Participants push the boundaries of local road racing at Sappi Tuks Race
While the serious athletes recorded very good times over the 21km and 10km distances during this past weekend's Sappi Tuks Race, there were also several familiar faces among the participants who are not necessarily known as athletes.
Members of the Tuks Athletics Club were well represented on the podium during this past weekend’s Sappi Tuks Race when the men’s half marathon and the women’s 10km race were both won by members of this club.
Collins Kgadima won the 21,1 men’s race, clocking a time of 1 hour 09 min and 46 seconds, while the young Karabo Mailula was victorious in the 10km race for women.
Photo: Reg Caldecott
The weather offered ideal running conditions for participants of various ages and skill levels, contributing to an enjoyable yet competitive atmosphere at the Tuks Sports Campus.
An elated Kgadima said afterwards he was motivated to make his club’s supporters proud.
“Due to an injury, it is my first race of the year. I owe a lot to my coach, Samuel Sepeng, who guides me,” he said after the race.
Photo: Reg Caldecott
Kgosi Tsosane (38) took home silver, alongside Albert Kipngetich Kangor (41), who secured bronze. Their respective times are 01:10:27 and 01:12:09.
On the women’s side, the experience of Mitsie van der Westhuizen (50) shone through as she bagged the gold medal with an impressive time of 01:31:03 in the half marathon. Anja Heenop (32) took second, with Leandre Van Der Merwe (38) rounding out the top three.
Arguably, the race of the day came from Sibusiso Nzima, carding just over half an hour, 30 minutes and 46 seconds in the men’s race over 10 km. The 38-year-old said afterwards that he was happy with how he is progressing. He also added that he “has a lot left in the tank”.
Photo: Reg Caldecott
Simon Mokonyama (32) finished in second place at 32:15, followed by young Mogokgong Brian Mangena (24), who placed third, clocking a 32:38.
Fan favourite Karabo Mailula (22), from the University of Pretoria, got plenty of cheers as she added another victory to her resumé. She secured a dominant win in the 10 km race, finishing with a time of 35:06.
Photo: Reg Caldecott
In the battle for second, Annique Burger (31) clocked 40:11, earning her the runner-up spot, while Therea Louw (46) got a podium with a finish with her time of 40:56.
As the 2025 Sappi Tuks Race wraps up, the event continues to attract top-tier athletes, pushing the boundaries of local road racing and giving a chance to those who participate for fun or personal achievement. Notables, such as Olympic swimmer and World Record Holder Tatiana Smith, also appeared in this year’s 10 km race.
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