The Skukuza Castle Larger half-marathon held in and around the staff village of Skukuza, in the heartland of one of Africa’s greatest wildlife refuges, took place on Saturday August 2.
Seholhle Falavio of Nedbank Marathon Club (LVCC) claimed first place overall in 01:06:59. The record time, 01:06:27 was set in 2009 by Vincent Khutoane.
Nedbank’s runners made their mark in the eighth year of this race by taking the three top spots for men overall. Ntutuko Maseko and Lovers Hlatswayo came second and third respectively.
The women’s overall winner was also an athlete of Nedbank, Nthokasa Dlamini who finished in 01:26:28. The record time of 01:21:08 was also set up in 2009 by Kim Laxton.
This well-known race was a special mixture of tar and gravel roads through the bush. There was a three-hour cut-off time in place so that a helicopter could scour the area to ensure runners’ safety. Most athletes found the course daunting and were surprised by its undulating nature.
There were numerous short but significant climbs and dips, and underfoot the course changed between tarmac and graded gravel roads.
Hundreds of athletes lined up at the start on the village green and were set off by a recording of a lion’s roar.
