Mashaba is still one to be reckoned with

The unstoppable runner from Nedbank LVCC, Abednico Mashaba, won the Skukuza Castle Lager Half-marathon in a time of 1:08:52. Vincent Khutoane set the record time in 2009 after completing it in 1:06:27.

August 16, 2016

Carli Koch 1 minute read

Mashaba has been one of the most dominant runners in the Lowveld. Earlier this year during the South African championships in Port Elizabeth, he was placed 14th overall in the 21 kilometres.

Winner of the Bateleur Estate Memorial Race, Lovers Hlatshwayo, was third in the men’s overall race in 1:10:36, improving his time from 2015 by a dramatic 36 minutes. He also excelled during the Longtom Marathon in March, also finishing third over the 55 kilometres.

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This half-marathon is an incredible mix of pain and determination, anguish and triumph, courage and fear.

Marlize Retief (Boxer Athletics Club in Westville, KwaZulu-Natal) also pinned down a new record for the women, crossing the finish line in 1:21:54, just 0,26 seconds faster than the record set in 2009 by Kim Laxton. Skukuza Marathon Club’s (SMC) Ntokoza Dlamini came second with a time of 1:19:02.

Yet another SMC runner, Derick Maluleke received silver in the men’s 40-49 category in a time of 1:19:02, also improving on his time from last year’s race by almost three minutes.

SMC’s Sandra Mohaohe was the first women of her club to cross the finish line in 1:49:04.

Two hours before the start, a squad of rangers ensured the safety of all athletes to herd off any big game which would disrupt the race.

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A few runners were lucky to spot a black rhino. There was a total of 1 800 entrants and 1 640 completed it.

Former South Africa wicket-keeper Mark Boucher, Albie Morkel, one of the best all-rounders in the T20 format of the game of cricket and nine-times Comrades champion, Bruce Fordyce handed over medals and spot prizes to the runners.