Siblings Cobie and Carol Smith stole the show at the Benoni Northerns Athletics Club (BNAC) Kwikscaff Marathon on July 3.
The duo entertained the crowd when they paced each other to the finishing area – with Cobie eventually coming out on top to win the women’s marathon in 02:58:26, ahead of Carol who crossed the line in 02:58:27.
Cobie, who also won the 30km event at the Colgate Race in May, told the paper she was happy with her win.
“I was pacing my sister today. The route is flat with a few hills. Although it’s a bit challenging, it’s nice and easy to get your personal best,” she said.
She said she will now turn her focus to the Comrades Marathon.
The 2016 Comrades Marathon winner, Charne Bosman, finished third in 03:03:53 to complete a top-three finish for Murray and Roberts.
Willem Maphanga crossed the line first to win the men’s 42.2km. Running under three minutes per kilometre, Maphanga stormed to the finish in 02:29:50 to secure his victory and place in the Comrades Marathon in August.
The Waterfall City Athletics Club runner expressed his excitement for finishing under 02:30.
“I am happy because I wanted a Comrades Marathon seeding. My target was 02:30. It’s exciting to have achieved that. More exciting is I achieved this without preparing well for the race,” he said.
Maphanga’s club-mate, Tshepo Dikobo, finished in 02:33:06 to complete a top two for Waterfall. Mr Price Sport’s Stanley Mofu completed the podium, finishing in 02:33:12.
Also Read: Khunonyane and Joubert dominate Johnson Crane Marathon
Kate wins again
Local girl Kate van Jaarsveld dominated the women’s half-marathon. The Farrarmere resident ran a good race to secure first place in 01:25:11, claiming her second victory this year after winning the women’s 15km at the Colgate Race.
With her family and crowd behind her, victory was certain for the Murray and Roberts athlete.
“I felt like I ran comfortably. I ran slower than I usually do as I felt like there was no one behind me. I enjoyed the route and support from the people.
“A big thank you to my husband for always looking after the kids while I’m off running in the morning. Thank you for all your support.
She admitted that her familiarity with the route gave her an advantage.
“I know the roads, route and where the uphills and downhills are. I know where to speed up and where to slow down. The support from the crowd and 42.2km athletes were amazing. They knew I was the leading lady and would cheer me on – which made me run even faster. I’m proud of what I’ve done.”
Van Jaarsveld stated that for now, she will stick to shorter distances.
“I don’t think I’m ready for the Comrades. Maybe in a few years, I will consider it.”
Van Jaarsveld was followed by K-Way Jeppe athletes Holly Thomas, who finished second in 01:27:09, and Lauren Argall, who crossed the line in 01:28:12.
Nedbank runner Rory Scheffer won the men’s 21.1km, securing his victory in 01:12:45.
He said he was happy with his win but was disappointed with his time.
“I was hoping for a 01:10 finish but I’ve just recovered from the flu. In the last 4km, I started getting a bit of a stitch. I’m happy with the win considering where I was, but I’m hoping to do better next time.”
Malose Mabote followed Scheffer closely, finishing in 01:13:18 and Boxer’s Juan Breytenbach completed the podium in 01:17:31.
Simphiwe Thombela and Huibrè Botes won the men’s and women’s 10km event.
A strong field of over 4 000 runners participated in the event with most in the 42.2km vying for a Comrades Marathon seeding as the race was the last qualifying event in Gauteng for the ultra-marathon.
Also Read: Sweet victory for Benoni’s Van Jaarsveld at Colgate Race
