The oldest running event in the Lowveld retained its popularity with over 1 000 participants meandering through the orchards on a rather chilly Saturday morning.

The annual ever-so-popular Hall’s Run, held for the 28th consecutive year, saw runners take on the three-, 10- and 21-kilometre categories this weekend. Participants had the chance to run through the famous Halls Estate, past rippling rivers and through the cane fields, with an up-close view of Mbombela Stadium, as well as avocado, pecan and litchi orchards.

 
The pace was hectic and the competition strong. In just over half an hour the winners of the 10-kilometre race started streaming in. Samuel Mathabata from Lowmed Running Club was the first to finish in a time of 33:26. In the ladies’ competition the overall winner, Nomvula Sithole of Nkomazi Club who crossed the finish line in 43:45, was also the first junior to finish.

 
Lowveld favourite and defending champion, Abednigo Mashaba from Born to Win went hell for leather, and finished in a whopping 1:11,55, with Johardt van Heerden hot on his heels.

Born to Win’s Thulani Lekhuleni took third place in a time of 1:16,49. The first junior to cross was Nedbank LVCC runner, Victor Mohlobo, in a time of 1:21,57.

The woman who left nothing in the tank was Angeline Molaba from KaNyamazane Marathon Club. She won her category in a time of 1:32,59, hotly contested by LVCC’s Natia van Heerden, who finished just under a minute later.