TANDO NKUNGWANA
Avid runner Cwenga Nose finished the Bridle Drift Race with an impressive time of 1 hour 10 minutes, breaking Yanga Malusi’s record from 2024.
The Ikhamva Athletic Club star described the race as being “tough but bearable”.
He added: “I started training for the race from December and ran on uphill and high incline roads most of the time, as I knew it would prepare me for this race.”
Luyolo Ngcongolo, who affectionately referred to Nose as his “younger brother”, came in second, and said that he enjoyed training and preparing for this race alongside Nose.
“The race was tough, but I am happy with my performance”, he said.
Habtamu Mishamo finished in third place in the men’s category.
Mishamo had encouraging words to share after finishing the race.
“This was hard, but it is important to do hard things as a human being. That is the only way one can grow.”
Representing in the women’s category, sisters and members of Born 2 Run Club Caryn Lategan and Lauren Ranger finished together. Lategan was elated to have accomplished this victory alongside her sister.
“It was nice running with my sister today. This route is always a tough run, Mdantsane hills are tough, but it’s one of those races where you do not pay attention to the time but just run to enjoy it.”
Her sister Lauren added: “There are multiple water points along the way.
“It is a really nice race to run even though it’s hard because there’s lots of support along the way. I’ll definitely be coming back to run the race again next year.”
The Bridle Drift Half Marathon, launched in 2016 by the Real Gijimas Athletic Club, is notoriously known as one of the most challenging half marathons on the annual running calendar.
With the Pirates Half Marathon coming close, the Bridle Drift half marathon remains number one with its high inclines and uphill roads, all in the midst of the scorching summer heat.
Besides the half marathon category, there are also the 1.6km and 4km fun runs, which Real Gijima’s incorporates into the half-marathon in order to promote inclusivity in road running.
Club chair and coach Alex Kambule said: “These fun runs are a part of the race’s traditional development and mitigates the impression popularised that Bridle Drift Race is the toughest [race] in the province because this notion scares people off instead of encouraging them to participate.”
Following the incredible success of the Bridle Drift Race, the Real Gijimas Athletic Club is now preparing for the Real Gijimas 50km Ultra Marathon which will take place on March 16 from Zwelitsha to Mdantasane.
Entries are already available on Webtickets.
