Runners celebrate social cohesion with Mbombela 4-in-1

The Umsebe Accord 4-in-1 Mbombela Race took place on October 24, and the overcast weather couldn’t deter the city’s runners.

With much enthusiasm they kicked off the event, which formed part of the municipality’s recent hosting of the four-party bilateral cooperation agreement, at 06:00 on Saturday.

The accord between Mbombela Local Municipality, Nkomazi, Matola in Mozambique and Mbabane in Swaziland, was aimed to bring businesses in the different areas together, and promote social cohesion through sport.

This year was the fourth time the event had been held, and it was Mbombela’s turn to host it. Aside from other cultural activities, the municipality organised the road race around Mbombela Stadium.

https://vine.co/v/eVDLTzgreLA

Folavio Sithole of Nedbank was fastest over 21,1 kilometres, finishing in a time of 1:09:39.

William Mothsola, from the same club followed in 1:10:30 and Paradise Sport’s Johannes Maceko claimed third place in 1:11:21.

Lina Mhlango, a 40-plusser, from Eskom was the fastest woman overall, in a time of 1:32:54.

Definition Running Club’s Noria Sibanda placed second, after completing the route in 1:39:54.

Another runner aged over 40, Madeleine Whitehair of Nelspruit’s 1:42:10 was enough to earn her the third position.

Born to Win again dominated the 10 kilometre for men. Abednico Mashaba (in 32:52) and Bheki Nkosi (in 33:27) placed first and second, respectively, with Prince Ndlovu of Run/Walk for Life (RWFL) also finishing in 33:27.

Nontokoza Dlamini of Nedbank LVCC won the women’s race by a landslide in 41:26.

Definition Running Club’s Sindile Thabethe was second in 46:02 with Bianke Potgieter, of Nedbank LVCC, finishing third in 46:23.

Other results by category
21,1 kilometres
Men
• 40+ Morris Mahinga – RWFL 1:25:29
• 50+ Pieter Fourie – Solidariteit 1:51:02
• 60+ Pieter Britten – Eskom 1:55:40
• Walker Welcome Mabusa – Eskom 2:21:15.
Women
• 40+ Lina Mhlango – Eskom 1:32:54
• 50+ Barbara Hare – Legogote 1:57:36
• 60+ Barbara Tladinyane – RAC 2:29:29.
10 kilometres
Men
• 40+ Jafter Sithole – Nelspruit 37:01
• 50+ Gerhard Williamson – RWFL 52:42
• 60+ Thomas Moagi – Longtom 46:36.
Women
• 40+ Belinda Potgieter – Nedbank LVCC 50:02
• 50+ Linda de Bruyn – Barberton 1:01:03
• 60+ May Jonker – RWFL 1:27:12
• Walker Carine Classen – RWFL 1:22:07.

• See more the pictures: The Umsebe Accord 4-in-1 Mbombela Race