Scenic race proves tough challenge for runners
Enthusiastic runners stepped behind the starting line of the Mozma’s race to take on the 21,1-, 10- or five-kilometre routes on Saturday.
It was the 31st time the Legogote Villagers hosted this annual event. It was established as the club’s signature race in 1984 and participation has grown steadily.
Organisers were delighted by the increase of more than 100 runners, with the participants totalling more than 350.
Although the 10-kilometre athletes slightly outnumbered those on the 21,1-kilometre run, both sections agreed that the race was tough but beautiful. “It feels like I discovered a whole other side to White River,” a runner remarked, referring to the route winding through the picturesque outskirts of town.
Parents with a baby in a pram, families and even a woman and her three dogs participated alongside competitors of different fitness levels.
Some crossed the finish with smiles and arms held high, others encountered fierce competition until the end and a few reached the finish line, dragging their feet and being encouraged by applause from spectators.
All finishers received medals, with category winners receiving additional prizes. A few runners received T-shirts to commemorate the race via a random draw.
No new records were set, despite organisers’ hopes and encouragement.
Runners, spectators and officials enjoyed free cups of coffee or tea to beat back the early morning chill or supported a local church who sold fresh pancakes and worsrolls.
The top-three men in the 21,1-kilometre were Lovers Hlatshwayo of Nedbank LVCC with a time of 1:15:49, Proffessor Mthethwa of Barbarton Gijimas with 1:22:13 and Wihan Swanepoel of Long Tom Marathon Club with 1:23:57. The top-three women were Madelein Whitehair of Nelspruit Marathon Club with 1:33:03, Gina Scheferman of Nedbank LVCC with 1:35:52 and Elsabe van der Merwe with 1:44:16.
The top men in the 10-kilometre race were William Mothosane of Nedbank LVCC with a time of 33:41, Sipho Ngomane of Mr Price with 38:38 and Peter Lekhuba of Nedbank with 39:50. The top females were Nontokozo Dlamini of Nedbank LVCC with 43:36, Allison Hay of the Lowveld Canoe Club with 49:12 and Lisa Main of Nedbank LVCC with 55:09.
Interested runners are welcome to join the Legogote Villagers for their Saturday morning park runs at Ingwenyama Lodge and Thursday evening time trials. Enquiries: Visit www.legogotevillagers.co.za.
View more photos of the runners here.
