Mhlanga delivers running masterclass at CGA event
He led the race from the start to finish, winning in 11:55.
Chris Mhlanga made a statement when he beat a star-studded field to win the senior men’s 4km race during the fifth CGA league meeting at Marivate Park on June 22.
Mhlanga brought the venue to life on the final lap of the race, leaving the crowd roaring in approval of his win after obliterating a field that included top runners Kabelo Mulaudzi, Kabelo Melamu and Andries Sesedi.
The Boxer athlete blasted out of the blocks quick enough to take the lead on the first turn, with Mulaudzi, Melamu and Sesedi in tow. He made his move after the first lap, opening a gap his challengers couldn’t close and eventually coasted to victory unchallenged in an incredible 11:55.
Mulaudzi arrived seven seconds later to take the runner-up spot and Melamu came in third in 12:11.
Seloyi dominates 10km
In the last event of the day, national 10km champion Bennett Seloyi brought the crowd to their feet when he dominated the men’s 10km race, which included 1 500m track sensation Ryan Mphahlele.
Seloyi started conservatively as Bongani Mgcina from UJ led the race for the first two laps. The Waterfall City AC athlete then took the lead after the third lap and ran the last two alone, eventually striding to victory in 32:00.
Mgcina came in second 01:53 later and the veteran Raphael Segodi completed the top three in 34:16. Sesedi settled for fourth 12:32.
Tashia Mbobo of Rand Athletic Club coasted to victory in 45:13 to win the women’s race. Dinah Sithole of the Benoni Northerns Athletic Club came second in 46:23 and Meisie Dlamini of Phuthuma AC rounded-up the podium in 48:06.
In the U15 girls’ 4km race, Ekhaya AC’s Nicola Smith coasted to victory in 15:26, beating Katelin Heymans (15:28) by two seconds. Kelly-Lynn Barkley from Irun was third in 15:45.
The event, hosted by East Athletic Club (EAC), saw over 1 000 athletes compete as the race to qualify for the ASA national cross-country championships in Vaal in September, reached its climax.
Event well attended
The EAC’s Isaac Ndlovu thanked the clubs, parents, athletes and sponsors, saying the event wouldn’t have been possible without them.
The presence of top provincial and national athletes like Mphahlele, Seloyi, Mhlanga and Mulaudzi was a huge motivation for the young runners, added Ndlovu.
“It was well attended. We had top provincial athletes in attendance. I want to thank the parents for bringing their children. Our mission is to get as many parents as possible to attend these events so that they would know what we mean when we talk about development,” he said.
“The clubs also brought their athletes. Cross-country isn’t always about winning. It’s also a part of muscle, endurance and strength development.
“Thanks to everyone who participated, as well as the donors. This event couldn’t have happened without you. The people of Daveyton supported us and this event continues to grow because of their loyalty.”
The sixth league meeting is on July 6 in Westonaria.
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