The Stutterheim Athletic Club hosted another successful and challenging double header over 32km and 10km on a chilly Saturday morning, to the backdrop of their spectacular mountains.
In the Cumakala Challenge’s 32km, Luyolo Ngcongolo of Purac won by the proverbial mile in an excellent 1:54:10, establishing a new race record on an adjusted route to the previous races due to roadworks.
As was reported in the race preview, Malixole Kalideni would be using the race as a Comrades Marathon training run, which he did by running 2:00:44.
Two relative newcomers to the race followed, with Lithemba Mpekane, no club specified, finishing third in 2:01:38 and Sinokhanyo Dumaxako of Real Gijimas fourth in 2:05:24.
The 40+ age group, always well populated, was won by a regular to the podium, Simphiwe Majiki, in 2:07:36, followed by Xolisi Ntombini of Chillie Runners in 2:12:01 and Nkululo Mkhuzo of BCM in 2:25:10.
The 50+ race was somewhat sparse competition-wise, and Wandile Funde (Nedbank) made the most of his opportunities, winning in a respectable 2:20:15.
Second was Spelo Bobotyana of Komani in 2:35:21 and third, Thandabantu Poswa (Brac) in 2:42:40.
Mzoli Mpalala of Chillie won the 60+ in 2:34:56 from Colin Bosch of Old Selbornians in 3:01:37.
The first woman in was Sibu Swartbooi (Brac), who showed her potential for the second week in succession, with a time of 2:49:45 ahead of a previous winner, Siviwe Nomapelana of Justice AC in 2:52:27, Carmen Schaefer of Nedbank and Zuki Sam of MBSA.
Schaefer was the first 40+ runner, in 2:56:13, with Lesley Blair (Oxford Striders) second in 3:02:29 and Komani’s Wanda Gaba third in 3:10:33.
Linda Goduka of Omac won her umpteenth 50+ category race in 3:15:33, followed by a Brac duo of Ntombi Mbane and Xinti Zomzi, while the 60+ age group saw Sharon Bosch of Old Selbornians and Nomveliso Notyesi (Omac) take the honours.
The oldest runner was not to be outdone, with Rick Proctor of Gonubie Harriers top in the 70+ men’s. Helene Nel (EL Pacers) did the same in the women’s.
The 10km men’s race was comfortably won by Siyabonga Tunzi of Saps Striders, winning by a massive 4:06, roughly a kilometre from Holywood AC’S Sihle Ndebele, who was a further 1:23 ahead of third-placed Fungile Kowa of Correctional Services.
In the women’s race, Cindy Nel won a fourth title in as many years, missing out only at the inaugural event when her clubmate, Andrea Ranger, won in her absence.
Ranger, meanwhile, was second and the first 40+ runner, while Aviwe Matomela (Brac) offered hope of a newcomer to women’s podiums going forward by finishing third.
In the 50+ categories, Fungile Kowa (Correctional Services) was the men’s winner and Noluthando Bomvana of Justice AC the women’s.
Kidwell Charles (Brac) was the winner in the top 60+ in the men’s race, with Annette Meyer of Gonubie Harriers being no stranger to the winner’s podium, taking the women’s title.
The only junior action came in the men’s race, where Chulumanco Mayekiso (Komani) won from Oyama Stoto of Overtakers. The two young men both stood on the podium for the first time. — Daily Dispatch
