VAC athletes impress in key Comrades qualifiers
VAC runners impress across KZN races with personal bests and Comrades qualifying performances.
Runners from the Vryheid Athletic Club (VAC) were out in full force this past weekend, representing the club at two well-known KwaZulu-Natal road races as the 2026 racing calendar continues to build momentum.
Strong showing at Umhlathuze Crocs Race
Smangele Mnguni travelled to Richards Bay on Saturday to compete in the Umhlathuze Crocs Race, a popular local event that attracts runners from across the region. She took on the 10km distance and crossed the finish line in a time of 01:25:07.
VAC athletes compete in Ballito marathon
On Sunday, a group of VAC members made the trip to Ballito for the Balwin Dolphin Coast Marathon, one of the province’s key early-season races and an important qualifier for the Comrades Marathon.
Personal bests in half marathon
Nicole Landman delivered a standout performance in the 21.1km half marathon, achieving a personal best time of 02:06:05, a strong result on what is known to be a challenging coastal route.
Marathon milestones and qualifying times
In the 42.2km marathon, VAC runners enjoyed a highly successful outing. Carlé Booyens reached a major milestone by completing her first marathon and, in doing so, secured a Comrades Marathon qualifying time. She finished in 04:54:18, a remarkable achievement for her debut over the distance.
Simoné Potgieter also had an excellent race, improving her personal best to 04:44:48, while Elizma Nortjé continued her strong form by setting a new personal best of 04:33:38.
Building towards Comrades season
With the Balwin Dolphin Coast Marathon forming part of the buildup to the 2026 Comrades Marathon season, these performances place VAC runners in a promising position as they continue their training and racing campaigns.
Club praises athletes’ dedication
The club congratulated all members who took part over the weekend, praising their dedication and the pride with which they represented Vryheid Athletic Club across KwaZulu-Natal.
The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.
