​Results of the Andrew Greyling road race in Pretoria on Saturday (17 September, 2016):
21km
Men
Open: 1 Africa Mailola (Nedbank) 1:09:23, 2 Siyabonga Dingile (Nedbank) 1:14:01, 3 Andrew Mogotlane (Nedbank) 1:14:27

Veterans: 1 Frank Ramapuputla (Beefcor) 1:21:35

Masters: 1 Elias Legodi (Ford) 1:25:42

Grandmasters: 1 Mike du Bruto (Irene) 1:35:34

Great Grandmasters: 1 Pele Tshikundamalema (Olifants) 2:04:31

Juniors: 1 Kyle Goodman (ACE) 1:25:36

Walkers: 1 Sizwe Ndebele (Tuks) 1:53:10, 2 Mthunzi Mnisi (Transnet) 1:54:57, 3 Jaap Willemse (Irene) 2:13:50
Women
Open: 1 Vuyokazi Gebe (Transnet) 1:29:28, 2 Lisa Maritz (Irene) 1:31:56, 3 Marcelle Coetzee (KPMG) 1:32:02

Veterans: 1 Mitsie vd Westhuizen (KPMG) 1:34:02

Masters: 1 Ansa Strydom (Nedbank) 1:43:54

Grandmasters: 1 Carole de Waal (Wingate) 2:05:17

Great Grandmasters: 1 Debbie van Heerden (Roodepoort) 2:18:56

Juniors: 1 Sumarie Moolman (ACRW) 1:48:42

Walkers: Sandra Steenkamp (Irene) 2:06:37, 2 Rhoda Willemse (Irene) 2:17:34, 3 Elsa Meyer (Irene) 2:23:49
10km
Men
Open: 1 Paulus Radebe (Tembisa) 31:58, 2 Vincent Kipchirchir (Nedbank) 32:13, 3 Asemahle Nkwali (Tembisa) 32:14

Veterans: 1 Tshepo Matlhare (HQH) 38:20

Masters: 1 Tidimalo Modiga (Temp) 36:09

Grandmasters: 1 Leon vd Westhuizen (RWFL) 55:21

Great Grandmasters: 1 Danie Roux (Kempton) 65:36

Over-80: Ken Nurden (Agape) 63:00

Juniors: 1 Xander vd Merwe (VTM) 38:46

Walkers: 1 Wayne Snyman (Tuks) 43:21, 2 Lebogang Shange (RAC) 48:07, 3 Tumisang Pule (Tuks) 52:33
Women
Open: 1 Marelise Retief (Boxer) 37:56, 2 Stella Marias (Tuks) 41:31, 3 Historina Mokoena (Temp) 43:11

Veterans: 1 Lorraine Boshoff (VTM) 45:34

Masters: 1 Debbie Bredenkamp (HQH) 48:01

Grandmasters: 1 Francis van Blerk (Nedbank) 50:38

Great Grandmasters: 1 Annetjie Greyvenstain (Irene) 56:25

Over-80: 1 Deidre Larkin (Randburg) 65:47

Juniors: 1 Tikara Nothnagl (VTM) 47:29

Walkers: 1 Nthatisi Mokhele (GS) 61:00, 2 Mariaan Serdyn (PMWC) 63:48, 3 Celeste Ruck (Love Running) 66:38
* Results courtesy of Chamberlain’s Timekeeping (www.raceresults.co.za)

Shadrack Kemboi of Kenya will defend his Cape Town Marathon title this weekend

With pacemakers in place to lead the men’s line-up, and a faster, flatter course on offer, the elite pack will target a sub-2:09 performance at the IAAF Silver Label race.

“Ensuring we have quality fields which can run fast times is a key part of our goal to achieve IAAF Gold Label status, and we are pleased to again showcase a world-class line-up,” said race ambassador Elana Meyer.

“By introducing pacers we are confident of seeing some record performances this weekend.”

Shadrack Kemboi, who won the race last year in 2:11:41, will spearhead a strong international men’s contingent which also includes the likes of fellow sub-2:10 runners Teferi Fekadu Girma and Kaleb Keshebo Basore of Ethiopia, nine-time European cross country champion Sergey Lebid of Ukraine, and Dickson Marwa who holds the Tanzanian national half-marathon record of 59:52.

The local contingent, aiming to earn the first SA win since the race was relaunched in 2014, consists of a mix of rising stars and experienced contenders who will be eager to outclass the foreign onslaught.

The domestic line-up will be carried by Lungile Gongqa, though he may be tired from over-racing since he finished second last year in 2:11:59, and former national champion Benedict Moeng.

Eager to establish their places among the continent’s elite athletes over the classic distance, some of the country’s most promising marathon runners will also turn out, including Lucky Mohale and Xolisa Tyali.

In the women’s race, the international field will be spearheaded by Megertu Ifa Geletu of Ethiopia, who clocked 2:29:45 at the Dubai Marathon in January, and Kenyan athlete Jane Kiptoo, who holds a personal best of 2:31:21.

The domestic challenge will be led by veteran Tanith Maxwell, who clocked a career record of 2:32:33 at the Berlin Marathon in 2010, Keneilwe Sesing, who finished sixth last year on debut in 2:43:38, Lebogang Phalula, who will make her first appearance over the 42.2km distance, and former national champion Zintle Xiniwe.

