Perfect running conditions at the Tuffy 4-in-1 road race

Known as the toughest road race in Limpopo, athletes were greeted by scenic views of the Wolkberg Mountains in perfect running conditions. Last year the race was cancelled due to Covid-19 pandemic restrictions. “We had approximately 740 participants if you include the 5km run participants. “The beautiful weather contributed to the success of the event.

There were no injuries reported, so the weather favoured every runner,” said Paul Zaayman, one of organisers from Tzaneen Marathon Club. Zaayman said that what makes the Tuffy a tough race is the incline of 700m in the 21.1 km and the +-1000m in the 42.2 km race. Among the participants was the MEC of Health, Dr. Phophi Ramathuba, who participated in the 21 km race.

“The name of the race explains what you are in for,” Ramathuba told the Herald. “Everyone who participated in today’s event is tough. The Tuffy teaches perseverance, you can achieve anything if you keep at it. I don’t remember signing a death certificate of an athlete during the Covid-19 pandemic. That shows that people who are active, stay healthy and strong,” she said.

Alicia Opperman from Tzaneen Marathon Club was the first local woman to finish the 42.2km in the fifth position with a time of 4:53:56. “The Tuffy is a beast and I did not train well enough. I was in the third position up to the 37 km mark when I started to get cramps. “It was so bad that I had to walk most of the last few kilometers.

Also read: PHOTOS: Spar Tzaneen Tuffy 2022

“I have a lot of respect for the other athletes and will definitely have my revenge next year to finish in the top 3.” Her next race is the 100km Recce Raid in Dullstroom on 13 and 14 May. Greta Bekker from Le Club Tzaneen was also part of the top 10 in the 42.2km. She finished in the seventh position with a time of 5:07:56. Bekker also won over 60 categories.

The results are as follows: Marathon 42.2 km men 1. Lutendo Mapoto of Murray and Roberts Club in a time of 2:44:31 2. Timothy Munzhelele of Murray & Roberts Limpopo in a time of 2:45:05 3. Habit Mokgala of Maroela Running Club in a time of 3:02:02 Marathon 42.2 km women 1.Gift Ramabele of Nedbank in a time of 4:08:39 and winner of the over 40 categories

2. Monique Smit of Nedbank Running Club in a time of 4:19:16 3. Rose Peter from Polokwane Athletics Club in a time of 4:45:25 HALF marathon 21.1 km men 1. Phuti Victor Sethowa from Nedbank Running Club Limpopo in a time of 1:15:55 2. Chris Schutte from Phalaborwa Road Runners in a time of 1:39:55

3. Mdumwazi Michael Baloi from SABC in a time of 1:42:49 and winner of the over 40 category HALF marathon 21.1 km women 1. Joyce Netshifhefhe from Gazelles Athletic Club in a time of 1:52:54 and winner of the over 40 categories 2. Mariska Bosch in a time of 1:52:59 3. Taryn-Maie Wille in a time of 2:00:12 10 km men

1. Modibe Mamabolo from Nedbank Limpopo AC in a time of 0:34:55 and winner of the over 40 categories 2. Emmanuel Ramohlale from Murray & Roberts Limpopo in a time of 0:35:18 3. Hafen Alfeusn in a time of 0:39:13