Mountain Drive run success
Athletes back in numbers
Light rain had cleared by the 7am start of the GBS Mutual Bank Mountain Drive Half Marathon on Saturday September 17. But the weather remained cool, offering ideal running conditions.
“We are ecstatic,” said Rotary Grahamstown Sunset president Robyn Cooper.
“Our magic number was 200 and we got 208 entries.”
For the past two years under the Covid-19 lockdown, the event has been virtual, with the R50 entry fee going to Makhanda’s community kitchens that fed hungry families affected by the pandemic.
Cooper said the event had been a truly community supported event, with Round Table and Rotary Port Alfred stepping up along with Rotary Grahamstown Sunset members.
The race was hosted at Graeme College and St Andrew’s College piper Daniel Cotton played the runners up the mountain.
All the runners had rave reviews for the spirit of supporters, and especially at the water tables hosted by Victoria Girls’ High School (prize for the best water table), PJ Olivier, Kingswood Junior, Rotary Port Alfred, Pick n Pay, Grahamstown Flying Club and Kim Webber Real Estate.
George Ntshiliza from Nedbank Running Club won in a time of 1.14.40. Second in was Xolisa Ndlumbini of Gqeberha’s Vukani MS Club in 1.20.06 and third was Mzwanekle Maphekula (Ikhamva AC in 1.20.48.
The women’s race was won by Lauren Ranger (Easy EQ 1.38.25), followed by Asanda Zamisa (Sibaleka Nani 1.42.20) and Rommany Rogers (32GIEP AC 1.46.30).
Talk of the Town tracked local runners who placed: Ladies 40-49 Juanita Fuller (Albany Runners, 3rd); Men 5059 Thembinkosi Mdyogolo (Nedbank RC, 1st); Men 50-59 Mari Hockly (Albany Runners, 3rd); Men 60-plus Zwelethemba Yaka (Albany Runners, 3rd); Ladies 60-plus Lulama Mceka (Kowie Striders, 3rd). Thoko Sipungu was the first Albany runner in (1.25.47).Nathan Haggie from Rhodes finished in 1.34.12. Ian Robertson was the first Kowie Striders runner home in 2.08.04. Fellow club members Nelly Phiri followed in 2.20.56; with Lulama Mceka in 2.39.22 and Marietjie Robb in 2.47.03. Melikhaya Dyubule from Bathurst clocked 1.45.04.