Mfunzi guns for Hannover glory

Port Elizabeth long distance running queen Ntombesintu Mfunzi’s spirits are high ahead of her debut in the Hannover Marathon in Germany on April 7.

Mfunzi came second in the Bay Ultra race, clocking a time of three hours 51 minutes and 47 seconds at Pollok Beach on Saturday.

Despite failing to defend her title and losing it to East London’s Stephanie Smith, Mfunzi said her performance on the day proved she was on the right track in terms of her groundwork for the race in Germany.

“My preparations for Hannover are going very well, actually,” the Nedbank Running Club athlete said.

“The coach told me to go easy at the Bay Ultra. I was told to run at a pace of 45 minutes per kilometre until I reach the 42km mark and from there do four minutes per km until the finish.

“I was surprised how easy the race was for me. Even though I had to push to that four minutes per km, it didn’t feel like it.

“So, I can say we are on the right track. I am hoping for that fast time in Hannover.”

The 37-year-old athlete secured her ticket to participate in the Germany marathon late in 2018.

She was the first Eastern Cape runner to cross the finish line at the Hero’s Marathon in Mthatha on December 16.

The Department of Sport then offered Mfunzi the opportunity to take part in the Hannover race.