The 10km race has also attracted some of the country’s fastest road runners, with SA record holder Stephen Mokoka and Olympic marathon runner Sibusiso Nzima spearheading the men’s line-up.

Diana-Lebo Phalula, who also competed in the Olympic marathon in Rio last month, will turn out as the favourite for the women’s title.

​

Results of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon on Sunday, 18 September, 2016 (RSA unless otherwise stated):

42km

Men

Open: 1 Asefa Negewo (ETH) 2:08:41, 2 Emmanuel Tirop (KEN) 2:08:47, 3 Barnabus Kiptum (KEN) 2:09:21, 4 Motlokoa Nkhabutlane (LES) 2:11:02, 5 Desmond Mokgobu 2:11:33, 6 Moses Kurgat (KEN) 2:13:16, 7 Shamil Ahmed (ETH) 2:13:42, 8 Benedict Moeng 2:13:52, 9 Xolisa Tyali 2:14:26, 10 Weldon Kirui (KEN) 2:16:35
Women

Open: 1 Tish Jones (GBR) 2:36:13, 2 Megertu Geletu (ETH) 2:36:34, 3 Lebogang Phalula 2:38:00, 4 Jane Kiptoo (KEN) 2:38:44, 5 Lavinia Haitope (NAM) 2:40:50, 6 Fortunate Chidzivo (ZIM) 2:41:54, 7 Chelitu Asefa (ETH) 2:42:25, 8 Konjit Biruk (ETH) 2:44:24, 9 Gezashign Gemeda (ETH) 2:44:39, 10 Vicoty Chepkemoi (RSA) 2:45:02
10km

Men

Open: 1 Namakoe Nkhasi (LES) 28:28, 2 Sibusiso Nzima 28:42, 3 Sibabalwe Jongolo 29:09, 4 Precious Mashele 29:29, 5 Kabelo Melamu 29:27, 6 Tumisang Monnatlala 29:36, 7 Reinhold Tomas (NAM) 29:38, 8 Quaniet Jakoet 29:39, 9 Siboniso Soldaka 29:39, 10 Marko Bucarizza 29:47
Women

Open: 1 Helalia Johannes (NAM) 32:44, 2 Diana-Lebo Phalula 33:25, 3 Alina Armas (NAM) 34:15, 4 Jenna Challenor 34:51, 5 Nicole van der Merwe 35:45, 6 Anel Coetzee 36:26, 7 Tanya Scott 36:35, 8 Ncumisa James 36:52, 9 Robyn Kaltenbrunn 37:27, 10 Puseletso Dladla 37:28

Negewo crosses the line to win the men’s race

Negewo was locked in a tightly contested battle with Kenyan athlete Emmanuel Tirop in the latter stages of the IAAF Silver Label race, but he managed to break clear in the dash for the line to win in 2:08:41.

His time was more than a minute quicker than David Tsebe’s 2:09:50, set in Port Elizabeth 26 years ago, which had previously been the fastest time run on SA soil on a non-aided course.

While Zithulele Sinqe clocked 2:08:04 in 1986, also in Port Elizabeth, that performance was achieved on a downhill course which was not considered for record purposes.

“The pacemakers did a great job and without them we could not have run the times we did today,” said Negewo, after organisers introduced pace setters for the first time, with Elroy Gelant and Henry Kiplagat taking the lead men to the 30km mark.

Tirop, who put up a determined fight, finished second in 2:08:47, with countryman Barnabus Kiptum ending third in 2:09:21.

Desmond Mokgobu, who won the SA title in 2014, produced the best form of his life to finish fifth overall in 2:11:33.

The first South African across the line, Mokgobu shattered his personal best of 2:15:17, which he had set in Santiago in April last year.

In the women’s race, Jones paced herself well in her second appearance over the classic 42.2km distance, earning victory in 2:36:13.

Jones, who is based in Cape Town, believed she could go even quicker with more experience.

“This is my second marathon, so I need to learn from people, but the experience I have behind me helped me pace myself today,” she said.

Megertu Geletu of Ethiopia was second in 2:36:34 and South African debutant Lebogang Phalula grabbed third spot in 2:38:00.

In the 10km race, held in conjunction with the annual marathon contest, Namakoe Nkhasi of Lesotho took the win in 28:28, with local athlete Sibusiso Nzima snatching second place in 28:42.

