‘Speedsta’ close to winning brand new car
JOBURG - Transnet's Mapaseka "Speedsta" Makhanya is already celebrating as all indications are that winning the car in the Spar Grand Prix is now just a formality.
Transnet’s Mapaseka ‘Speedsta’ Makhanya is already celebrating winning first prize in the Spar Grand Prix following her convincing win of the Pretoria leg of the Spar Women’s Challenge.
The 28-year-old runner has ensured that with one race to go, it is almost impossible for any other runner to overtake her to win a brand new car that will be handed over to the overall winner.
Makhanya won the Pretoria race in a record time of 33:37 to earn 30 Grand Prix points. She now has a total of 97 points, 29 ahead of her nearest rival, former Grand Prix winner Irvette van Zyl.
The only way for Van Zyl to overtake Makhanya would be if the Transnet runner missed the final race in Johannesburg on 13 October and Van Zyl earned the maximum 30 points by winning the race at the Wanderers in a record time.
“I’m really excited about the thought of winning a car,” said a beaming Makhanya. “It really is something different and special. I can’t wait to collect the keys and drive away in my brand new motor car.”
The Kalmer sisters, Rene and Christine, are in joint third position. Last year’s Grand Prix winner, Rene has had a year plagued by injury and illness. She was unable to run the Port Elizabeth race because of an injury she sustained in the Boston Marathon.
However, she appears to be on her way back to her best, finishing second to Makhanya in the Pretoria race. “It’s been a hard year,” said Rene. “But I’m feeling good again and happy with my running. I’m back in the groove. I want to finish in the top three in the Grand Prix,” she said.
Van Zyl, who has also battled with injury, was delighted to be back among the top Grand Prix contenders. “I’ve had a knee injury and a numb foot, but the knee is all right now, and I’m getting treatment for the foot.
“I was so happy to be able to complete the Pretoria race without stopping. My third place felt like a win, and it was such a bonus that I finished inside Rene’s record,” she said.
The Grand Prix runner-up will receive R30 000 and the third-placed runner will receive R17 500.
