Ready for the action

MORE than 600 runners will face the starter’s gun tomorrow morning at the start of the Twizza Bonkolo marathon and half marathon at the Bonkolo Dam outside Queenstown.

Registration for the runners who have entered, will take place at the Yacht Club from 5pm tonight.

A pasta meal will be on sale.

Last year’s winner of the marathon, Luthando Hejana from the club Born2Run, is back to defend his title and a promise to better the time of 2hrs 25min, set by Zilindle Ndziweni in 2000.

The ladies’ title of the marathon will be contested by Pakama Dyum ( Eskom Athletics Club), Nosisa Hlunani (Cheetahs Athletic Club) and Yvette Louw (Born2Run).

All have vowed to better the record set by Celeste Swart, set in 1999.

Former Queenstown women have entered.

The Van Altena sisters, Hermien Jones (21.1km) and Wilma Buitendag (42.2km) and Adele Slabbert (Humpel) will be competing in the 42.2km.

Former marathon record holder, Hendrik Erasmus, from the local club, has entered to run the half.

Queenstown athlete and amputee, Japie Greyvenstein, will again be attempting the marathon and hopes to be able to qualify for the Comrades Marathon next year.

Established local runners Christian de Kock (17 runs), Luyanda Ndzandza (13 runs) and Malcolm Lentoor (14 runs) will also be running in the marathon.

Picture: FILE HERE TODAY: Sbura Sithole, who plays for the Sharks as a winger or centre, re turns to his Alma Mater, Queen’s College, as guest speak er at this evening’s sports awards. Sitho le matriculated in 2008. He was the first 15 captain and athletics...

Picture: MARK ANDREWS @ Daily Dispatch CAN HE? Luthando Hejana of Born2Run will defend his 2014 Twizza Bonkolo marathon title