Successful Selati Marathon supported by hundreds of locals

With a slight morning chill still in the air, runners hit the dirt tracks and tar roads around the Malelane Rugby Club for the Selati 2-in-1 Marathon’s 10- or 21km race and 2- or 5km fun run.

The fun run was mostly supported by locals and totally exceeded the organisers’ expectations with 1 280 entrants, ranging from babies (pushed in their prams by fit moms) to grannies. Laerskool Malelane organised the fun run and many pupils participated to benefit the school.

Runners from clubs as far afield as Giyani, Bethal and Swaziland participated in the main races, but interestingly enough the bulk didn’t sport club colours. “A total of 68 per cent of the main-race participants do not belong to an official running club and therefore really contributes to the development of a healthy lifestyle and road running as a sport,” stated organiser Deon Valks.

There was a jovial atmosphere among the athletes, with both friends and strangers encouraging one another and celebrating each milestone.

The watering points, manned by the various local RCL divisions, went a long way to keeping runners hydrated and motivated. RCL Foods Agricultural Division won both the runners’ choice and judges’ trophies and from their great team spirit, still strong after the race had long finished, it was easy to see why.

After the scenic route through nearby farms, participants finished their race in a festival atmosphere and were congratulated with great goody bags with products from RCL Foods Sugar and Milling and sister companies.

Supporters and runners could browse through the handful of stalls selling food, while kids had fun in an inflatable fun park.

Valks stated that their aim as organisers and sponsors were not only to provide a high-quality race, but also to involve other local organisations to create a fun community event.

The pavilions were packed for the prize-giving event, with friends and fellow club members cheering on the participants.

Results:

21km

Open category men

• Abednego Mashaba from Nedbank LVCC with 1:07:02

• Graham Malinga from Nkangala AC with 1:09:12

• Jabulane Khoza from Eskom Gijimas with 1:10:13.

Open category women

• Noria Sibanda from Nedbank LVCC with 1:33:26

• Antonietta Giuricich with 1:36:50

• Madeleine Whitehair from Nelspruit MC with 1:40:29.

Juniors

• Thulani Lukhuleni from Born to Win with 1:11:12

• Anthea Luus from Nedbank LVCC with 1:52:04.

Walker

• Welcome Mabuza from Eskom Gijimas with 2:19:00.

10km

Open category men

• Ronnie Nabotja from SAPS with 33:44

• Bheki Nkosi from Nedbank LVCC with 34:25

• Albert Zikode from Nkomazi AC with 34:32.

Open category women

• Nontokoza Dlamini from Nedbank LVCC with 39:36

• Emmarentia Masing from Definition AC with 43:54

• Nicky Monroe with 47:01.

Juniors

• Bongani Nkozi from Lowveld High with 35:28.

Walkers

• Cobus Opperman from Komatipoort Athletics Club with 1:14:13

• Carien Classen from Run/Walk for Life with 1:15:53.

Building on the success of this year’s event, the organisers hope to make next year’s race on May 13 even more enjoyable.

Detailed results are available on www.prontocs.co.za.

View more photos of the runners and winners here.