Namibian Helalia Johannes bagged the women’s title in 32:44 and Diana-Lebo Phalula ended second in 33:25.
* Results of the open men’s and women’s races are available in our Results section

​Results of the Sasfin/Gerald Fox Memorial road race in Johannesburg on Sunday (18 September, 2016):
21km
Men
Open: 1 Retsepile Khotle (Benoni Harriers) 1:09:19, 2 Jonas Makhele (Nedbank) 1:10:19, 3 Thabiso Lethabane (Nedbank) 1:10:48

Veterans: 1 Justanus Gantsi (AMPA) 1:15:32, 2 Handsome Siwela (Nedbank) 1:18:17

Masters: 1 Simon Ramashapa (Corrobrick) 1:23:30, 2 Meshack Motla (Goldfields) 1:27:57

Grandmasters: 1 John Woodnutt (Morningside) 1:37:10

Juniors: 1 Dzunani Baloyi (Nedbank) 1:22:13, 2 Luke Schlebusch (Nedbank) 1:22:43
Women
Open: 1 Jennifer Koech (Nedbank) 1:29:32, 2 Mia van Heerden (Temp) 1:31:47, 3 Andronika Mokgotla (Nedbank) 1:32:16

Veterans: 1 Nina Power (Team Vitality) 1:36:15, 2 Maria Vilakazi (RWFL) 1:37:00

Masters: 1 Sharon Knopfmacher (Team Vitality) 1:50:36, 2 Laura Venter (Nedbank) 1:52:15

Grandmasters: 1 Gerda Hunt (RAC) 2:18:47

Juniors 1 Tinyiko Mdluli (Blue Sky) 1:54:27, 2 Zwivhuya Ramuthogi (Blue Sky) 2:20:45
10km
Men
Open: 1 Kabelo Seboko (Lydiard) 31:58; 2 Derocious Makhobalo (Nedbank) 32:46; 3 Simon Mpholo (Nedbank) 33:21

Veterans: 1 Simon Mpholo (Nedbank) 33:21, 2 George Mooi (Gallopers) 36:22

Masters: 1 Tidimalo Modiga (Temp) 36:56, 2 Sontaga Mabale (Midrand) 40:46

Grandmasters: 1 Allan Smith (Mercury) 42:42

Juniors: 1 Kabelo Seboko (Lydiard) 31:58, 2 Mpuru Moeketsi (Nedbank) 34:18

Walkers: 1 Sizwe Ndebe (Tuks) 48:21, 2 Mthunzi Mnisi (Transnet) 48:40, 3 Tumisang Pule (Tuks) 48:50
Women
Open: 1 Kim Norton (RAC) 40:50, 2 Ommalisa Moyo (Tembisa) 43:27, 3 Veliswa Dunjwa (Ulinda) 44:46

Veterans: 1 Veliswa Dunjwa (Ulinda) 44:46, 2 Assalina Nyathi (Post Office) 51:16

Masters: 1 Sarah Mahlangu (Ricoh) 48:59, 2 Xolisile Mwelase (Phuma) 49:16

Grandmasters: 1 Sonja Laxton (RAC) 52:26

Juniors: 1 Delight Ncube (Simunye Global) 45:26, 2 Khutso Moketla (Lydiard) 47:39

Walkers: 1 Udelle de Winnaar (UJ) 58:42, 2 Nthatisi Mokhele (GS) 63:53, 3 Buyisile Mazibuko (Orlando) 65:05

​

Sprinter Charl du Toit earned two gold medals at the Rio Paralympics

The national para-athletics team delivered in style by carrying the SA squad at the Paralympic Games in Rio.
Taking the baton from the able-bodied team, which contributed four of the nation’s 10 medals at last month’s Olympics, the track and field squad bagged 15 of the country’s 17 medals at the Paralympics, which came to a close on Sunday.
Four athletes earned two medals each at the Games, with Charl du Toit bagging double gold in the 100m and 400m T37 sprint events, Hilton Langenhoven earning gold in the T12 long jump and silver in the 200m dash, Dyan Buis pocketing gold in the 400m T38 final and bronze in the long jump, and Ilse Hayes scooping silver in the 100m and 400m T13 finals.
Among the other standout performers were Ernst van Dyk, who finished sixth in the T54 wheelchair marathon at his seventh straight Paralympics after securing gold in the H5 road cycling race, flag bearer Zanele Situ, who returned to the podium for the first time in 12 years with bronze in the F54 javelin throw, and 14-year-old speedster Ntando Mahlangu who grabbed silver in the 200m T42 final.
The SA team finished 22nd overall in the Rio medals table with seven gold, six silver and four bronze.

SA track and field medallists at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio:

Gold

Charl du Toit – men’s 100m T37; 400m T37

Dyan Buis – men’s 400m T38

Hilton Langenhoven – men’s long jump F12

Reinhardt Hamman – men’s javelin throw F38

Silver

Ilse Hayes – women’s 100 T13; 400m T13

Jonathan Ntutu – men’s 100m T12

Ntando Mahlangu – men’s 200m T42

Hilton Langenhoven – men’s 200m T12

Anrune Liebenberg – women’s 400m T47

Bronze

Fanie van der Merwe – men’s 100m T37

Dyan Buis – men’s long jump F38

Tyrone Pillay – men’s shot put F42

Zanele Situ – women’s javelin throw F54

​

Lebogang Phalula will compete in Joburg, just six days after making her marathon debut (photo credit: Mark Sampson

Local favourite Lebo Phalula will square off against in-form Zimbabwean Rutendo Nyahora this weekend for the women’s title at the inaugural FNB Joburg 10k CityRun, organisers have revealed.

While Phalula and Nyahora both struggled to hit top form at the Olympic marathon in Rio last month, finishing 63rd and 92nd respectively, they have been in good form since returning from the Games.

