The Randmark Run, Walk, Cycle Club took on the Telkom 947 Cycle Challenge recently and pedaled their hearts out.
A total of 21 cyclists from the club took on the race on 19 November with thousands of others to face the roads of Johannesburg. The club member with the fastest time was Jana Jonker who finished the challenge with a time of two hours and 58 minutes. Paul Kotze was hot on her heels with two hours and 59 minutes.
Randmark cyclists and supporters were sponsored by local businesses with a great golf shirt which the supporters wore at the Randmark Tent 15km from the finish.
Metal Print, Scorpion Abrasives, West Rand Industrial Suppliers and Somerset Biltong were some of the sponsors. The supporters at the tent helped anybody and everybody who needed assistance. All the cyclists had fun – from the serious speedsters to those who saw it as a social event.
According to Karin Bezuidenhout, Randmark Club spokesperson, Nico Smit has completed every single 947 Challenge since its inception. This year he rode his 21st Challenge. She said that only about 100 cyclists can boast having achieved this.
“Johan van Staden is 81 years old and also participated in the Challenge. He is seen as an inspiration for his fellow riders,” said Wilma Botha.
The Randmark cyclists’ results:
• Jana Jonker (02:58)
• Paul Kotze (02:59)
• Poenie van Niekerk (03:00)
• Shaun Botha (03:01)
• Danie Steyn (03:04)
• Annamarie Jacobz (03:04:22)
• Jan Basson (03:11)
• Jan Kotze (03:15:35)
• Dries Odendaal (03:29:56)
• Linda Stander (03:42:37)
• Nico Smith (03:51:15)
• Piet Koen (03:51:51)
• Lizeth Rowan (04:12)
• Susan Botha (04:15)
• Louisa Douglas (04:28)
• Joanie van Niekerk (04:28)
• Johan van Staden (04:38)
• Karin Bezuidenhout (04:54:01)
Three Randmark athletes, Lizeth Rowan, Karin and Jana were each awarded a special medal for having completed back-to-back races – the 947 Cycle Challenge and the RAC Tough One 32km run in Randburg a week later.
These are two of the toughest races on the Gauteng calendar. The RAC Tough One is 32km of running on some of the roads they had cycled in the 947. “… this time on takkies and not tyres,” said Karin.
Jana came in seventh in her age category 7/ 625 and her gender position was 81/ 3818. It is great time by a very dedicated athlete in all fields. Jana is also an up-and-coming Tri-athlete.
The club is very proud of all its members and believes that hard work pays of.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za (please remember to include your contact details in the email) or phone us on 011 693 3671.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
