Runners bring the heat to God’s Window
Eskom Athletic Club's Samson Vilakazi gets to start his season with a gold medal after securing a victory at the 2015 Legogote Villagers Build It God's Window Race that took place in Graskop on Saturday.
The first woman to cross the 21 kilometres was Madelein Whitehair of Nelspruit Marathon Club in 01:45:06. This race celebrated its 10th year with 350 entrants, 50 more than last year and has become a favourite for local runners, as well as those from other provinces.
During last year’s event, rain and heavy mist made the challenge a cold one with limited visibility and finishers could truly say they had conquered it, but this year the heat made it even more challenging.
“All and all it was a very good race. The five-kilometre run was very popular with 40 entries. The community of Graskop was fantastic and our sponsors, Build It and SPAR are wonderful to work with.
“The weather was great and we would like to thank all the runners for joining us,” said communications and public-relations manager of Legogote Villagers, Janine Bethwaite.
The race started just outside the caravan park and took runners along the Graskop/Ohrigstad Road where the going was relatively easy and pleasantly undulating. The route then turned right into God’s Window, where a seven-kilometre climb to the top of the hill awaited.
This section was a good time to walk and enjoy the view, with the downhill afterwards a great way to make up some time.
The young runner of Hoërskool Nelspruit/Legogote Villagers, Tertius Mentz was placed first in the 10 kilometres with a time of 39:07. Bianca Potgieter of Nedbank LVCC got gold in the ladies category with a time of 49:14.