Phalula showed a turn of speed to win the recent Randburg Harriers Street Mile and finished second in the 10km race at the Cape Town Marathon last week in 33:25.

“I want to run fast… and after Cape Town I know that I am in good shape,” Phalula said.

Nyahora, meanwhile, coasted to victory at the fourth leg of the Spar Women’s Grand Prix 10km series in Centurion, clocking 35:25 as she crossed the line 15 seconds ahead of Phalula.

“The Olympics are a month behind us and I am in good shape after my win in Centurion on a tough course,” Nyahora said.

“It will be good to race against my friends and rivals, the Phalula sisters, but I know this will be a hard race.

“They always go out hard and push the pace from the gun, but I am confident that I can take them on and even beat them.”

While Phalula’s twin sister Lebogang was also included in the line up for this week’s contest, she finished third in her 42km debut at the Cape Town Marathon at the weekend in 2:38:00, and she was unlikely to have recovered sufficiently to contend for the win.

Organisers announced an elite men’s field last week which included local stars Stephen Mokoka and Elroy Gelant.

The Joburg 10K CityRun, which offers a R190 000 prize purse, will be held on Saturday.

​

Stephen Mokoka, seen here winning the 2014 Shanghai Marathon, is among the favourites for the Joburg 10k CityRun title

A tough battle is on the cards on Saturday, according to Stephen Mokoka, as the nation’s top distance runners prepare to lock horns at the inaugural FNB Joburg 10k CityRun.

Mokoka, the SA 10km record holder (27:38), will toe the line against a quality local line-up.

Fellow favourites include national 5 000m record holder Elroy Gelant and marathon runner Sibusiso Nzima, who has been in superb form this season.

With Nzima taking second place in the 10km race at last week’s Cape Town Marathon in 28:42, behind Namakoe Nkhasi of Lesotho (28:28), Mokoka was bracing for a domestic onslaught this weekend.

“We saw a good 10k last week, with two guys running under 28:50, which shows people are in shape,” Mokoka, who will aim for his third Shanghai Marathon victory next month, said on Friday.

“I think it’s a pretty good elite field because it’s the creme of South African runners. We’ve got some young athletes and strong runners who we run cross country and track with, so for me it’s a very challenging field.”

Lebogang Phalula, meanwhile, fired a warning at her opponents in the elite women’s race.

Despite clocking 2:38:00 on her marathon debut in Cape Town last week, Phalula said she was feeling strong enough to put up a fight against a line-up which included her twin sister Diana-Lebo, who was second in the Cape Town 10km last week in 33:25, and Zimbabwean athlete Rutendo Nyahora.

“This is my event, with (sponsors) Puma and (promoters) Stillwater Sports involved, so I have to run,” Phalula said.

“I am tired but my message to the ladies is to watch this space. I am fresh enough.”

Just under 11 000 runners are expected to turn out at the first edition of the 10km race through the streets of Joburg.

​

Results of the Clover Irene road race in Pretoria on Saturday (24 September, 2016):

21km

Men

Open: 1 Derocious Makhobalo (Nedbank) 1:06:10, 2 Moses Kurgat (Nedbank) 1:06:27, 3 Lucky Mtshali (Nedbank) 1:08:12, 4 Chamakwana Mailola (Nedbank) 1:08:20, 5 Willem Maphanga (Arcadia) 1:10:02

Veterans: 1 Action Ramaboea (Ivory Park) 1:16:19, 2 Reuben Setumi (Nedbank) 1:16:27, 3 Sipho Dlamini (GCH) 1:20:30

Masters: 1 Graeme McCallum (Born 2 Run) 1:19:47, 2 Joseph Ndlovu (ACE) 1:23:04

Grandmasters: 1 John Woodnutt (Morningside) 1:32:14, 2 Theo Swanepoel (Kempton) 1:36:30

Great Grandmasters: 1 Pele Tshikundamalema (Olifants) 1:51:13

Juniors: 1 Lucky Mahlalela (Ivory Park) 1:44:07

Walkers: 1 Sizwe Ndebele (Tuks) 1:46:33, 2 Mthunzi Mnisi (Tuks) 1:47:37, 3 Jeffrey Manamela (Alberton) 1:51:09

Women

Open: 1 Marelise Retief (Boxer) 1:23:33, 2 Andronica Mokgotla (Nedbank) 1:28:28, 3 Jeannie Jordaan (Modern Athlete) 1:30:31, 4 Maria Vilikazi (RWFL) 1:30:54, 5 Mitsie vd Westhuizen (KPMG) 1:31:08

Veterans: 1 Maria Vilakazi (RWFL) 1:30:54, 2 Mitsie vd Westhuizen (KPMG) 1:31:08, 3 Vanessa Bowman (Kempton) 1:36:51

Masters: 1 Ansa Strydom (Nedbank) 1:37:57, 2 Rita van Wyk (Boksburg) 1:44:00

Grandmasters: 1 Lettie Coetzee (PPMK) 2:00:24, 2 Gizelle Geyer (Phobians) 2:13:59

Great Grandmasters: 1 Deidre Larkin (Randburg Harriers) 2:21:58

Walkers: 1 Rhoda Willemse (Aurecon) 2:13:02, 2 Anita Starkey (FFA) 2:31:22, 3 Elna Tominson (Amanzi) 2:37:46

