Athletes up the ante at annual marathon

Mwelase previously extolled the importance of promoting exercise, fitness and a healthy lifestyle, and the athletes were testament to that.

Athletes from around the country descended on Newcastle for the annual Amajuba Marathon on Sunday.
The three-in-one event included races of 42 kilometres, 21km and 10km.

Weather conditions were slightly chilly at the 6am start, with a chilling breeze accompanying athletes on their journey from the Old Monte Vista Casino complex.

Fortunately, this did not detract from the day’s action.

Race spokesperson, Henry ‘Shuzz’ Mwelase said the Amajuba Marathon was supported by individuals and clubs from within KwaZulu-Natal and also from provinces such as Gauteng.

A number of race records were also broken.

In the 10km race, Sipho Hlatshwayo from Nedbank Athletics Club crossed the line in 33:18 and Xoli Madida from Natal Carbineers finished in 43:55 to set new milestones respectively.

The 21km winners were Bonginkosi Mavuso in 1:12:09 and Bathabile Mkhize in 1:29:07.

In the main 42km half-marathon event, Siboniso Mkhwanazi finished in 2:28:33 and Phezile Shabangu crossed the line in 3:40:17.

Mwelase previously extolled the importance of promoting exercise, fitness and a healthy lifestyle, and the athletes were testament to that.