HAMMARSDALE resident, Anele Dlamini took the men’s honours in the main event of the tough, challenging uMhlanga Summer Series Trail Run which was hosted by uMhlanga Tourism and Talismen Hire.
Running in the colours of Phantane AC, the cheerful Dlamini finished the race in 1.09:37.
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This was his second win in the uMhlanga Trail running series, having taken top spot in this year’s July event.
“I had a very good time today, it was a different route to July, but it was still lovely. The river crossing was fantastic, I jumped in. The cold water was a nice, quick recovery for the muscles,” said Dlamini.
Dlamini who wrapped up his year with this run, is looking forward to the Christmas break. In the new year he is planning to concentrate on marathon distances in 2018. The experienced runner with three Comrades Marathons under his belt will kick start the year with speed work on the track and then he hopes to defend his title in the SA Marathon. Asked if he would be back to defend his UMhlanga title, he said, “Yes. Most definitely. It is a fantastic run, and good training for the legs.”
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Following Dlamini, Prince Abel Chiposiwa also competed in his second uMhlanga Trail run, having been on the bottom step on the podium. The uMhlanga resident running in the Nedbank colours, shared Dlamini’s enthusiasm. “I enjoyed being off the road, it was great fun, a good challenge!”
The top lady in the main event was Jenna Challenor who took a break from the road. Challenor has had a quiet year on the roads, but she was impressive on the trail with a fabulous time of 1.18:48. She had an impressive lead over second placed lady Lisa Collett who finished in 1.31:34, just under four minutes ahead of third place Amy Burger.
Defending champion, Burger from Mtunzini simply said as she finished the race in third in the 18km, “It was really hard out there today!”
Results
18km Men
1. Anele Dlamini 1.09:37, 2. Prince Abel Chiposiwa 1.1532, 3. Menzi Mtolo 1.17:11
18km Women
1. Jenna Challenor 1.18:48, 2. Lisa Collett 1.31:34, 3. Amy Burger 1.35:34
12km Men
1. Ongeziwe Moto 1.03:38, 2. Wesley Cieverts 1.06:10, 3. Steve Cohen 1.09:50
12km Women
1. Lisha van Onselen 1.03.36, 2. Sandra Mansvelder 1.10:06, 3. Lisha Sookan 1.14:15
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