The recent N12 Marathon that took place from Klerksdorp to Potchefstroom saw runners battling it out for top prizes over various distances including 42.2km, 21.1km, 10km and 5km.
It was a gruelling race for those who attempted the full 42.2km distance, with Tonny Skink from Zimbabwe winning the men’s marathon in 2:45:56 and Likeleli Majara from Lesotho winning the women’s marathon in 3:18:36.
The South Africans tried their best to keep up with Skink, but in the end Nkululeko Mgubhela, in 2:47:35, and local Potchefstroomer Ian Slinger (2:48:20) had to settle for second and third places respectively.
In the women’s marathon, two foreigners also secured podium finishes, with Lesotho’s Mathakane Letsie clocking 3:25:34 for second place and Omuhle Kubheka from Mozambique finishing third in 3:26:28.
In the men’s 21.1km race, Letlhogonolo Mocumi (1:06:59), Dikotsi Lekopa (1:07:26) and George Rancwane (1:07:36) claimed the podium places. Rancwane represents Potchefstroom Track Club.
In the women’s 21.1km race, Tebogo Mokgosinyane (1:28:05) took first place, followed by Madelein Hofmeyr (1:28:16) and Jessica Groenewald (1:33:51).
Dino Nako, running in the colours of NWU, won the men’s 10km race in 34:30. Elex Moyo (34:34) and Kgosithebe Semaushu (34:38) completed the podium.
Yolandi Van Deventer, a former Wesvalia learner, took first place in the women’s 10km race in a time of 47:33. Lenthe Maré claimed silver in 48:15, while Wendy Pieterse finished third in 48:33.
Numerous residents took to social media in the aftermath of the race to voice their displeasure regarding the timing and location of the race at the end of the month as it affected normal traffic routes, causing residents to use alternatively routes.
