ Pelser was the fastest finisher with a time of 8:55:49. He was followed by Shin Mabunda in 9:34:19, while Irvin Chaque finished third in 9:53:31.

The club’s fastest female runner was Ntswaki Makgoba (10:26:29), followed by Busisiwa Nyabana (10:53:33) and Celia Loubser (11:09:45).

For Letaba Road Runners, Tonnie Ngobeni led the team with a time of 7:55:15. He was followed by Elvis Pilusa (8:59:25) and Paul Mhlanga (10:00:16).

At Ofcalaco Marathon Club, Andrew Kirkpatrick was the fastest runner, finishing in 8:55:02. He was followed by Susie Snell, who crossed the line in 10:22:24, the same time recorded by Gerard Noel.

Nkowankowa athletes make their mark

Nkowankowa Athletics Club fielded only two runners, but both made their mark. Promise Ndlovu produced an outstanding run to claim a silver medal in 7:23:24, while his teammate Bonakala Shiburi finished in 10:54:22.

Bolobedu and University of Limpopo results

The Bolobedu Athletic Club was also represented, with Peter Modiba leading the team in 09:46:38. He was followed by Mankatji Mamorobela (9:53:49) and Victor Malaola (10:33:34).

Nkateko Ndlala of the University of Limpopo narrowly missed out on a silver medal, finishing less than two minutes outside the qualifying time. His teammate, Rusnath Malangane, completed the race in 8:21:34.