Runners do it from Durbs to Maritzburg
The 90th edition of the Comrades Marathon took place on Sunday, May 31, and a number of road warriors from Benoni’s local athletics clubs took on and finished the world's oldest and largest ultra-marathon.
Some runners, however, could not handle the demanding nature of this year’s up run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg and either fell out of the race, or missed the 12-hour cut-off.
Benoni Harriers Athletic Club’s Mosongo Mokoatsi was (like last year) the top finisher from a local club.
He crossed the line, to win a silver medal, in an impressive six hours, 30 minutes and 58 seconds, as the 43rd overall best finisher of 16 584 starters.
Benoni Northerns Athletics Club’s (BNAC) Gregory Bishop was the next local to pick up a silver medal, after completing the mighty marathon in a time of six hours, 48 minutes and 55 seconds – 97th position overall.
Daveyton Hearts Athletic Club’s Johnny Mokhoko was the sole silver winner for the club, in a time of seven hours, 14 minutes and 58 seconds.
Further silver medals went to BNAC’s Paul Pitco (7:11:47), Paseka Taolane (7:17:06), Phakamani Ndlangamandla (7:17:49), Dieter Stapel (7:23:37), Senyana Buda (7:26:22) and Louis Holtzhauzen (7:27:10).
Harriers’ second finisher, Fanie Mphuthi, just missed out on silver by a minute and eight seconds, and picked up a Bill Rowan Medal.
BNAC Bill Rowan medal winners were: Xolile Nicholas Ndabeni, Winston Smith, Themba Msibi, Toni Da Matta, Stephen Msimango, Mpho Pilusa, Segole Pond Tsoka, Enock Mohodi, Malcolm Vining and Golden Ndlamlenze.
Harriers’ other Bill Rowan winners were: Philemon Mkhajane and Sibusiso Mngomezulu, while Elijah Jubinsibi Nkosi of Daveyton Hearts picked up a Bill Rowan medal, too.
BNAC chairman Derek “Irish” Wright earned his double green number (for completing 20 marathons), while Darren Phillips was BNAC’s last medal winner, crossing the finish line in a time of 11:59:48, to win a Vic Clapham medal just before the 12-hour cut.
More results can be found at www.comrades.com.
