Folavio and Nontokoza reign supreme at Van Wettens

Bheki Nkosi and Nththuko Maseko were not far off Sehohle’s pace with times of 30:52 and 30:53 respectively.

LVCC’s Nontokozo Dlamini won the open women’s category of the popular race in a time of 39:31. Nora Sibanda (41:21) and Dominique Peel (42:09) finished just minutes later.
Dlamini is no stranger claiming a spot on the winners’ podium. She was victorious in last year’s Van Wettens Nite Race, the Legogote Villagers Mozma Trading Race, and crossed the finish line in third place at the 2016 Uniwisp Kaapsehoop 3-in-1.

Hosted by Nedbank Running Club LVCC at Mbombela Stadium on Wednesday, the first race on the 2017 calendar attracted hundreds of participants in the five and 10-kilometre events.

See last year’s race: Van Wettens Night Race draws more than 1 000 runners

There were those who dressed up in luminous gear, people of all ages, some who chose to walk the distance and then the more serious athletes who were looking to start the sporting year on a positive note. Morris Maiga reclaimed the gold medal for a second year in a row in the male 40+ category and improved his time by more than three minutes from 37:33 to a crisp 34:26.

Nelspruit Marathon Club’s (NMC) Kate Hulett, well-known runner (and walker), ran across the finish line in 49:43, coming first in the female 50+ category.

Prize winners of the 10km Van Wettens 2017

Junior men’s: Thabiso Mashele (Nkomazi) – 33:48
Junior women’s: Emmanuala Masina (DAC) – 43:45
Men 40+: Morris Maiga (Legogote Villagers) – 34:26
Women 40+: Madelein Whitehair (NMC) – 47:05
Men 50+: Peter Jaehne (Outeniqua) – 38:39
Women 50+: Kate Hulett (NMC) – 49:43
Men 60+: Bennie Burger (NMC) – 46:10
Men’s walker: Arrie van Heerden (Loskop) – 01:10:19
Women’s walker: Karien Claasen (Relay for Life) – 01:19:18
Women’s open category: Nontokozo Dlamini (LVCC) – 39:31
Men’s open category: Folavio Sehohle (LVCC) – 30:50.