10km

Men

Open: 1 Lucas Jani (Nedbank) 30:54, 2 Kemang Khunonyane (Rockies) 31:32, 3 Paulus Radebe (Tembisa) 31:38, 4 Jacob Tseko (Rockies) 32:20, 5 Esau Radebe (Nedbank) 32:41

Veterans: 1 James Mgcina (Sports Connection) 34:49, 2 Matthews Nkoana (ACSA) 36:24, 3 Leon Baker (Midrand) 36:30

Masters: 1 Dawie de Villiers (Nedbank) 37:48, 2 Joseph Moloto (PMMC) 39:41

Grandmasters: 1 Neville Young (CSIR) 53:09, 2 Chris van Wyk (Boksburg) 54:42

Great Grandmasters: 1 Ken Nurden (Agape) 59:21

Juniors: 1 Ryan Mphahlele (Tembisa) 32:48, 2 Daniel Shelver (Magnolia) 45:36

Walkers: 1 Tumisang Pule (Tuks) 47:11, 2 Sipho Mahlangu (Transnet) 55:51, 3 Jan Bester (ACRW) 56:20

Women

Open: 1 Stella Marais (Tuks) 40:45, 2 Zintle Sinqe (Nedbank) 41:23, 3 Ommalisa Moyo (Tembisa) 41:24, 4 Marelise Vermaak (Kempton) 42:12, 5 Historina Mokoena (SAPS Pta) 42:54

Veterans: 1 Marelise Vermaak (Kempton) 42:12, 2 Tania Blignaut (Nedbank) 45:50, 3 Patricia Forbes (Tuks) 46:04

Masters: 1 Lettie Saayman (Nedbank) 46:13, 2 Linda vd Gryp (Krugersdorp) 46:26

Grandmasters: 1 Francis van Blerk (Nedbank) 50:20, 2 Marian vd Walt (Running Inn) 1:02:28

Great Grandmasters: 1 Phyllis Maartens (Fit 2000) 1:27:48

Juniors: 1 Caelin vd Westhuizen (Active Eagles) 43:51, 2 Carissa Schubert (Love Running) 53:16

Walkers: 1 Chanice Klink (Tuks) 1:00:37, 2 Mariaan Serdyn (PMWC) 1:01:16, 3 Celeste Scheepers (PMWC) 1:05:08

* Results courtesy of Chamberlain’s Timekeeping (www.raceresults.co.za)

​

Namakoe Nkhasi breasts the tape to win the men’s race (photo credit: Tobias Ginsberg)

Nkhasi, who won the 10km race at the Cape Town Marathon last week, added another title after breaking away from an eight-man lead group in the second half.

With only Edwin Koech able to stick with his relentless pace on the tough course, Nkhasi dropped the Kenyan athlete with less than three kilometres remaining to take the win in 29:48.

Koech finished second in 30:07 and early leader Sibusiso Nzima held on for third position in 30:10.

Phalula, who was third in her 42km debut in Cape Town six days earlier, broke clear in the latter stages of the race to win by nearly half a minute in 35:33.

Rutendo Nyahora of Zimbabwe grabbed second spot in 35:59 and Glenrose Xaba charged through for third in 36:07.

Phalula’s twin sister Diana-Lebo was in contention for most of the race, but after fading to fourth (36:31) in warm conditions at the high-altitude event, she collapsed and needed medical assistance.

After being stretchered to the medical tent, however, reports suggested that she was recovering well.

* Full results are available in our Results section

​

Results of the FNB Joburg 10k CityRun in Johannesburg on Saturday, 24 September, 2016 (RSA unless otherwise stated):

Men

Open: 1 Namakoe Nkhasi (LES) 29:48, 2 Edwin Koech (KEN) 30:07, 3 Sibusiso Nzima 30:10, 4 Phillimon Mathiba 30:30, 5 Joel Mmone 30:32, 6 Elroy Gelant 30:52, 7 Stephen Mokoka 30:53, 8 Gladwin Mzazi 31:00, 9 Jonas Makhele 31:02, 10 Collen Mulaudzi 31:08

Veterans: 1 Charles Tjiane 32:17, 2 Teddy Hutamo 35:19, 3 Gustav Roos 35:45

Masters: 1 Nel Ntsweni 39:18, 2 Zebulon Mokonoto 39:20, 3 Luke Mabaso 42:00

Grandmasters: 1 Chris Reed 51:17, 2 Tommy Gibson 54:17, 3 Wangry Mapapanyane 54:28

Great Grandmasters: 1 Joe Teixeira 1:05:49, 2 Ken Rodger 1:11:36, 3 Rob Girdwood 1:13:45

Juniors: 1 Steve Shongwe 34:40, 2 Christopher Conroy 35:44, 3 Leepi Taunyana 36:36

Women

Open: 1 Lebogang Phalula 35:33, 2 Rutendo Nyahora (ZIM) 35:59, 3 Glenrose Xaba 36:07, 4 Diana-Lebo Phalula 36:31, 5 Kesa Moletsane 36:36, 6 Andrea Steyn 36:41, 7 Maria Shai 37:14, 8 Yolande Maclean 38:12, 9 Forunate Chidzivo (ZIM) 38:41, 10 Kataza Shipalana 38:53

