Exacting 15km will be perfect barometer ahead of taxing Comrades

A 15KM road race that is more complex than most is what the Diesel Depot offers runners at the Mazars Diesel Depot Challenge tomorrow morning.

The race comes when the general running public are hungry for events to keep them going. It also serves as a near perfect race for Comrades runners to test just where they are in their training.

The weather has generally been good over the 20-plus years that the race has been in existence, though heavy flooding last year saw the event postponed. Predictions indicate that will not happen this weekend, although the start could be a tad chillier than most would wish for at around 14ºC.

Many feel that the race is tough, but those top athletes that we have spoken to suggest otherwise, provided an athlete knows the route, what to expect and when.

A strong Border training squad has been named with the SA HalfMarathon Championships in mind. There are however a number of runners who could still force their way into contention over the next two months, as the team will only be finalised at the end of June for the race on July 28. And this race is an ideal game-breaker for those who believe they should be there.

The men’s team is made up of 22 across the age groups and a strong open contingent of nine. Lukhanyo Ngxoko, Luthando Hejana and Lusapho April are the three that head the squad, while Lithobe Menzeleleli heads a four-man junior grouping.

SA Championship silver medallist in 2017, Siyabulela Madlavana is the pick of the veteran men, while gold medal winner Makaya Masumpa heads the masters challenge.

The women’s competition has never been as competitive with Hanlie Botha still the all-time fastest of the seven women chosen in the open category. Stephanie Smith and Cherise Sims are also chasing upfront.

Only Danieka de Kock has been selected for the junior women as Tara Schwulst is not available.

Karen Davis and Michelle Conroy can expect another veteran or two to come through and challenge for a place while it seems likely that on recent performances at least one more masters runner will join Sharon Wood and Sherae Kreusch in the team.

The Diesel Depot starts at the corner of Pearce St and Chamberlain Road at 6am and finishes at the Hamilton Club in Selborne.