Despite Eskom’s promptness in cutting power in the area, the party was not spoilt as close to 2 000 runners lit up the streets of Northmead and Rynfield with their colourful costumes and headlamps during the Benoni Northerns Athletic Club Night Race sponsored by Jan L Jordaan Attorneys on October 26.
Elite and social runners along with walkers and children of all fitness levels turned out on the 12th anniversary of this annual race.
A local girl, Kate van Jaarsveld and Kamogelo Masemola from Modder East outpaced a strong field of almost 900 runners to win the women’s and men’s 10km event, respectively.
The Murray and Roberts athlete cut the ribbon in 39:10 for the win. She was followed in second place by Gift Nkosi who crossed the line in 41:04. Boxer’s Robyn Kaltenbrunn completed the top three, arriving at the finish in 41:25.
With UJ runner Ashwell Clooco tipped for the win in the men’s race, it was Masemola who arrived at the finish first, winning in 33:06. Clooco followed a while later in 34:45 and Farrarmere resident Keaton Stansfeld completed the podium in 35:33.
The men’s 5km race was won by the hearing-impaired athlete, Andile Sigasa from Reiger Park. The Benoni High Athletic Club’s Kaitlyn MacKay won the women’s event.
Children from local primary schools were invited to enter the event and win a cash prize of R5 000 for their school by the race’s sponsor.
Farrarmere Primary School was the winner with the most children running in the 5km. Benoni High won the R5 000 cash prize for the first ten athletes completing the 10km race.
“We are inspired by the sheer number of young children who participated in the race. For many of them, it was their first taste of a real road race.
“Running and walking are more than just ways to get some exercise. They are healthy habits for life and we are so excited to see so many youngsters taking an interest in road running, as well as adults emerging into running and walking,” said BNAC administrator Kerry Webb.
Webb thanked the Benoni community for lighting their driveways and cheering on the runners.
“We have received so many messages from runners commenting on the effort of the community to light the way during load-shedding. It takes a special community of people to host a race.
“From BNAC and our sponsor Jan L Jordaan Inc, we would like to thank the community for helping to make the race such a vibrant experience for everyone who took part.
“A special word of thanks to CMS security for lighting up the parking area at the Bunny Park and the Benoni CPF and EMPD officers who helped manage the traffic to keep runners safe.”
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