Bay runners shine at Washie 100 Miler
FOUR Richards Bay endurance athletes last weekend put Zululand firmly on the map as they not only braved the iconic Washie 100 Miler, but were rewarded with podium positions.
Dr Thandeka Ngetu representing Inkamana Athletics Club, Welile Mdunge (Chillie Running Club KZN), Peter Phaswane (NRB Harriers), and Marsha Muller (Maxed Elite) made the trip to the Eastern Cape, joining dozens of other runners for "the greatest and most sought after 100-miler, not only in South Africa, but in the world".
The 44th edition of this epic race between Port Alfred and East London got under way on Saturday evening and drew to a close on Sunday evening.
Unlike the Comrades Marathon, the Washie 100 is not televised and does not enjoy much publicity, with runners hearing about it through word of mouth.
Paediatrician and neonatologist, Dr Ngetu’s finishing time of 19 hours, 8 minutes earned her first place in the women’s category, and ninth position overall.
Having previously done the Washie only as a trial hike, she was immediately hooked at the sound of a marathon experience.
“I have been training and running regularly for the past 11 years, with a short break. I run for the pleasure of it, and to clear my headspace," said Dr Ngetu.
"The Washie is a very long race requiring a different kind of training. It presents you with a long period to clear your headspace and solve all the world’s problems!
"It is a proper pain cave, which is another way of training your mind and further improving your mental strength.
"I have done more trail runs than I can remember; I guess I’m constantly looking for a challenge and adventure,” she said.
Dr Ngetu will be on the start line at this year's Comrades, her fourth time participating in this world-renowned ultra marathon.
Birdswood residents Welile and Peter finished alongside each other in a time of 19 hours, 20 minutes, both labelling the experience as "proud and unexplainable".
Welile secured second place in the women's category, while Peter finished ninth in the men's race.
“This was my first Washie and I’m not sure yet whether or not I will be back next year, but maybe that's because my body is still in pain!" said Welile.
"One thing I do know for sure is that I have another crazy challenge coming up next month."
Welile is set to run her ninth Comrades in August.
“The experience is one you cannot share with anyone, but is unique because, firstly you run during the night and complete your race during the day.
"Secondly, you need a crew to support you all the way, without whom you’re nothing,” said Peter, for whom Washie was also his first 100 miler.
Claiming fourth place in the women's race, Marsha Muller finished in a time of 20 hours, 49 minutes.
This was Marsha's third Washie, and she looks forward to getting her permanent number after five races.
Her immediate goal, however, is the Comrades next month; her fourth time running this ultra marathon.
"I was very happy with my time and placing in the Washie. I wasn't going for a specific time, I was only too happy to be running it again after the two-year Covid break," said Marsha.
Her immediate running regime this week has been easy training but in the run-up to Comrades, Marsha will follow the Robert Mtshali programme.
"It's so amazing that four of us went to Washie from our area.
"On the start line, it felt like we were in Richards Bay, with all the chanting and singing. It was beautiful.
"I'm so in awe of the strength women are pulling out; we are rising to raise a nation of strong women," said Marsha.