Ntshiliza boost for Real Gijimas marathon

THE buildup to the inaugural Real Gijimas 50km Ultra Marathon was boosted yesterday with the announcement that former Two Oceans winner George Ntshiliza will challenge for the title.

This was announced by race director Alex Kambule.

Ntshiliza, who runs out of Port Elizabeth in the colours of Nedbank, has enjoyed a long and interesting career covering track, cross country, the road from 10km up to the standard marathon, along with eight Two Oceans 56km performances, and one Comrades finish.

His performances in the Two Oceans half marathon were more consistent than in the ultra, although he won the latter but not the 21.1km.

He finished 10th at his first attempt in 2000, fifth a year later, back to 10th in 2002 before notching up two third places in 2003 and 2005.

In 2007 he ran his fastest-ever standard 42.2km marathon of 2:16:29 in Cape Town.

He ran his first 56km in 2009, finishing a disappointing 40th.

He was back a year later and moved up to 26th, before surprising the world to become the first South African in four years to win the Cape Town classic in 2011.

“I am going to win that 50km race in East London. Tell Mr Kambule that I will be there,” Ntshiliza said yesterday.

That will be music to the ears of Kambule, who might have other ideas about who will win.

But he will be delighted that Real Gijimas have attracted such a big name to their inaugural race, despite the country being awash with ultra marathon races.