The deafening sound of a hooting car on the Daveyton Street Mile 10km and 5km route was palpable when an impatient motorist displayed his anger and frustration towards the passengers in the sub-01:30 ‘bus’ led by the Katlehong Athletic Club on August 25.
The motorist, seemingly not caring about the welfare of the runners, argued with members of the EMPD and marshals on the corner of Mocke and Gumede streets because the throngs of runners were wasting his time.
Despite the presence of marshals dressed in lime green reflectors and EMPD personnel, this behaviour repeated itself throughout the event as motorists ignored the road markings and cones dividing the lanes and sped past the participants, especially on the homestretch on Mocke Street.
With the temperature cooler, the event began with much fanfare when hundreds of road runners from different clubs, including Benoni Northerns Athletic Club (BNAC) and Benoni Harriers, took to the streets of Daveyton to support Ekurhuleni’s second attractive street mile.
After the top runners left the blocks, the bus drivers, whose job is to lead a group of runners and get them to the finish within the cut-off time, led their buses out of Sinaba Stadium in song and dance, creating a carnival atmosphere along the route.
Thabo Masina of Waterfall AC, who had to navigate his way to the finish through cars and bicycles that queued at the entrance to the stadium, clocked 30:59 to win the men’s 10km.
“It was tough, especially from the start, because the guys wanted it. I lack speed, but I made up for that with my strength,” said Masina.
Kabelo Mwahla of the Sunward Park club Qhubeka AC crossed the line 10 seconds after Masina, taking the silver. Kwanda Longoza of East Athletic Club (EAC) completed the top three in 32:22.
The women’s race was won by the EAC’s Gift Nhlapo, who ran half of the course barefoot because her shoes were heavy and overheating.
She cut the tape in a personal best of 38:20, while her teammate, Azelia Zitha, clocked 39:04 for second place. Pamela Gwebu of Xcel grabbed the bronze in 42:01.
“I ran alongside Azelia, but halfway through the race, she left me behind. My shoes were too heavy. Once I took them off, Azelia never saw what was coming. I’m happy I won,” said Nkosi.
Street mile (1.6km) results:
Girls
U10
1. Dineo Nzuza
2. Tshegofatso Batji
3. Likhona Kubayi.
U13
1. Mahlatse Mamonyane
2. Refiloe Ndlovu
3. Lucia Kubayi.
Junior girls
1. Thato Sesoko
2. Mahlatse Mamonyane
3. Nqobile Maseko.
Senior women
1. Makoma Batji
2. Kutlwano Mphanyi.
Boys
U10
1. Bokamoso Nonyane.
U13
1. Mabitsela Mashamaite
2. Ntshembo Mdaka
3. Ditami Mompuetsi.
Junior boys
1. Phomello Ranala
2. Zakhele Ndlovu
3. Lizalise Nake.
Senior men
1. Thabo Masina
2. Thabang Hojane
3. Mpumelelo Mokoena.
Also Read: BAC’s Silale to defend Daveyton Street Mile title
Also Read: Local runner dominates juniors’ mile at Thembisa Mile
