Although there were a few hiccups during the inaugural North West N12 Ultra Marathon race on Saturday, 30 July, this race still presented runners with an opportunity to compete in a major marathon race between Potch and Klerksdorp for the first time in years.
The race, which was organised by the Orkney Marathon Club, started at the NWU McArthur Athletics Stadium in Potch and finished at the Klerksdorp Recreation Centre.
A lack of continuous water points, proper road markings and poor planning were some of the complaints from runners following the race.
Bert’s Bricks Athletics Club chairperson, Reece Alberts, stated that the race had growing pains, but he hoped the organisers would learn from the feedback and provide an even better race next year.
“This race is much needed in Potch. There were positive aspects and it is an initiative that I hope continues to grow in future,” added Alberts.
He also stated that he did not feel unsafe on the route, as some runners had claimed.
Sintayehu Leges Yinesu won the men’s 50-km race in a time of 2:33:52 and Lacketh Seba won the women’s 50-km race in 3:08:08.
Mxenecelwa Miya won the men’s 21-km race in 1:03:38, while Lebo Phalulu took first in the women’s 21-km race in 1:15:59.
The starting point for this 50-km race from Potchefstroom to Klerksdorp was the well-known McArthur Athletics Stadium – a fitting place for such a historical event.
Runners made their way to the Klerksdorp Recreation Centre for the finish.
