Runners warm up for new season in Volksrust
There were no complaints from motorists or runners, only compliments.
Over 500 runners from Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal competed in the recent Volksrust marathon, which was the opening marathon for the year. En route one could spot runners from Dundee, Glencoe, Vryheid, Newcastle and Ladysmith.
Reiner Stucky, who has been involved in organising the run for over 20 years, said: “This year we accepted pre-entries for security reasons and to avoid delays on the race day. There were no complaints from motorists or runners, only compliments. To improve, we need to market the pre-entry system to avoid turning away runners on race day.”
Joyce Shabalala, a veteran runner for Biggarsberg Athletic Club, said: “I always come down to run the race because running keeps me healthy and fit. I get a chance to meet runners from all over the country and sometimes runners from abroad.” She has numerous marathons under her shoes including the Two Oceans, Mandela, Soweto, Pietermaritzburg City, Spar Ladies Marathon, Ghandi Walk and Mpathi Mountain race. Joyce, who is in her late 50’s, ways she will never stop running.
After finishing her 32km marathon Joyce said: “I am not impressed with my performance. I was slower than usual because I am recovering after a wrist operation I had recently.” Joyce was placed seventh in her category. “Running is a good sport because it takes teenagers away from doing wrong things like drugs, alcohol and teenage pregnancy.” It was also good to see Ds Pieter Bester of the Guinea Fowl Coffee Shop on the road along with Lani van der Mescht and other locals!
Summary of results:
The results for Volksrust Marathon: 42,2km men (times in brackets): Bongani Msimango (02:47:20); Joe Khumalo (03:02:43). Women: Natasha Malan (03:30:46), Makhosazana Nkala (03:58:50). 32 km men: Prefect Sithole (01:55:29), Sandile Gwede (02:20:05). Women: Rika Rossouw (02:42:56), Zanele Mbongwa (02:48:03). 21,1km men: Mandisa Kubheka (01:13:40), Mandla Vilakazi (01:29:24). Women: Hlobisile Madida (01:40:38), Alma Geldenhuys (01:40:38), 10km men: Nhlakanipho Ndaba (00:34:10), Lungisani Ximba 00:36:51. Women: Xoli Madida (00:44:39), Jo Claassen (00:46:39). 4km men: Tristein Griffiths (00:22:20), Philasande Sithebe (00:24:31). Women: Sulice Geldenhuys (00:24:45), Yvonne Alexander (00:24:51).
