Good turnout for PE race, despite rumours

DESPITE rumours of athletes being discouraged from participating in the Gelvandale 15km race and 10km race walk due to safety concerns, nearly 400 turned up for the event.

The EPA office issued a circular last week advising athletes that spreading such rumours resulting in non participation was in conflict with the EPA constitution.

“We were quite happy with turnout,” X-cel athletic club chairman Dean Kivido said.

X-Cel co-hosted the event with Gelvan AC and Youth for Christ AC.

“If we had hosted the event at Kings Beach we would have easily doubled that number,” Kivido said. “Unfortunately, that is the reality. However, we will continue to host events in the northern areas.

“It is important that children in the area get an opportunity [to participate].

“Most of them cannot afford to travel to other parts of the city, not only to watch top athletes but to participate.

“On Saturday, we had excellent security with help from the metro police, traffic officers, Magnum Alarms and the sector police.”

More than 200 school children from the area took part in the 5km fun run.

Local roadrunning star Melikhaya Frans, who pocketed the R30,000 winner’s purse in the 1City marathon a fortnight

More than 200 school children from the area took part in the 5km fun run

ago, once again bagged the lion’s share of the prize money in the 15km race.

The Ikhamva athlete beat teammate Adrian Gerwel and Andile Motwana (Tinarha), finishing in 47:22 to pocket R2,500.

In the women’s category, Ntombesinthu Mfunzi, who anchored the Nedbank team which won the 1City marathon relay, was an easy winner on 59:26.

“On my coach’s instructions I didn’t push myself,” Mfunzi said. “I just stayed ahead of the of the chasing pack.”

In the 10km race walk over 25 laps at the Gelvandale stadium, Vuyolwethu Selani (Saps EP) won the men’s category in 1:08:07. Jos Els (Madiba Bay) won the women’s in 1:09:20. Results

15km Senior men: Melikhaya Frans (Ikhamva) 47:22, Adrian Gerwel (Ikhamva) 47:52, Andile Motwana (Tinarha) 48:14. Senior women: Ntombesinthu Mfunzi (Nedbank) 59:26, Luthando Nxanisa (Ikhamva) 1:01:46, Siphokazi Nojoko (Motherwell) 1:04:28. Junior Men: Anele Voorman (Nedbank) 56:33, Sinawo Poti (Ikhamva)1:00:37, Lindokuhle Mavatha (Nedbank) 1:01:05. Junior women: Jastine van der Berg (Saps EP) 1:34:26, Simone Olckers (Saps EP) 1:48:08. 10km Walk Men: Vuyolwethu Selani (Saps EP) 1:08:07, Sinethemba Mirele (Saps EP) 1:08:17, Cornelous Coetzee (Kouga Multi Sport) 1:17:32 Women: Jos Els (Madiba Bay) 1:09:20, Susan Piron (Charlo), Leta dos Santos (Infinity). Parkrun top finishers Hobie Beach: men - Damian Smith 18:17, women - Janette Schierz-Crusius 22:52 Sardinia Bay: men - Ryan Peter 21:00, Annette Lemmer 25:53. Lady Slipper: men - Nico Marais 32:40, women - Doz Phillips 34:48 Wells Estate: men - Yangi Mani 22:03, women - Laetitia Steyn 28:31. Jeffreys Bay: men - Simon Moshipu 21:49, women - Wilmien van Biljon 25:01 St Francis: men - Phillip Smith 19:01, women - Margie Saunders 21:14. Harkerville: men - Robbie Styger 21:08, women - Natalie Gray 24:55