More than a 1 000 participate in popular race

The annual Van Wettens Nite Race drew over a thousand entrants on Wednesday night, not only because it is the first race on the Mpumalanga running calendar of the year, but because it was hosted at a new venue.

Hosted by Nedbank Running Club LVCC, participants of all shapes, sizes and fitness levels participated in either the five- or 10-kilometre events.

This race was always held at Lowveld Country Club (LVCC) in Steiltes, but organisers had to find a new venue as the latter had been sold in the meantime.

In the past, the 10-kilometre leg was an absolute thriller, both mentally and physically, as it entailed two laps over Steiltes’ gruelling hills. It was undoubtedly one of the most difficult 10-kilometre races on the Mpumalanga calendar.

Many participants were ecstatic on hearing the news that the 12th Van Wettens Nite Race would be hosted at Mbombela Stadium. However, they soon discovered that the surface around the stadium is not as flat as the eye would lead you to believe. One could hear moans and groans from several runners who tackled the incline towards the ring road, which ultimately led to the Sabie/Lydenburg Road.

Many also had a rude awakening on entering the stadium, thinking they would end the race where they started, only to find they had to run around, having to complete yet another uphill.

See a gallery of the race here

However, it was a beautiful evening as the race commenced just after 18:00. With the sun having already set behind the koppies, the weather was marvellous and not too hot. It was the perfect family outing and several parents could be seen cheering on little ones and running with strollers. Some even brought their furry friends along to join in the fun.

Emmanuel Kekana won the 10-kilometre race and was also the winner in the open-race male division with a time of 31 minutes and 31 seconds.

Johardt van Heerden was only four seconds behind him. Ntuthuko Maseko finished third in a time of 31 minutes, 45 seconds.

Ntokozo Dlamini of Nedbank Running Club LVCC was the first woman to cross the finish line in a time of 39 minutes and 28 seconds.

Tracey Rundle was second in a time of 47 minutes, 20 seconds, with Jeandré Theron third with a time of 49 minutes and 18 seconds.

Abnego Mashaba was the male winner the fun run and Nicky Nel was the first female and also the winner of the junior division. Reinhardt Spryt was the first boy to complete the fun run. MRA Bugz won a prize for the best-dressed team, while the team of Workman Wear Depot won for having displayed the best spirit.

The Steval Pumas also participated in the fun run of five kilometres. Maybe the players had a challenging leg session in the gym prior to running the race, as some of them opted to walk after having completed only two kilometres.

The rest of the results were as follows:

• Junior male: Pieter Schoeman – 42:35 seconds
• Junior female: Cornelia Janse van Rensburg – 52:08

40+:
• Male: Morris Maiga – 37:33
• Female: S’bongile Shongwe – 49:22

50+:
• Male: Johannes Nyalunga – 41:17
• Female: Barbara Hare – 53:57

60+:
• Bennie Kruger – 46:52.