LUCKY Maahlo and Evette Watson are taking a well-earned rest after winning the men’s and women’s sections of the popular ELB Washie 100 miler race respectively, run took place over the weekend from Cathcart to Buffs Club in East London last weekend.
The ultra marathon – run over 161km – saw runners from all over the country participate in the 42nd edition of the epic race, that started off on Friday evening and drew to a close on Saturday evening. Buffalo Road Runners committee member, Tracy Mackay, said they had to change the route due to the uneven roads on the R72.
Mackay said the excitement was high in the build-up to the race and was buoyed by the “incredible support from the community”.
The race organisers received 152 entries overall, with 144 runners showing up to start the gruelling race.
“Some runners found the route challenging, some didn’t like it all and didn’t finish as a result,” Mackay said.
In the men’s section, Lucky Maahlo took the coveted top spot in the men’s section with a time of 14:10:07. Maahlo is coached by Johan van der Merwe – who also trains a stable of well-known ultra-marathon runners.
Watson, from Maluti Multisport Club, took first position in the ladies’ section in a time of 18:26:35.
A total of 122 runners finished the race – breaking the long-standing 1996 record of 118.
The final results were as follows:
MEN’S RESULTS
1. Lucky Maahlo from Pietersberg Road Runners – 14:10:07
2. Mcebisi Yose from All Stars AC – 16:24:17
3. Siyabonga Lele also from All Stars AC – 17:07:50
WOMEN’S RESULTS
1. Evette Watson from Maluti Multisport Club – 18:26:35
2. Meg Davey from Nedbank Running Club – 19:05:49
3. Rinaldi Botes from Irene Road Running Club – 19:43:45