Veterans: 1 Penelope Taylor 48:39, 2 Anna Akerlund 48:56, 3 Maria Bendana 49:47

Masters: 1 Sandra Brookstone 47:47, 2 Carol Barnard 49:29, 3 Natalie Sanders 50:01

Grandmasters: 1 Lida Olivier 59:19, 2 Esme Pereira 1:00:23, 3 Ithuteng Boshoe 1:09:27

Great Grandmasters: 1 Mateis Mtshali 1:31:47, 2 Maria Sotiropoulos 1:38:30

Juniors: 1 Thobile Amon 40:16, 2 Malithabo Seema 44:46, 3 Lethabo Seema 45:01

* Results courtesy of www.finishtime.co.za

​

Results of the Powertraveller 4 Peaks Mountain Challenge presented by the Bloemfontein Courant 24km trail race in the Free State on Saturday (24 September, 2016):

Men

Open: 1 Lucky Miya 2:40:54, 2 Chabedi Nyedimane 2:41:55, 3 Sampie Makoekoe 2:47:51

Veterans: 1 Sampie Makoekoe 2:47:51, 2 Joggie Rossouw 3:20:13, 3 Sampie Morapedi 3:31:01

Masters: 1 Reuter Sorour 5:11:20, 2 Gerhard Vosloo 5:31:37, 3 Michael Dooley 5:34:34

Women

Open: 1 Estie Szoke 3:58:02, 2 Jeanne Havinga 4:17:48, 3 Rizta Fouche 4:18:41

Veterans: 1 Natasja Kask 4:20:25, 2 Ebeth Enslin 4:20:25, 3 Sam Morard 5:20:46

Masters: 1 Henrietta Hager 5:58:57, 2 Trudie Oosthuizen 6:22:06, 3 Saretha Ferreira 7:32:53

​

Ernst van Dyk

Veteran wheelchair racer Ernst van Dyk grabbed second place in a sprint finish on Sunday at the Berlin Marathon in Germany.

Van Dyk formed part of a six-man lead group in a late dash.

Marcel Hug of Switzerland broke away to win in 1:59:21, with the South African crossing the line two seconds later.

Meanwhile, Ethiopian athlete Kenenisa Bekele, the world 5 000m and 10 000m record holder, won a spectacular elite men’s race in 2:03:03 at the World Marathon Majors event.

While Kenyan Wilson Kipsang put up a strong fight for victory, dropping Bekele twice in the latter stages of the race, he had no response when the former track specialist tore clear to miss the world record by six seconds. Kipsang finished second in 2:03:13.

In the women’s contest, Ethiopian Aberu Kebede took a comfortable win in 2:20:45, well ahead of compatriot Birhane Dibaba who was second in 2:23:58.

Manuela Schar of Switzerland earned the women’s wheelchair title in 1:43:00.

​

Comrades Marathon ‘down’ run record holder David Gatebe will form part of the SA team at the 100km World Championships

While the country’s top ultra runners have reclaimed their dominance of prestigious domestic races in recent years, racking up victories at the 89km Comrades and 56km Two Oceans events, a national team has not been sent to the international 100km spectacle since 2011.

Hoping to make an impact with a powerful five-man squad, coach John Hamlett said on Thursday he was confident of their chances with four Comrades winners – David Gatebe, Bongmusa Mthembu, Ludwick Mamabolo and Gift Kelehe – set to be joined by Rufus Photo, one of the country’s most promising ultra runners.

“The guys are really keen,” said Hamlett, who coaches Gatebe and Kelehe, and will form part of team management in Spain.

“David and Gift will be spending six to eight weeks in the mountains (at a high altitude camp in Dullstroom) to prepare, and the other three guys will be training with their respective coaches.”

Gatebe displayed spectacular form earlier this year, shattering Russian Leonid Shvetsov’s nine-year-old Comrades ‘down’ run record by more than two minutes when he clocked 5:18:19 in Durban in May.

Also a former winner of the Two Oceans, he possesses the speed, endurance and mental strength to put up a fight for a medal at the global championships, which consists of 10 laps of a 10km loop.

The rest of the team will also be confident of gunning for podium places, and they will have the added incentive of earning a medal in the team competition.

Mamabolo, who took the ‘down’ run title in 2012, finished second behind Gatebe at Comrades this year, and Mthembu, who won the 2014 ‘down’ run, was third this season.

Kelehe won the Comrades ‘up’ run last year, and though Photo has not yet won a major ultra title, he has earned three Comrades gold medals in the last four years and will hope to prove his potential against the world’s best.

Between them, the SA team have secured a total of 19 Comrades gold medals, making them a formidable unit, and Hamlett believed Bruce Fordyce’s 27-year-old SA 100km record (6:25:07) could be on the line.

If they hit their straps on the day, he felt they could even give Japanese athlete Takahiro Sunada’s 18-year-old global mark (6:13:33) a shake.

“It’s a strong team and hopefully we can come home with a win, or even a world record,” Hamlett said.

