Runners from around the country descended on the roads of the Lowveld on August 9 to once again take a stance against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in the GBVF Half Marathon 4-in-1 Race.

Organised by Bella’s Athletics Club, this year marked the third edition of the annual GBVF 4-in-1 Race and runners from far and wide travelled to White River and Mbombela to take part.

The event attracts thousands of runners each year, and is accessible to any and every participant thanks to the four distance options it offers.

Starting with the unique street mile (1.6km) race at Mbombela Stadium, there are also 4.9km and 10km options – both starting and ending at the stadium.

But, the pinnacle of the event is the 21.1km half-marathon that starts in White River and finishes at the stadium.

The route offers a unique set of challenges for runners and the first 30 to 45 minutes are run between the moments before sunrise and just after daybreak.

Most of the route is downhill too, which at first glance might seem easier, but this is a tough ask for runners in its own right. The running conditions on Saturday were, however, ideal and runners thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

The winners this year made the best of the running conditions. In the street mile, which added a unique twist to the event, Samkelo Ngobese won the senior men’s race while PJ Ntimane won the boys’ U16 category.

In the 10km race Tebogo Pulusa was the top runner, finishing the run in 30:27 to claim the win.

He was followed over the line by Hosea Maiyo (30:44) in second and Abednico Mashaba (31:20) in third. Rosaline Isaiah (38:19) was the fastest woman in the 10km, with Nomvula Sithole (38:34) a close second and Paris Lobeken (42:18) in third.

In the half-marathon Sibaniso Sikhakhane (1:05:45) was the fastest runner on the road, outgunning David Kipkoech (1:06:47) to the finish, while Msawenkosi Buthelezi (1:07:31) finished third.

Florence Nyaingiri was rapid in leading the ladies’ charge, finishing in overall eighth place with a time of 1:15:30 to claim the ladies win

. Marelise Retief (1:26:10) was the second lady over the line and Rebecca Nakuwa (1:27:18) the third.

The race holds a special importance within the Lowveld running community, as GBVF remains an epidemic that plagues not only the region, but the country at large.

By participating in the race, each runner took a stance against GBVF and ensured they made their voice heard in the battle to stop the scourge of attacks on women and children.

> Photos: Blake Linder