Mikolongwe in top 10 at Irene Ultra

Bright Mikolongwe of Benoni Northerns Athletic Club (BNAC) claimed a top 10 finish in the 48km ultramarathon at the Irene Running Festival in Pretoria on April 1 and 2.

It was the Malawian’s first attempt at the distance. He mostly competed in the shorter distance. He completed the race in 03:02:09 to finish eighth in the senior category and 10th overall.

“The Irene Ultra is a big race because most athletes use it to qualify for the Comrades Marathon. Going into the race, I was scared because it was my first time running the distance.

“I took it easy at the start because the race is three laps of 16km that make up the 48km. After finishing the first lap, I still felt fresh and began changing my pace and eventually finished the race in 03:02:09.

“I was so happy after seeing my time and being in the top 10 in my first ultra. I’m proud that I managed to finish under 03:47. I’m going to train hard and maybe even try to do the 50km,” he said.

The Boksburg Athletic Club (BAC)’s Paul Kasu finished 19th after clocking 03:09:44. His teammate, David Gamede, was the first grandmaster at the finish line, earning himself another podium finish.

The BNAC’s Dieter Stapel finished seventh in the 60-69 category.

Philani Nkomo from Manoni Athletic Club won the ultramarathon. He finished in 02:45:04 and was followed by Given Baloyi in second place, while Kgosi Tsosane claimed the bronze.

Meanwhile, BAC triathlete Rieghardt Rautenbach finished 11th in the 21km event, which was won by Bennet Seloyi.

The festival included the 48km ultramarathon, 21km, 10km and 5km events and the 20km, 15km and 35km race walking events.

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