Racing in Challenging Conditions

A FIELD of nearly 1700 entered the 4 th edition of the BayRun with Discovery Vitality which started and finished at the Cape Recife High School on Saturday.

Andile Motwani, of Nedbank running club, successfully defended his title, winning the 21km with a strong lead in 01.08.07 and improving his time by 30 seconds from last year in challenging weather conditions.

The cold, wet conditions did not dampen the runners' spirits, and the race had a festive atmosphere. Discovery Vitality added bright pink to the grey skies with their wide expanse of branding lining the start and finish chutes.

Bestmed’s Lebogang Gababoe finished second in a time of 01.12.06, followed by Khaya Gqwetha of Vukani athletics club, in third position and first in his 40-49 age category, in 01.14.51.

In the women’s 21km, Dane Cronje, of Charlo athletics club, finished first in an impressive time of 01.26.45, followed by Duonette Horowitz of Achilles Amateur Athletics club, who also finished first in her 40-49 age category, in 01.41.11. Chantelle Cloete, of Run4Christ running club, finished in third position in 01.43.08.

Jonathan Mandell, the race director from host running club, 32Gi, was thrilled with the local support of the event for all three distances, 5km, 10km and 21km.

“We want to thank the running community for their amazing support this year, in tough weather conditions.”

“The only way to achieve success is to work with a committed team. The 32Gi members pulled together to achieve an incredible race, together with our presenting partner, Discovery Vitality, we look forward to the continued support of runners as we plan our bumper 5 th edition next year!” added Mandell.

Mxoleleni Tabata, of Achilles Amateur Athletics club, won the 10km in 0.31.51, followed by Rick Swemmer, of Plettenberg Bay Running club, in second position in a time of 0.33.38. Agcobile Jezile of Achilles Amateur Athletics club finished third, and the first junior in a time of 0.33.38. The women’s 10km was won with a strong lead by Hlengiwe Nkosi, of Bestmed running club, in 0.40.34. She was followed by Sitha Sigenu of Vukani, in second place in 0.47.12, with Renel Billson, of Jeffreys Bay athletics club, finishing in third position and the first female junior to finish in at time of 0.48.55.

The 5km men’s race was won by Siyathemba Mbaduli, of Muirite running club in 25.34.20 and Sane Grootboom, of Run4Christ was the first woman to finish the 5km in a time of 33.36.90.

Charles Segalo, of Charlo athletics club, won the sought-after R2500 cash lucky draw prize.