Jenna shines for the North

A TOTAL of 14 256 took part in the SPAR Women’s challenge race event on Sunday with 6 054 running the 5km and 8 202 tackling the longer race. Lebogang Phalula claimed a dramatic and sensational victory in the 25th race in a time of 33.06 while Durban North’s Jenna Challenor finished seventh.

Crossing the line in tears of joy, Phalula, the Soweto-based runner collapsed on her knees after winning, completely overwhelmed by her victory.

On a picture perfect warm Spring morning, with a slight breeze, the elite runners started off in a pacey fashion, with race favourite Irvette Van Zyl blazing a trail in the lead and Phalula and Mapaseka Makhanya close behind with Phalula’s twin Diana hot on their heels. But in the end it was Lebogang Phalula taking the honours, and last year’s second place Rutendo Nyahora  shaving off 14 seconds from her time, and Rene Kalmer coming in third position.

Results (Open)
1-Lebogang Phalula 33.06; 2-Rutendo Nyahora 33.41; 3-Rene Kalmer 33.49; 4-Diana-Lebo Phalula 34.02; 5-Irvette Van Zyl 34.29; 6-Mapaseka Makhanya 34.35; 7-Jenna Challenor 35.01; 8-Nicole Van Der Merwe 35.27; 9-Constance Nyasango 35.35; 10-Thozama April 35.56

Junior (15-19 Age Group)

1-Mtshali Nomcebo 39.14; Thenjiwe Gumede 41.57; Nondumiso Khoza 42.43

35-39 Age group

1-Nonsikelelo Mbambo 41.55; 2-Debbie Perry 42.32; 3-Precious Duma 42.56

Veteran (40-49 Age group)

1-Ronel Thomas 39.39; 2-Janene Carey 39.39; 3-Shani Silver 41.22

Master (50-59 Age Group)

1-Judy Bird 41.24; 2-Elmarie Coetzee 42.16; 3-Janine Engels 44.26

Grandmaster (60+ Age Group)

1-Margie Saunders 43.27; 2-Sandra Fismer 49.02; 3-Judith Grove 49.45