Spirit and camaraderie reign in annual fun run
The oldest participant over 10km, 72-year-old former CEO of TSB, Dr Willem Bekker ran a magnificent race and proved that the right spirit can achieve great results.
A record number of participants entered this year’s 27th Selati 2-in-1 Road Race and Fun Run which was held on Saturday. Although many registered runners competed, the largest contingent of runners did not belong to any athletic club, which is seen as a positive with local people embracing a healthier, fitter lifestyle.
The race was mostly supported by locals and the organisers went the extra mile, so to speak, to offer an interesting, festive and challenging environment. There was even an inflatable fun park, goodie bags, toll-gate refunds and of course, free T-shirts. Various sponsors ensured that it was truly a value-for-money event.
The oldest participant over 10km, 72-year-old former CEO of TSB, Dr Willem Bekker ran a magnificent race and proved that the right spirit can achieve great results. This year’s 10km winner was Obednego Mashaba with Falavia Sehono pipping everyone else at the post over 21km.
Results for the 21km saw the open category for ladies won by Noria Sibanda of Definition Athletics, with Linah Mhlongo and Winile Mnisise close on her heels to take second and third position respectively.
In the 40-plus category for men, Lucky Bhembe took the honours, with Linah Mhlongo of Eskom Gijimas showing her spark despite the regular power outages associated with her company!
Joel Malwandla came out tops in the 50-plus section for men, with Allison Hay of the Lowveld Canoe Club beating the other ladies to the post.
Nedbank LVCC’s Isaac Manyika won pole position in the 60-plus male category with Coleen Dreyer of Run/Walk for Life, the winner in the women’s section.
Among the walkers, Kate Hulett of Mbombela won the women’s section and Welcome Mabuza, the male section.
The 10km category saw Obednego Mashabo taking the gold in the open category for men, while Nontokoza Dlamini won the open category for ladies.
Diarise next year’s event, May 14, and couch potatoes should start training already.
Those interested in joining the healthy and fit, can contact Deon Valks, chairman of the Onderberg Marathon Club on valksd@tsb.co.za or 082-788-0675.
