Thousands of runners hit the streets of Edenvale when they participated in the annual Edenvale Marathon, hosted by Rand Road Warriors.
ALSO READ: Thembisa’s dusty ground hosts youth soccer tournament
Held on February 26, the StaminoGro-sponsored event saw close to 4 000 runners lace up their shoes for the Comrades and Two Oceans marathons qualifiers.
The event was timed by Peak Timing.
Taking part in this year’s race was Gerda Steyn, a South African marathon and ultramarathon athlete. In 2019 Steyn set the Comrades Marathon up-run record in a time of 5:58:53.
Describing her enjoyment on social media, Steyn said she enjoyed witnessing the friendly faces and runners who competed in the races.
She applauded the race organisers for their dedication and passion for the sport, encouraging all runners to support their local races.
ALSO READ: Kempton FC defeated by Bucs
Starting at 06:00 the day kicked off from Linksfield Road with 21km and 42km.
Runners participating in the Centrum 5km fun run started at 06:30.
The race raises funds for organisations and charities in and around the community.
This year, funds were raised for Little Eden Society, Cycling Beyond Boundaries RySky and Brainy Birds.
Runners participating in the run were encouraged to dress up as superheroes and enjoy themselves.
Kemang Khunonyane from Rocky Road Runners won the 42km marathon with a time of 2:32:29.
Second was Bedfordview Athletics Clubs Vincent Seng who finished in a time of 02:32:47, while Philani Nkomo of 5576 Manoni Sports Club claimed third place in a time of 02:34:38.
ALSO READ: Ekurhuleni leaner picked for national hockey team
In the women’s category for the 42km Carol Smith of Murray and Roberts won with a time of 03:14:20.
She was followed by Elizabeth Potter of 32GI Running Club who had a time of 03:16:16 and Nicole Fleming from Run Zone with a time of 03:35:15.
Claiming first in the 21km distance was Donald Mashamaite of Kempton Road Runners. He finished at 01:10:26.
Fellow Kempton Road Runner Derocious Makhobalo took second place with 01:11:24, while Bright Mikolongwe of Benoni Northerns Athletics finished in third with a time of 01:12:57.
The first woman to finish the 21km distance was Gerda Steyn with a time of 01:16:35.
ALSO READ: Kempton’s three-time record breaker shines at nationals
Steyn was followed by Murray and Roberts’ Kate Van Jaarsveld who had a time of 01:25:45.
Coming in third was fellow Murray and Roberts runner Megan Dempster who finished in a time of 01:26:30.
Also follow us on: