Running for love

Thousands flocked to the streets in Malanshof for the KFC Randburg Harriers 10km Valentine’s Night Race on 13 February.

Over 5 100 runners attended the run which started promptly at 7pm.

Each participant ran an astonishing 10km to reach the finishing line.

Randburg Harriers Running Club captain John Neale commented, ”This year was a great success, each of the running points and stops had marshals fixed before the race began.”

The awfully busy Republic Road was closed off at both ends by the Metro Police.

The race commenced with a short burst of speed down the hill slowly building an incline over three kilometres.

“We are very excited to see so many people have arrived despite the high chances of rain, the race is grueling as there are many hills in the course,” says referee liason Collen McNally.

Throughout the course there were four water stations managed by Sportsman’s Warehouse, Adrienne Hersch Properties and then Rawson Property.

Upon cresting the climb at 8km, the runners were serenaded by a bagpiper as they turned the corner and began the final fast two-kilometre stretch to the flood-lit finish.

They received a welcome drink at the water station operated by Randburg Harriers volunteers assisted by members of Diepsloot Athletic Club.

“Wow, that was tough, with lots of twists and turns, I was out of breath a lot but mostly because of all the fun we had laughing along the way,” said an exhausted runner, Crystal McAdams.

The race was approved by Athelete South Africa (ASA) and Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA), with every kilometre measured for complete accuracy.

Operations manager for RSC KFC Fourie Bornman handed out some of the prizes and certificates to the winners of the event. He commented, “Yes, it has been great to see so many people here that are excited to be part of a wide community KFC running event.”

The winners were:

Men’s category winners were:

Veterans: Simon Mpholo (Nedbank) in 0:32:57;

Masters: Dan Mothibe (RunAvation) in 0:37:07;

Grandmasters: Steven Seema (SAPG) in 0:41:45;

Great Grandmasters: Pele Tshikundamalema (Olifantsfontein) in 0:47:44; and

Juniors: Katlego Masilela (Carlton) in 0:35:18.

Women’s category winners were:

Veterans: Thuli Mbatha (Kathlehong) in 0:43:52;

Masters: Sarah Crooks (Randburg Harriers) in 0:49:00;

Grandmasters: Sonja Laxton (RAC) in 0:55:40;

Great Grandmasters: Deidre Larkin (Randburg Harriers) in 1:07:21; and

Juniors: Donè Grové (Nedbank) in 0:42:51.

Details: www.randburgharriers.co.za, 011 792 7003.