Mabane, Folscher victorious at Sarens Marathon

The Sarens Edenvale Marathon, hosted by the Rand Road Warriors, took place on March 9.

The event consisted of three marathons, a 42km, 21km and the kidney beans five kilometre fun-run. The race began at Edenvale High School.

45-year old Elias Mabane, from the Nedbank Running Club won the 42km race in a time of 2:27:12. Lucky Miya, from Gallopers Athletic Club who started the race two minutes late, was second with a time of 2:30:59. James Thapelo Leseyane, representing Standard Bank, was third with a time of 2:33:40.

“I challenged myself in the first 21 kilometres so that I could take the second part easier. The first 16 kilometres were the most intense. I think my performance was good. It is a fantastic result, which I am very happy with. This race was in preparation for the Comrades Marathon, so my next race will be the last one before the Comrades,” said Mabane.

The women’s 42km race was won by 32-year old Lindy-lee Folscher, from the Boksburg Athletic Club, with a time of 3:11:46. Second placed was Lesley Train from the Toyota Athletic Club in a time of 3:15:30. Ronel van Graan from the Krugersdorp Road Runners finished third in a time of 3:20:34.

The men’s 21km was tightly contested. Only three minutes separated the first three runners home. 21-year-old Phillimon Mathiba, from the Elim Clinic Athletic Club, finished first with a time of 1:11:09. Second place went to Thabo Nkuna, from the Toyota Athletic Club with a time of 1:12:19. Danisa Moyo from Maxed Elite finished in third with a time of 1:13:14.

The women’s 21km race was won by Mpho Mabuza, from the Gallopers Athletic Club with a time of 1:23:19. Gillian Sieling, from the Nedbank Running Club, finished second in a time of 1:31:06. Seipati Peo, from Maxed Elite, finished in third place with a time of 1:38:31.

Sponsors of the Sarens Marathon, Martin and Anabela Verzjil, described the event as successful.

“The marathon went well and I am surprised and happy with the number of people who took part. It is exciting to see people preparing, running and pushing their limit in these races. Everybody played their part today, including community members, traffic officers and the marshals. I commend the team that organised the event; it has been done very well,” said Mr Verzjil.

“The spirit of the community has been positive. I think this is what the country needs more of; a coming together of community members from different walks of life, like the late Nelson Mandela would have wanted to see. Sport is something for all people to come together and enjoy,” said Mr Verzjil.

Organiser, Simon Hart said, “This year’s marathon has seen an increase in participants. There has also been an increase in the number of people taking part in the 42km race. The times for this year’s race have been good and the spirit has been excellent. It has always been our goal to make this more than just a marathon; a family day as well.”