South Africa have previously secured three individual medals in the open division at the 100km World Championships.

Cornet Matomane took bronze in the men’s race in Torhout in 1993 and Helene Joubert earned silver in the women’s contest in Winschoten two years later.

Lindsay van Aswegen was the last individual SA medallist, grabbing bronze in the open women’s race at the 2011 edition of the spectacle, also held in Winschoten.

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Results of the Kromberg & Schubert road race in Brits on Saturday, 1 October 2016:

25km

Men

Open: 1 Phineas Mothoa (Amanzi) 1:23:53, 2 Peter Tadzripa (Maxed Elite) 1:29:07; 3 Richard Mavuso (CS) 1:29:34
Veterans: 1 Peter Tadzripa (Maxed Elite) 1:29:07
Masters: 1 Herman Mulder (Temp) 1:43:19

Women

Open: 1 Maria Vilakazi (RWFL) 1:53:29, 2 Nocawe Morake (Wonderpark) 2:01:31, 3 Ansa Strydom (Nedbank) 2:03 14
Veterans: 1 Maria Vilakazi (RWFL) 1:53:29
Masters: 1 Ansa Strydom (Nedbank) 2:03:14

15km

Men

Open: 1 Godfrey Malepe (Madikwe Mambas) 50:05, 2 Shadrack Hoff (Boxer) 51:13, 3 Esau Radebe (Nedbank) 51:19
Veterans: 1 Shadrack Hoff (Boxer) 51:13
Masters: 1 Hennie Jooste (Kumba) 1:17:44
Juniors: 1 Tshenolo Mojanaga (Madikwe Mambas) 57:36

Women

Open: 1 Nandipha Dywili (Nedbank) 1:02:50, 2 Lizzy Dlhiwayo (RWFL) 1:06:25; 3 Erica Geldenhuys (Temp) 1:20:18
Veterans: 1 Lizzy Dlhiwayo (RWFL) 1:06:25
Masters: 1 Connie Blom (Runavation) 1:23:47

* Results courtesy of Chamberlain’s Timekeeping (www.raceresults.co.za)

​The Spar Women’s Grand Prix 10km series will come down to the wire on Sunday, with Irvette van Zyl looking to hold off a challenge from defending champion Lebogang Phalula at the fifth and final leg in Johannesburg. 

After winning the first three legs of the campaign, Van Zyl missed the fourth race in Centurion last month with a foot injury, but she remained six points clear of Phalula in the Grand Prix standings.

Having returned to training, after the niggle forced her to withdraw on the eve of the Olympic marathon in Rio in August, Van Zyl confirmed she would line up this weekend in search of her third series title, and her first since 2011.

“I’m not where I would like to be, but at least I am running pain free,” Van Zyl said.

“I’m going to give it my all on Sunday. I really want to win the Grand Prix to make up for my disappointment in having to withdraw from the Olympic marathon.

“I need to finish in the top five and hope that Lebogang doesn’t get a bonus point. Then I think I am safe.”

Phalula clocked 2:38:00 on her 42km debut at the Cape Town Marathon last month, but she won the Joburg 10k CityRun the following week to indicate she was still a force in the closing stages of the season.

Phalula’s twin sister, Diana-Lebo, collapsed on the finish line and had to be taken to the medical tent for treatment at the inaugural Joburg CityRun, but she confirmed she had recovered.

Lying fourth in the standings, Diana-Lebo Phalula said she and her sibling were ready to put up a fight, with third-placed Christine Kalmer also eager to rake in more points.

“I collapsed because I didn’t eat anything before the race, but I am better now and I won’t make that mistake again,” Phalula said.

“Lebogang and I are both ready to do well.”

Zimbabwean athlete Rutendo Nyahora, who won the Centurion leg, was also expected to put up a challenge at the race, though she did not qualify for the series title which was open only to local runners.

Over 12 000 women are expected to take part in the annual women’s contest at the Wanderers. Late entries will be accepted at registration until 4pm on Saturday.

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Wheelchair racer Ernst van Dyk will hope to continue his impressive run of form this season when he lines up as the only SA athlete in the elite field at the Chicago Marathon on Sunday.

Van Dyk, who finished second at the World Marathon Majors (WMM) race last year, is up against a field led by Paralympic marathon champion Marcel Hug of Switzerland and defending champion Kurt Fearnley of Australia.

After winning all four races thus far in the WMM series, since the inaugural edition of the global wheelchair campaign was launched in Boston in April, Hug holds a comfortable lead with a full bag of 100 points.

Midway through the campaign, Van Dyk is lying third in the standings with 36 points after finishing second in Boston, fourth in London, sixth at the Paralympics and second in Berlin two weeks ago.

Fearnley is in second place with 41 points.

Each athlete’s best four positions in the eight races will be considered in the contest for the series crown, with the WMM campaign coming to a close at next year’s Boston race.

Should any other competitor win all four remaining races, and match Hug’s points tally, the series title will be decided by head-to-head results.

