Hundreds of runners made their way to Mankele Adventures on the R539 on April 29 in pursuit of the Screaming Monster, to be found in one of the oldest caves in the world.
The Sudwala Caves have been part of the Sudwala Screaming Monster since 2007.
Steffa Popich, manager of the Sudwala Caves, and Jürgen Hälbich, the Legogote Villagers Running Club chairperson at the time, were the two masterminds behind this unique race.
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Popich used to live in White River and was a member of the club.
“When I moved to Sudwala, I trained here to practise for the Comrades and thought others should experience this mountain and caves and likewise, feel the pain and the joy,” said Popich, and added that the race was also a fun way for the local community to experience the caves.
Ada Ströh of Legogote Villagers and co-organiser of the event said the motivation for the race was to host something totally different.
“As the Sudwala Caves has a magical and very old history, the race fits that profile perfectly,” Ströh said.
Altogether 420 runners made their way through the candlelit path created in the caves to reach the Screaming Monster. A 21.1km, 10km and fun run were held.
“I think this year’s Sudwala Screaming Monster was a huge success. The fact that the start and finish points were at Mankele Adventures also contributed to the success as runners and their families could come to enjoy the race and have a fun day out,” Ströh said.
Bella’s Athletics Club’s Sibonginkosi Maseko finished the 10km race in an astonishing 35:23 to claim victory in the open men’s category.
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Thulani Lekhuleni of Rob Ferreira Running Club and Sifiso Ngcobo of City of Mbombela Marathon Club were on his heels, in second and third place.
Another Bella’s athlete, Zanele Sehohle, was the first woman to cross the finish line. Reneilwe Dibakwane of LowMed and Nontokhozo Dlamini of Bella’s finished in second and third place.
In the 21.1km race Bella’s Athletics Club waved their flag high once more with two men in the top three. Samuel Mathabatha of Bella’s finished first, while Richard Mokoaledi claimed third spot. Ntuthuko Maseko of Nedbank Running Club Mpumalanga secured second place.
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In the women’s category, Nomula Sithole of LowMed walked away with the honours, with Allison de Bruin of Benoni Northerns second and Renatha Botha third.
Hats off to all the runners who conquered the Sudwala Screaming Monster. In the words of Popich, “They’re amazing!”
