Big entry and wins in Bonkolo
Hlabahlaba takes it again
The popular Twizza Bonkolo Marathon attracted 356 eager participants last Saturday, who set off on the 21km and 42km events at 5.30am on Saturday.
The early start saw the runners depart from College Avenue in pleasant weather conditions.
However, this year’s route change introduced a steep incline with a dash of crosscountry terrain near Berry Dam.
Bloemfontein’s Pule Hlabahlaba won the 42km – for the third time – in two hours, 38 min 34 sec.
He was followed by Aphelele Fesenekho, from Fort Hare Athletics Club, in 2:41:51, and Xolile Ndabeni, from Boksburg Athletics Club, in third, in 2:48:38.
The 42km women’s winner was Nothando Makaka, from Chillie running club in Midrand, who crossed the finish line in 4:05:30.
She was followed by Caryn Edwards in second place, in 4:06:18, and Hayley Mclaren who finished third in 4:11:34. The 21km men’s race was claimed by Ntsebenzo Nake from Idutywa, in 1:07:42.
Behind him was Yanga Malusi, who finished in 1:10:41, and Xavier Adams in third in 1:14:54.
In the women’s 21km, Hanlie Botha emerged the winner, reaching the finish line in 1:22:33. She was followed by Caryn Lategan, in 1:29:05, and Lusanda Bomvana in third, in 1:29:27.
Speaking after his 42km win, an elated Hlabahlaba, said: “I was just running to complete the marathon I did not anticipate that I would win.
“It is my third time winning the Twizza Bonkolo marathon. I did not foresee the race would be challenging from 29km.
“We climbed hills for an hour-and-a-half. At the second incline, my muscles began to complain around the curves.”
Hlabahlaba said opening a gap of one minute and 40 seconds had assisted him in the end.
Makaka unfortunately could not be reached for comment on her 42km win.
Nake said his target had been to win the 21km in 65 minutes.
“I got delayed in a muddy, watery area which was difficult to navigate. I ended up making 67 and 15 minutes.
“I ran the half marathon a while back, I love it and I will return next year. The race is measured properly, so I can improve my time.”
Botha said she last ran the Bonkolo marathon when pregnant with her second child.
“I loved the new scenic route, the gravel twist they brought into it and the water points were well-supported,” she said.
Twizza’s Lucy Lyons thanked Queenstown Harriers athletics Club, Twizza, Queens College senior and junior schools, as well as the Queen’s Old Boys Association for teaming up to make the event a success.