There must be something in the air whenever Kate van Jaarsveld competes in Boksburg that allows her the freedom to run her race and execute her strategy with perfection.
Besides the flatness of the area and picturesque running courses woven around the Boksburg suburbs, the weather seems to always be perfect for the Farrarmere resident to deliver.
Whether it’s at the Colgate Race or Cross The Line half-marathon, the conditions seem to favour Van Jaarsveld, who has won two of her previous races in the area.
Known for taking the lead from gun to tape, it’s because of her fitness and stamina that she’s been able to finish among the top runners in the races she’s taken part in since the beginning of the year.
It was the case again when the Murray and Roberts runner clinched the Cross The Line half-marathon Food Lovers Market on April 16.
The early morning autumn breeze blew gently as the athletes readied themselves for the race dubbed the ‘quickest half-marathon in Johannesburg’. Van Jaarsveld took it all in before dominating a field full of talented women.
In her relaxed running technique and strong arm action that allows her to maintain a high cadence, she clocked 01:25:55 to win the women’s 21.1km, arriving at the finish 07:26 ahead of second-placed Tristan Torr from Nedbank Running Club.
This was her fourth podium finish in the half-marathon, following a third place at Johnson Crane Marathon in January, runner-up at Edenvale Marathon in February and first place at Benoni Northerns Marathon in March.
Friendly and always willing to share her experience of the race at the finish, it’s the smile she always wears that makes her one of the most approachable athletes around.
“Running is my passion. It’s never an effort for me to get up and go out for a run. For me, running is a fulfilling and rewarding activity that provides physical, mental and social benefits,” she said.
Her early mornings and late evenings on the road have been rewarding, but it is this passion for the sport that will see her on May 7 line up at the start of the Colgate Race at Boksburg Stadium to defend her 15km women’s title.
“Each race brings in various contenders, which give me exposure to these competitors, giving me the competitive edge.”
Among the big names she’s raced with this year include the TotalSports Two Oceans Ultramarathon winner Gerda Steyn, who won the Edenvale half-marathon and Mapaseka Makhanya, winner of the 21.1km at Johnson Crane.
“I prefer the half-marathon type races as opposed to the marathons, as I find them exhilarating and a personal challenge to better my personal best every time I race.”
The Colgate Race takes place on May 7 from 06:30 at Boksburg Stadium. It includes the 32km, 15km and 5km races.
Also Read: Lace up for Colgate Race
Also Read: Sweet victory for Benoni’s Van Jaarsveld at Colgate Race
