Dusty roads for runners at Citrus Festival

Dust provided a huge challenge to competitors during the Schoemanskloof Citrus Festival 21,1km trial run recently. Just over a 100 athletes met at the starting point a little after 07:00 that morning with a brisk breeze at their backs. In the mix were some of the area’s top athletes, including local favourite Nuthuthuko Maseko and Clement Maphosa of Nedbank LVCC fame. Runners from as far afield as Gauteng prepared themselves for the challenging route that snaked down a dusty farm road and through the surrounding Bushveld and, included three separate river crossings.

Runners first encountered a bridge where they could admire the beautiful scenery before dodging shrubbery and branches as they headed back into the dense vegetation. The second crossing proved a little more daunting as they had to navigate their way over the Crocodile River via a rope bridge. By far the most challenging section of the run was the third crossing where they had to traverse slippery rocks and the icy water without the help of a crossing.

“It was a very high-risk manoeuvre and tested the runners’ mettle as they battled exhaustion and the various obstacles while competitors breathed down their necks,” explained race coordinator, Wikus Rood. “The athletes loved it nevertheless and feedback after the event pointed to a race that was successfully enjoyed by all. We will definitely have this run again next year.”

Heavy winds and thick dust clouds were not enough to prevent Maseko from wowing his local supporters by claiming victory in a magnificent time of 01:19:32. He finished three minutes ahead of teammate, Clement Maphosa who took second in 01:22:26, just short of a minute ahead of SAPS runner, Rewano Swarts, who managed 01:23:20 to secure the final podium position.

Petro Steenkamp of Legogote Villagers and Allison Hay of Nelspruit Running Club took first and second in the women’s race with Elsa de Beer of LVCC claiming a bronze.