Local sport

Take Heart Race runners flood Secunda's streets

Siyabonga Xowana is the overall winner of the 21,1km race which he completed i a tie of 01:08:40.

A sea of runners flooded Secunda’s streets for the Mall’s Take Heart Race on October 24.

However, the man who stood tallest on the podium that day was Siyabonga Xowana, who crossed the finish line of the 21km race in a fast 01:08:40.

Sbusiso Mabaso finished just shy of two minutes later, in 01:10:28. Graham Malinga finished third in 01:15:28.

Chrizell Roberts delivered a strong performance, winning the women’s race in 01:27:29, followed by Putumz Macingwana (01:43:14) in second and Ilse Smith (01:45:16) third.

Tahiamo Lephoto, an avid runner from Standerton, clinched the gold medal in the 10km, finishing in 32 minutes and 16 seconds.


men standing on a podium
The fastest runners in the 10km race are Lucas Jani (second), Tahiamo Lephoto (winner) and Never Mahlangu (third). Photo: Kyla Lottering Photography

Lucas Jani finished second in 32:38, just seconds ahead of Never Mahlangu (32:42).

Michelle Parkes was the first woman to cross the finish line in the 10km race. She completed the distance in 42 minutes and 11 seconds.

Elzette Pretorious (43:42) was second and Thuli Mbatha (43:53) third. This was the fifth official Secunda Mall Take Heart Race.

Secunda Mall, in partnership with Sasol Marathon Club, will host the event, featuring a 21.1km half marathon, 10km race and 4.9km fun run or walk.

The fun run also had a special community purpose, with entry fees going towards supporting a local non-profit organisation (NPO). This year, the beneficiaries were Khulula Animal Welfare Society and Tree Seeds Foundation.


runners set off a the start of a marathon
Hundreds of runners are ready to take off. Photo: Danie Smith

women standing on a podium
The top three women in the 21km race are Putumz Macingwana (second), Chrizell Roberts (winner) and Ilse Smith (third). Photo: Kyla Lottering Photography

men standing on a podium
Taking top honours on the podium are Sbusiso Mabaso (second), Siyabonga Xowana (winner) and Graham Malinga (third). Photo: Kyla Lottering Photography
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Arisja Misselhorn

I have been a journalist for more than 30 years. I worked for Caxton and Beeld and also for my own publication. I returned to Ridge Times in 2018. I became editor for Ridge Times, Standerton Advertiser and Streeknuus in 2023. I completed numerous courses throughout the years, and I have won several awards.

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