Thembisa hosts top runners for Thembisa Mile
The race has established itself among the most popular street miles in the country, the action on the road is expected to produce some thrilling contests.
South Africa’s top middle-distance runners will converge in Thembisa on October 31 as they battle for top honours in the SPAR Thembisa Mile at the Moses Molelekwa Arts Centre.
While the event’s regular 10km race has been scratched and invitational entries limited due to the pandemic, organisers have worked hard to ensure the ninth edition of the street mile will go ahead as planned, despite lockdown restrictions.
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The race has established itself among the most popular street miles in the country, the action on the road is expected to produce some thrilling contests.
In the men’s race, in-form national 4km cross-country champion Ryan Mphahlele will be eager to reclaim the title he won in 2018, but he won’t have it all his own way against a strong field over the 1.609km distance.
The line-up also features the likes of South African 3 000m record holder Jerry Motsau, who won the race last time it was held in 2019, as well as two-time national 1 500m champion Nkosinathi Sibiya and 800m specialists Tshepo Tshite and Kablo Mohlosi.
In the women’s race, defending champion Prudence Sekgodiso will also have a battle on her hands as she targets her third successive victory.
Sekgodiso, the SA 800m champion, is up against a field that includes former SPAR Thembisa Mile champion Simonay Weitsz, local favourite Murendwa Davhana, Janie Janse van Rensburg and Carina Swiegers.
“We are delighted to have this chance to give some of South Africa’s best athletes a chance to compete again, despite the restrictions faced due to the pandemic,” said SPAR North Rand marketing manager Ralph Rajagopaul.
“Congratulations to race organiser Donald Mathipa and his team for making sure this event can go ahead, once again proving SPAR and its partners will continue to drive forward in these challenging times while ensuring we put participants and the Thembisa community first by following health and safety policies in the process.”
The elite field will compete for a total prize purse of R25 000, with the men’s and women’s winners taking home R3 000 each.
Time bonuses worth R4 000 are also on offer for the first man and woman to break the course records held by Mphahlele (4:02) and Lebogang Phalula-Luthuli (4:44).
In addition, a hotspot incentive of R500 is on the line for the first athlete to reach the halfway mark, provided the athlete finishes the race in the top 10.
The men’s race will start at 08:00 followed by the women’s event at 08:20.
