Athletes spring into action at VAC’s marathon

The Vryheid Athletic Club hosted its annual Gooderson Leisure Willem Boshoff Memorial Marathon on Sunday.
This four-in-one event was supported by many athletes from as far as Richards Bay.
Since the race is also a Comrades Marathon qualifier, it means an athlete who completes the 42,2 kilometre main race in under four hours, 50 minutes, qualifies to compete in the Comrades.
The day started off misty and chilly, which was perfect long distance running conditions.
Just after 6am on race day, the athletes of the 42,2km distance set off from the starting line.
Vryheid Athletic Club’s own Mcebisani Msizane took the lead early on and finished in a well-deserved first place with a time of 2:48:49.
Superathlete Bongani Masimango, who normally runs the 42,2km, entered the 21,1km race and finished first in a time of 1:17:31.
Club captain, Marlene Beän placed second in the women’s division with a time of 1:45:40 in the 21,1km race, and still had the energy to run back and support other members of the club.
One of the club’s older and most legendary athletes, Cathy de Beer took a back-to-back first places in her age category (60 years plus), in the 21,1km events at TW Mchunu Legacy Marathon (Estcourt) on Saturday and the Willem Boshoff Marathon on the Sunday.
The last of the events was the 5km fun run and walk.
Young and old entrants participated, with some taking it at a leisurely walk and others having a more serious run.
After the action, everyone could enjoy the warm baths at Natal Spa to soothe those aching muscles, before heading home.
Cango Marathon (42,2km):
Cathy de Beer – 4:49:48
TW Mchunu Legacy Marathon, Estcourt (21,1km):
Cathy de Beer – 2:30:00 (first in age category 60+)
Mandla Mnisi – 1:38:00
Gooderson Leisure Willem Boshoff Memorial Marathon:
42,2km
Mcebiseni Msizane – 2:48:49 (first place)
Simpiwe Buthelezi – 3:56:49
Sabelo Ndlovu – 4:48:11
21,1km
Bongani Msimango – 1:17:31 (first place)
Mandla Mnisi – 1:40:43
Mishack Ledwaba – 1:42:59
Casper Louw – 1:43:35
Marlene Beän – 1:45:40 (second female finisher)
Kobus van der Merwe – 1:47:48
Morne Strauss – 1:51:31
Hugo Burger – 1:52:11
Amanda Vergottini – 1:52:28
Sanet Westermeyer – 2:01:41
Tholiwe Hlophe – 2:13:48
Sihlanzine Zulu- 2:22:02
Sakkie Spangenberg – 2:22:55
Cathy de Beer – 2:25:52
Kurt Spangenberg – 2:32:37
10km
Zaba Nkosi – 49:44
Johannes Brits – 56:19
Yvette Jordaan – 59:03
Colette Terblanche -1:00:16
Nana Mfaba – 1:04:01
Buhle Thusi – 1:04:07
Yvette Barsdorf – 1:04:49
Lindiwe Ngobese – 1:14:53
Mariaan le Roux – 1:42:04

ALSO READ: Vryheid Athletic Club; A fitting tribute to Willem Boshoff

Make sure you follow us on our social media platforms for regular updates