400 enthusiastic runners and a few walkers gathered for the start of this years annual Cavanagh Marathon, which starts and ends at the Bushmans Boating Club on the banks of the Wagendrift Dam on Sunday.
It is a long standing fixture on the KwaZulu-Natal race calendar and is named after Tony Cavanagh who in 1972 was the main instigator of a difficult training run in the district and out of which the first Cavanagh Marathon grew.
The 21km race winds its way down past the dam wall and into the scenic farmlands while the ten kilometre run and walk route gave those more social walkers and runners a chance to view the dam wall.
The 52km marathon, a Comrades Marathon qualifier, is a physically demanding race allowing runners an excellent opportunity to take in the awe inspiring beauty of the Drakensberg mountains, the infamous Poort and the ‘Nine Hills.
Eskort Limited were on hand throughout the day to provide runners and their families with delicious eats and many came from far and wide to enjoy some good old fashioned Estcourt hospitality!
Grateful thanks to the local community for their support of this successful event.
Results:
21km race:
Men – first Kwenza Ngubane 1.13.58, second Sello Mputhi 1.14.05 and third Lindelani Nxumalo 1.17.59.
Ladies – first Xoli Madida 1.38.58, Hlubisile Madida 1.39.12 and third Nontobeko Mlambo 1.42.45.
52km race:
Men – first Beyana Miya 3.14.02, second Basil Mazibuko 3.20.28 and third Matekase Lafatsa 3.21.35.
Ladies – Nonsikelelo Mbambo 4.14.00, second Helen Buley 4.31.42 and third Sue Chapman 4.45.14.