Hat trick for TUT athlete in Thembisa Street Mile
This past weekend's SPAR Thembisa Street Mile was a historic occasion for the TUT star athlete, Prudence Sekgodiso.
Returning to the calendar despite restrictions in place due to the Covid-19 lockdown, the SPAR Thembisa Street Mile gave South Africa’s elite middle-distance runners a chance to shine in the closing stages of the 2021 season.
The race, held in Thembisa, delivered record performances in the men’s and women’s events, contested over the classic 1.69km distance.
National 4km cross country champion Ryan Mphahlele, representing Thembisa Athletics Club, blitzed through the course to win the men’s race in four minutes and one second (4:01), clipping one second off the race record he set in 2018. Tshepo Tshite (Boxer) finished three seconds off the pace in second position, clocking 4:04, and Medupi Tladi (Vaal) grabbed third spot in 4:09.
In the women’s race, track star Prudence Sekgodiso (TUT) produced a historic result, becoming the first athlete to secure victory at the SPAR Thembisa Mile three years in a row.
Sekgodiso triumphed in 4:52, taking a share of the R25 000 prize money, with Tsepang Sello (Kovsies) finishing second in 5:01 and Simonay Weitsz (Tuks) ending third in 5:04.
“We are delighted to see the SPAR Thembisa Mile back on the fixtures list, taking another step forward in the return of sport during these challenging times. Congratulations to the organisers and all the participants. We are proud, as a partner, to play an ongoing part in the success of this popular annual event and we look forward to its future growth,” said SPAR North Rand marketing manager Ralph Rajagopaul.
Thembisa Mile race director Donald Mathipa said they faced multiple challenges due to lockdown regulations, but they managed to overcome them while ensuring the health and safety of all participants.
The next edition of the SPAR Thembisa Street Mile will be held on Sunday, 30 October 2022.
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