Runners make history at annual Battlefields Marathon

Organisers said this year boasted the largest attendance in the history of the race.

March 4, 2020

Tersia Gopi 2 minutes read

Eager runners gather at the starting line at Huttenpark Primary School.

With more than 500 athletes registered, the annual Battlefields Marathon took place on Saturday. The popular event was hosted yet again by the Newcastle Harriers.

Runners competed in distance categories of 10km, 21km or 42km, setting off from Huttenpark Primary School. Vincent Nixon from the Dundee Diehards fired the ceremonial cannon to signal the start of the race. He was accompanied by Louis Eksteen from Fort Amiel Museum and bagpiper, Billy Villiers.

In its 43rd edition, organisers said this year boasted the largest attendance in the history of the race, and noted the increase in both entry numbers and popularity year after year.

“The Battlefields 2020 was a great success. We would like to thank all the athletes who came out to run in the rain. The weather was perfect for the athletes, but we appreciate the work at the water tables – without you, the race is not possible. We had a record 523 entries and I hope everybody enjoyed the race; next year will be even better,” said chairman of Newcastle Harriers, Andre Vosloo.

After a long day of road running, the results of the race were as follows:

The female winner of the 42km race was Phezile Shabangu in a time of 3:41:12. Second place went to Ntombizethu Mnyandu (4:03:26) and third place went to Jo Claassen (4:04:41).

The male winner of the 42km race was Reginald Ngobese with a time of 2:40:50. In second was Sandile Qwade (2:42:48) and close on his heels was Bazil Mazibuko (2:44:20).

In the 21km race, the female winner was Andile Sibusiso (1:44:55). Following closely was Amanda Vergottini (1:49:05) and in third place, Carla Hudson (1:52:01). The first female walker in the 21km category was Dot Moynihan in a time of 3:07:22.

The male winner of the 21 km race was Mandisa Kubheka with a time of 1:09:33. Lungelo Khumalo was in second place with a time of 1:09:58, followed by Sipho Hlatshwayo in a time of 1:10:24.

The 10km race male winner was Sboniso Sikhakhane in 31 minutes and six seconds. Behind him was Derrick Masango with a time of 32:10 and in third place was Njabulo Ndoba with a time of 33:03. The fastest junior walker in the category was Sanele Dube (34:57). Johan Harmse was the first walker to cross the finishing line, in a time of 1:14:07.

The first woman to finish the 10km race was Rika Rossouw in a time of 42:11, followed by Bongekile Manyoni (46:03) and Thobeka Phungula (49:55). Janetta Cunningham was the first female walker to cross the finish line in a time of 1:12:33.