Heat is on
some 2 531 athletes from the province and as far away as Tanzania battled it out during the Comrades Qualifier Mall of the North marathon that was held at the Mall of the North on Saturday.
POLOKWANE – Some 2 531 athletes from the province and as far away as Tanzania battled it out during the Comrades Qualifier Mall of the North marathon that was held at the Mall of the North on Saturday.
The day included four races, being the 42,2 km run, the 21 km run, the 10 km run and the 5 km fun run. Colinda Potgieter, race organiser and Pietersburg Road Runners club secretary, said the race was a success and they were happy to crown the winners.
“We expected 1 000 athletes so it was wonderful that so many athletes joined us. We are looking forward to next year’s marathon, which will also be held at Mall of the North,” she said. She added that athletes who crossed the finish line in the required time in the 42,2 km race automatically qualified to participate in the Comrades Marathon to take place in KwaZulu-Natal on May 31.
Herry Lamola crossed the finish line first in the 5 km race in a time of 16:26 while Guilt Monyebodi finished first in the women’s category (no time available). Reghen Magwai finished first in the 10 km run in a time of 31:00.
Lameck Misiwa from Tanzania scooped the first place in the 21,1 km run in a time of 1:06:00 while Furaha Molle, also from Tanzania, claimed the first spot in the women’s category in a time of 1:22:18.
Reuben Maapola crossed the finish line first in the 42,2 km run but he was later disqualified. According to chief referee, Roelf Coetzee, he was disqualified as he did not stick to the prescribed route. The first position was given to Lucas Nonyana after finishing in second place while Rufus Photo claimed the second position. The finishing times for the 42,2 km run were unavailable.
Water points were available every 3 km as well as at the end of the race, to ensure that athletes did not suffer from sunstroke or dehydration.
