Disappointing start for locals in Spar Grand Prix

Local runners had a rather disappointing start to the 2014 Spar Women’s Grand Prix in what was the first of five races in Cape Town this past weekend.

More than 22 000 runners took part in the 10km Challenge and the 5km Fun Run on a hot, sunny day with very little wind.

Defending champion Mapaseka Makhanya came fifth with a time of 33 minutes and 59 seconds whereas former Hoërskool Roodepoort pupil René Kalmer – who has won more Challenge titles than any other runner – was edged into eighth place by her sister Christine, who came seventh.

Crossing the finish line first was Diana-Lebo Phalula (Maxed Elite) with a time of 33 minutes and 3 seconds.

Second place went to Ethiopian, Hunduma Gemeda (Nedbank) followed by Nolene Conrad (Boxer). Rutendo Nyahora (Nedbank) was fourth.

René, who ran in the world half marathon championships in Copenhagen last weekend, said she was a bit disappointed with her run.

“I think I still had the half marathon in my legs, and I found the going tough this morning. But I’ll be back,” she laughed.