Elim Clinic runners dominate Sportsmans Warehouse Run

Mathiba (22), crossed the big red Sportsmans Warehouse balloon in 48.24 minutes, almost two minutes clear of fellow Elim club mate Mothobi Joala, who finished in 50.12 minutes.

Mbuso Gazu completed the podium with his 50.40 finish.

Mathiba, a Tembisa resident, said the Sportsmans Warehouse Race win served as redemption following a tough long distance race in Pretoria the previous day, during which he finished in 10th.

“I was really relaxed,” he said of his performance.

“I ran in in Pretoria as the only Central Gauteng Athletics member in my race, so today was just a jog more than anything. I really enjoyed myself; I won the race easily because this is like a job to me.”

Keshoketswe Lechaba sealed Elim dominance in the race as she crossed the line as the first woman in just over an hour in a time of 1:01:30. Lorraine Barry (1:03:41) and Thuli Mbata 1:04:05 completed the top three.

The day saw 935 finishers.

Full results:

Men

Open: 1 Philemon Mathiba (Elim) 48:24; 2 Mothobi Joala (Elim) 50:12; 3 Mbuso Gazu (BNAC) 50:40

Veterans: 1 George Mooi (Gallopers) 53:09; 2 Sipho Dlamini (Callies) 54:21; 3 Iain Mac Donald (RAC) 54:54

Masters: 1 Tony Silva (BCC) 56:01; 2 Arthur Woolridge (BCC) 58:22

Grandmasters: 1 Norman Milne (BNAC) 69:44

Great Grandmasters: 1 Sydwell Mhlongo (BNAC) 82:00

Juniors 1: Tinus Heyns (Chappies) 88:49

Women

Open: 1 Keshoketswe Lechaba (Elim) 61:30; 2 Lorraine Barry (BNAC) 63:41; 3 Thuli Mbata (Kathlehong) 64:05

Veterans: 1 Lorraine Barry (BNAC) 63:41; 2 Thuli Mbata (Kathlehong) 64:05; 3 Heather Walden (Born 2 Run) 65:22

Masters: 1 Frith vd Merwe (Benoni High) 70:28; 2 Linda Loxley (Temp) 75:54

Grandmasters: 1 Bella Carmichael (RRW) 84:51

Great Grandmasters: 1 Dor van Heerden (Fit 2000) 2:15:54

Juniors: 1 Robyn Kaltenbrunn (Benoni High) 64:37. – @SabeloBoksburg