Confusion galore as Van Zyl triumphs by taking the correct turn

DRAMA UNFOLDED yesterday as Irvette van Zyl won the fifth leg of the Spar Women’s 10km Challenge in Pietermaritzburg yesterday.

The 31-year-old Nedbank Running Club athlete was declared the winner after crossing the finish line which was filled with disappointment, confusion, sadness and tears in 34 minutes 26 seconds. Jenet Mbhele came second in 34:47, while Ruthendo Nyahora finished third in 34:56.

The confusion started between the fourth and fifth kilometre marks where the road split and runners had to run through the park.

Van Zyl followed the lead cyclist and turned left and a group of five runners – KMPG runner Kesa Molotsane, Boxer’s Glenrose Xaba, Lebohang Phalula, Lesotho international Mamorallo Tjoka and Nedbank Running Club member Neheng Khatala turned right following a marshal’s instructions.

The five athletes ran the shorter route until the finish line where they were disqualified for following the wrong route.

This brought confusion and disappointment to last year’s Grand Prix winner Molotsane and a teary Xaba who currently leads the Grand Prix standings with 87 points. KMPG have appealed the decision.

“We were told that the race was exactly the same from last year, and we received an SMS yesterday about the water table being at the top of the park. So, I knew that we needed to go through the park. Three of us in the leading pack had done the race last year, so it wasn’t new to us. I knew the route, and I knew where I was going so I am happy that I stuck to my decision to go solo,” said a relieved van Zyl.

“Five runners were disqualified for following the incorrect route. At the conclusion of the race, objections were lodged, and a jury was convened. A unanimous decision was made and Irvette van Zyl is recognised for running the correct route, therefore she officially is the winner of the 2018 Maritzburg Spar 10km race,” stated Race Director, Brad Glasspoole at the media briefing following the announcement.

The disqualification of Xaba and Molotsane affects the Grand Prix standings and there is a possibility that Nyahora might move to first position on the leaderboard.

The Zimbabwean athlete is currently fourth on the leaderboard with 60 points after finishing second in the Pretoria leg two weeks ago. The final race is on 7 October in Johannesburg

“It was quite a dramatic day for the top runners, but we are pleased that the policies and procedures in place were able to help resolve the results,” said Max Oliva, MD for Spar KwaZulu-Natal.