Top runners light up Marivate Park CGA event

The star-studded line-up in the senior men’s 4km race lived up to its billing with a thrilling sprint to the finish line, which Nkosinathi Sibiya won in a photo finish during the Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) fourth cross-country league meeting at Marivate Park on June 24.

The race had household names including Cian Oldknow, who won the women’s event, and national 5km champion Nicholas Seoposengwe. It was the battle between Sibiya and runner-up Kabelo Seboko that sent the crowd into a frenzy.

The duo was neck and neck for the two laps around the meandering course, with Seoposengwe trailing behind. Sibiya pulled through on the home straight but Seboko kicked into gear and chased the University of Johannesburg (UJ) runner to the finish, creating a scene rarely seen in a cross-country race.

Sibiya breasted the tape at 11:57 while Seboko crossed the line at 11:58 with Seoposengwe third in a time of 12:21.

Another thrilling photo finish was created by fourth and fifth-placed Modupe Tladi and Marc Baccarizza, who were only separated by seconds after they both came home in a time of 12:22.

Hollywood Athletics Club’s Oldknow led the women’s race from gun to tape and comfortably crossed the line in a time of 14:38. Bernadene Mcloud from Run Zone grabbed the second spot while UJ’s Dipuo Mashamaite rounded off the podium.

The men’s 10km event was staggered with CGA’s top runners and also saw a close finish after UJ’s Chris Mhlanga outsprinted Simon Sibeko to win by four seconds for his second win this season.

Mhlanga crossed the line in 31:49 while Sibeko, from Boxer, followed in 31:53. Maxed Elite’s Bennett Seloyi grabbed the third spot after finishing in 32:15.

The women’s race was won by Sisanda Dumisa, who crossed the line in 39:09. She was followed by Casey Bosman from the University of Free State and Lebogang Ramela from UJ came third.

The day began with the juniors earlier in the day with Benoni Northerns Athletic Club (BNAC)’s Alexia Visser winning the girls’ U8 1km race while Junior Mwa from Tembisa won the boys’ event.

East Athletic Club (EAC)’s Mahlatse Mamonyane continued her good form after winning the girls’ U10 2km race, cutting the tape at 07:45.

The ailing Siyanda Madlabane from BNAC, who coughed uncontrollably after the race, won the boys’ U12 3km in 11:03.

“Siyanda has flu. He ran today because he needed to catch up as he has only participated in a few leagues. The goal is the nationals in September. I’m happy with his performance,” said coach Nkanyiso Mthembu.

The BNAC’s Chelsea van Dyk won the girls’ U12 3km and Mmathapelo Ntanda from EAC was second.

Charlotte Venter from Boksburg Athletic Club (BAC) came second in the sub-veteran women’s 4km after crossing the line at 19:19.

For the full results, go to www.benonicitytimes.co.za.

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