Glow Run praised for organisation

With entries for the 2018 Comrades and Old Mutual Two Oceans marathons selling out like hotcakes, it seems like the road running bug has bitten South Africans big time.

November 8, 2017

Logan Green 2 minutes read

Angelina Moreo of Boksburg Athletic Club is always one to dress up for a race. Here she takes on the 10km Rowlin Glow Run as a member of ‘Santa’s Sleigh Team’.

For the not-so-hardcore runners, the sport has become attractive for general fitness gains and good old-fashioned fun and socialising.

This is precisely what the annual Rowlin National Brokers Glow Run, organised by Benoni Northerns Athletic Club (BNAC), offered the community when over 2 100 runners participated on the night of Wednesday, November 1.

The more competitive runners took to the streets in the 10km and 15km distances, while those looking to enjoy the festivities along the route either ran or walked the 5km fun route.

Last year the weather severely affected the number of entrants who participated, but this year clear skies allowed for a smooth and successful race.

The event has become known for its excellent organisation, a fact confirmed by Central Gauteng Athletics’ race referees, who reported that the 2017 Rowlin Glow Run was an “exceptionally well organised race”.

Race organiser Jan Jordaan of BNAC praised his club mates who helped make the event a success.

“As I always say, it always comes down to teamwork,” said Jordaan.

“From our sponsor to our marshals to those who handed out medals, it all went smoothly.”

On the road, it was a man unaffiliated to a club who stormed to victory in the 15km race.

Running with a temporary licence, Siyabonga Mabena fleet-footed his way around the Rynfield suburb to finish in a time of exactly 49 minutes.

He was followed a minute and a half later by Nedbank Running Club’s Thabo Masina in second place.

Emmanuel Magakwe of local club Benoni Harriers Athletic Club wrapped up the top three places with a time of 50 minutes and 53 seconds.

Olifantsfontein runner Batji Makoma was the first woman runner home in the 15km race in a time of one hour, four minutes and 37 seconds.

She was followed by Bridgette Elk of Midstream in second place (one hour, eight minutes and 58 seconds) and Lindsay van Aswegen of Kempton Road Runners in third.

Paulus Radebe of Tembisa was the first man home in the shorter 10km route with a quick time of 34 minutes and 30 seconds.

Oscar Sixoka of Gallopers was the second man home (a mere four seconds after the winner), followed by Benoni Harriers’ Evan Malete with a time of 34 minutes and 41 seconds.

Nomsa Cossa of Ulinda won the women’s 10km race in a time of 41 minutes and 49 seconds.

She was followed by Anelda van Staden of Boxer in second and young Benonian Chante Dixon (running for Easy Active) in third place.