* The Chicago Marathon will be broadcast live on Sunday, on SuperSport 7 and SuperSport 9, at 2.25pm

​Results of the Chamberlain Capital Classic road race in Pretoria on Saturday (8 October, 2016):

21km

Men

Open: 1 Sikhumbuzo Seme (KPMG) 1:08:59, 2 Vuyisile Tshoba (TUT) 1:11:26, 3 Simon Mpholo (Nedbank) 1:11:56

Veterans: 1 Simon Mpholo (Nedbank) 1:11:56

Masters: 1 Tidimalo Modiga (Temp) 1:19:28

Grandmasters: 1 Kosie van Vuuren (Fit 2000) 2:10:14

Great Grandmasters: 1 Pele Tshikundamalema (Olifantsfontein) 1:52:07

Walkers: 1 Cameron Letele (RWFL) 1:52:26

Women

Open: 1 Kataza Shipalana (Transnet) 1:25:06, 2 Jennifer Koech (Nedbank) 1:27:43, 3 Vuyokazi Gebe (Transnet) 1:30:18

Veterans: 1 Zelda Breytenbach (Vitality) 1:39:40, 2 Lisa Fernandez (Kyalami) 1:42:02

Masters: 1 Ansa Strydom (Nedbank) 1:42:02

Grandmasters: 1 Carole de Waal (Wingate) 2:08:57

Walkers: 1 Petro van Rensburg (RWFL) 2:48:46

10km

Men

Open: 1 Mugwai Reghen (Tembisa) 32:43, 2 Esau Radebe (Nedbank) 32:54, 3 Musa Swakaxa (Rockies) 32:56

Veterans: 1 Leon Baker (Midrand) 37:48, 2 Colin Witbooi (PMMC) 37:49

Masters: 1 Joseph Moloto (PMMC) 40:40

Grandmasters: 1 Mike de Bruto (Irene) 43:12

Great Grandmasters: 1 Lammie Fourie (Agape) 1:01:45

Over-80: 1 Ken Nurden (Agape) 1:01:32

Walkers: 1 Gideon van Rensburg (Akasia) 1:10:56

Women

Open: 1 Nicole Venter (Temp) 40:46, 2 Lesley Austin (KPMG) 41:00, 3 Historia Mokoena (SABS) 42:46

Veterans: 1 Lesley Austin (KPMG) 41:00, 2 Colette Brighton (Phobians) 46:31

Masters: 1 Debbie Bredenkamp (HQH) 48:41

Grandmasters: 1 Frances van Blerk (Nedbank) 55:14

Great Grandmasters: 1 Hettie Booysen (STD Bank) 1:32:10

Over-80: 1 Deidre Larkin (Randburg) 1:04:34

Walkers: 1 Frances Kichenbrand (GN Masters) 1:05:10

* Results courtesy of Chamberlain’s Timekeeping (www.raceresults.co.za)

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Results of the Spar Women’s Challenge 10km race in Johannesburg on Sunday, 9 October, 2016 (RSA unless otherwise stated):

Open: 1 Irvette van Zyl 34:58, 2 Mapaseka Makhanya 35:46, 3 Rutendo Nyahora (ZIM) 36:00, 4 Glenrose Xaba 36:28, 5 Onneile Dintwe (BOT) 36:37, 6 Lebogang Phalula 37:04, 7 Andrea Steyn 37:17, 8 Diana-Lebo Phalula 37:35, 9 Christine Kalmer 37:41, 10 Simonay Weitsz 37:58

Juniors: 1 Simonay Weitsz 37:58, 2 Cherry-Lee Schoeman 39:02, 3 Yandiswa Shange 40:15

Veterans: 1 Ulrica Stander 40:34, 2 Ronel Thomas 41:49, 3 Janene Carey 41:57

Masters: 1 Judy Bird 41:49, 2 Ansi Breytenbach 45:36, 3 Sarah Mahlangu 46:39

Grandmasters: 1 Margie Saunders 46:13, 2 Mkgaole Magwetshu 1:00:49, 3 Margaret Boshoe 1:01:05

* Results courtesy of www.finishtime.co.za

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Irvette van Zyl wins the Joburg leg of the Spar Women’s Grand Prix series

Returning from an injury hiatus, Irvette van Zyl capped a superb season with a convincing victory at the fifth and final leg of the Spar Women’s Grand Prix series in Johannesburg on Sunday.

Six points clear of defending champion Lebogang Phalula in the series standings ahead of the race, Van Zyl needed to finish among the top five to give herself a chance of lifting the overall crown after she was sidelined from the fourth leg last month with a foot injury.

While Phalula put up an early fight, she eventually faded to sixth place, with Van Zyl taking no prisoners in her relentless charge.

With only Phalula and Zimbabwean Rutendo Nyahora able to stick to her pace up front, Van Zyl shook them off approaching the halfway mark and stormed ahead to win the 10km race in 34:58.

With the victory, she wrapped up the Grand Prix series title for the third time in her career, and the first time since 2011.

Mapaseka Makhanya, also on the comeback trail after battling with injury, charged through the field in the closing stages to grab second place in 35:46.

Makhanya confirmed after the race that she would compete at the Shanghai Marathon in China later this month.

Nyahora, who produced a brave challenge against an in-form Van Zyl, managed to hang on for third spot, a further 14 seconds off the pace.

* Full results are available in our Results section