Gutsy showing at Comrades by Benoni runners
Nedbank Running Club's Tete Dijana and international athlete Alexandra Morozova won the men's and women's events.
Despite Tete Dijana and Alexandra Morozova claiming the men’s and women’s Comrades Marathon down run titles, the Benoni runners fought for their lives to be among the history-makers that make this event a spectacle.
After a two-year break, more than 15 000 thrilled runners lined up in Pietermaritzburg for the ultimate human race. Veterans and novices alike showed grit and determination, replicating what Vic Clapham achieved in 1921.
Of the Benoni clubs present at the race, Benoni Northerns Athletics Club (BNAC) sent the biggest group of runners.
Of the 131 runners who lined up in the famous cheese and tomato colours, 119 finished.
Shane McGregor was the first BNAC athlete to enter the Moses Mabhida stadium tunnel – collecting his silver medal in 06:57:17 to finish 146th overall and 87th in his category.
Nico Pretorius followed McGregor five minutes later to add to the club’s silver medal haul. He clocked at 07:02:46.
In a repeat of the 2019 event, Kirsty Roux was again the club’s first female to cross the line, clocking 09:23:23.
David Jacobs achieved his triple green number (30th Comrades Marathon), Lynne Semple got her double green and Adele David and Sipho Damakude ran in their 10th Comrades.
The club achieved 39 bronze, 33 Robert Mtshali medals, 34 Vic Clapham medals, 11 Bill Rowan medals, 12 back to back medals and two silver medals.
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A total of 34 novices completed their first Comrades run.
Benoni Harriers
A total of 17 runners lined up for the Harriers, with 15 completing the event.
Armstrong Khoza was the first athlete from the club at the finish, clocking in at 08:52:48 to achieve a Bill Rowan medal.
The club achieved four bronze and 11 Vic Clapham medals.
Benoni High Athletic Club
The club was represented by two athletes who both earned Robert Mtshali medals for their sub-10 finish.
Daveyton Hearts
Of the 11 runners that lined up for the club, nine finished the race.
Johny Mokgoko was the club’s first runner at the finish, completing the race at 07:22:51 to earn a silver medal.
The club collected five Vic Clapham, one bronze and two Robert Mtshali medals.
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