The Bestmed Tuks half marathon attracts thousands back to Hatfield’s streets

This past weekend's Bestmed Tuks race, which was presented for the first time in the post-Covid era, proved that road athletes are slowly but surely returning to participating in organized races.

February 21, 2023

Koos Venter 1 minute read

Milton Kekana not only won the Bestmed Tuks 21.1 km race on Saturday, but at the same time he also claimed the crown as Gauteng North's half marathon champion of 2023. Photo: Koos Venter

Although it is still clear that the almost three-year break in action for road athletes has damaged the road race culture, lovers of this sport can take courage after the past weekend’s Bestmed Tuks half marathon.

After two dormant years due to the Covid regulations, this popular race was presented again on Saturday and thousands of athletes had gathered before daybreak in Burnett Street in front of the entrance to the Tuks HPC to brave the streets of Hatfield in one of the race options, which consisted of a half marathon, 10km race, 5km fun run or 1km race for children.

Although the numbers still cannot be compared to the participation before Covid brought the sport to a standstill, athletes arrived from all over Gauteng to participate.

For the well-trained runners who took part in the 21.1km race, it also served as the annual Athletics Gauteng North (AGN) half marathon Championships.

The half marathon was won by Milton Kekana from the XCel club. Because his club resorts under the jurisdiction of AGN, he was also automatically crowned as the provincial half marathon champion.

Reghen Megwai finished second, while Philani Buthelezi crossed the finish line in third place.

Kataza Shipalatha from the Boxer club was the first woman in the half marathon. She was followed by Magda Nieuwoudt from the Trivium Athletics Club and Chrizell Roberts from the Nedbank club finished third.