Runners show up at Maximed race in Standerton
Katleho Moloi of Phantang Running Club won the men's 10km race with a time of 31:24.
More than 80 runners showed up for the 10km Maximed race and 30 runners participated in the 5km fun run, held near the Hoërskool Standerton on Saturday.
The marathon was a family affair as fathers and their children took part in this annual race, with runners from Mpumalanga and neighbouring provinces.
Katleho Moloi of Phantang Running Club won the men’s 10km race with a time of 31:24. Tshiamo Lephoto of Sasol Marathon Club came second with a time of 33:06, while Siyabonga Xowana came third with a time of 33:36.
The women’s 10 km race was won by Elihle Zikalala from Sasol Marathon Club with a time of 48:37. Meinjtie Jansen of Secunda Marathon Club came in second position with a time of 50:53 while Sibongile Hlophe of SAPS running club was third with a time of 53:14.
Race organiser and chairperson of the Standerton Marathon Club, Manus Mentz, said this year’s race was a success.
“This race was bigger than last year. The weather was also much better this year,” said Mentz.
Mentz said this year’s race did not experience any challenges because a lot of business people in Standerton support the race in different ways.
“With Hoërskool Standerton assisting us every year, Cleanup Crew helping with filling potholes, Maximed sponsoring medals and other costs, the traffic department and Kasselman Security Services assisting with road safety, then it is not a big challenge. We are used to all of that,” said Mentz.
ALSO CHECK: Dansskool lewer pragvertoning by Delmas Makietie
“A few years back, it was the Maximed Night Race. Now it is a Saturday day race as we cannot run in the dark in Standerton because there are no street lights here.”
Mentz said they would like to grow the race by adding 21,1km to its current offering.
“This is a process we have to get approval from Athletics South Africa (ASA). This will boost the race with the possibility of adding another 100 or 200 runners.“
Mentz said many runners will drive from other towns for a 21.1 km race, but not for a 10km race. He added ASA focuses on youth sports, and Standerton Marathon Club does the same.
“We have many high school children run the 10km, also as part of long-distance running exercise. Our target market is not a specific age group. It is to just provide local races to our community.
“We have two official races on the national ASA calendar. The Goldi 4 in 1 Marathon on March 21 each year, this Maximed 10km race and hopefully an added 21.1km race next year,” Mentz added.
He said the Standerton Marathon Club has a rich history dating back to the 1960s. The club is not big but has passionate members.
“We have about 40 active members and each year we have about 20 runners competing in the Comrades. Anyone can join our club any time during the year. You pay a nominal annual club members’ fee and receive an annual race number that you can use in any race that year to avoid temporary licence fees,” explained Mentz.
He added being a member of the club does not mean one has to become a professional runner and do long-distance running such as the Comrades Marathon.
“We urge people to join us every Tuesday at 17:30 at the Standerton showgrounds, which is our clubhouse. We also have our weekly 4km trial run from where a person can grow their love of running.
“For more information, visit our website and Facebook page by searching Standerton Marathon Club,” concluded Mentz.
