Nailbiting end to Totalsports woman’s race
Irvette Van Zyl scooped the Durban leg of the Total Sports Woman's race on Sunday.
A RECORD of more than 6 000 runners and walkers gathered at the Berea Rovers Sports Club on Sunday, 17 July to participate in the Totalsports Women’s Race in support of PinkDrive.
The 10km Totalsports Women’s Race unfolded into a battle between Puma ambassadors and reigning champions Lebo and Lebogang Phalula and Irvette Van Zyl. The first 8km saw the trio running neck on neck, with the Phalula sisters working together to break Van Zyl’s stride.
Although a valiant effort, when Van Zyl finally laid down the hammer on the 9km mark, the Phalula sisters were unable to follow and van Zyl claimed a much deserved victory in 33 minutes 02 seconds.
“Today’s race was close, but a win is a win,” said a very happy Van Zyl. “The Phalula sisters really caught me off guard. They are always a wild card and know how to give you grey hairs. Their running has definitely picked up in the last six weeks.”
“The race didn’t start off too fast, giving us time to warm up,” continued Van Zyl. “The route featured quite a few turns, which broke our pace a bit. The three of us stuck together up until the 9km mark, with the Phalula’s working as a team. I broke away, not knowing whether they’d be able to follow. I am really happy with the win. My legs didn’t feel too fresh on the day, but I cannot complain considering the past week’s training sessions. The Totalsports Women’s Race really is awesome, the atmosphere on the day is great. By the time that the race starts you feel pumped up and excited to run.”
Lebogang secured the second spot on the podium, while her twin sister Lebo finished third. “I really enjoyed the race,” said Lebogang. “I was injury and illness free, which meant that I could give my best. Lebo and I didn’t want Irvette to win from the start. We didn’t want this to merely be a tempo race for her. I’ve recently changed coaches and it was nice to see that all the hard work was paying off. My finishing time is faster than that of last year, so I am really happy with my performance,” she added.
Van Zyl and Lebo Phalula will represent South Africa in the marathon at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
