Fast 10k races test for speed
Two weekends, two 10km races, both on fairly tough courses, with results of great interest.
The PWC race, organised by Old Selbornians, attracted the much anticipated large field of the New Year’s resolution brigade, and there is no reason to doubt that the East London Eye Hospital 10km Laser Challenge, being presented by the East London Athletics Club, will not be met by similar numbers.
The one difference that might come into play is that many of the province’s top runners were not ready to race last weekend, despite the fact that Easy Equities Born 2 Run’s Hanlie Botha showed an impressive return to form in winning the women’s race, while Luthando Hejana, having made yet another change of club, carried the bright green of Old Mutual AC to victory in the men’s race.
The two early 10km races do give an indication of current form, but that said it is far too early to predict a runner’s fortunes for the big races in March, April and beyond. Indeed, peaking in January, and it is not suggested that either Botha or Hejana are at a peak, is not a great place to be.
Hejana was followed home by Gift Chigomerawa, a runner not having appeared on a local podium in recent times and Yanga Zwelonke. Many a local was missing therefore, especially given that the top veteran, Xolisile Sinkintana of Real Gijimas, finished fourth.
The likes of All Stars runner Bulelani Mgubo should feature at the race on Saturday.
Botha is now 40 years old and thus also a veteran, but she is expected to realise peak times by the time the Two Oceans half marathon comes around. A minute after Botha was Steph Smith, new to the colours of national club Massmart, while third was the highly promising Born 2 Run junior, Tara Schwulst.
The Laser course is possibly somewhat faster than the PWC, largely due to the latter having a beach section that follows a very fast start and which in turn is followed by a long and tough climb out of Nahoon.
The Laser has an awfully difficult start. The first 500 metres are flat, but the next 1,200m takes the runners up Batting Road. Further hills are encountered at the turn from Coad Road into Mopani and again on the climb up from the Blue Lagoon Hotel. There is a fair amount of fast running too, however, so times could be improved.
Some of the more prominent women likely to be re-introduced into the fray should include Born 2 Run’s Andrea Ranger, Caryn Lategan, Melanie Schemel and a host of impressive age group runners from various clubs.
Sadly, from a local point of view, but excitingly for Cherise Sims, she will not be in the field as she is competing in the South African Cross Country Trials to select teams for the World Championship taking place in Denmark on 30 March.
On her way back from injury the young Boxer athlete will be followed with interest by local enthusiasts.
The Laser 10km starts from the Beacon Bay Country Club at 6.30am.