Pirates 21km a hit again
GREENSIDE – Experienced runners strut their stuff at Joburg's toughest half marathon.
Joburg’s toughest half marathon was once again a hit, with over 4 000 community members taking on some of the most challenging hills in the city on 16 February.
The annual Pirates Half Marathon, hosted by Pirates Road Running and sponsored by Medshield, saw three-times Comrades Marathon winner Bongmusa Mthembu act as an ambassador for the sponsor and cheer runners on at the start.
As runners made their way through the leafy suburbs of Greenside and Linden, it was an easy and quiet start to be enjoyed. This because three infamous hills were coming up in Northcliff.
The final hill topped out at 1 760m above sea level, the highest point in any road-running race in Gauteng, and many took to walking by then to get their breath back before things became easier again on the final stretch back to Greenside.
The Pirates Half Marathon is not one for excellent 21km running times but many can be proud of finishing such a tough race.
Teboho Noosi was the first person across the line, and he finished in a respectable 01:09:12. Ruthanda Nyaora was the first woman across and she clocked 01:22:37. The complete results for the run can be found online at www.pirates21.co.za
“Everything was fantastic on the day,” said Pirates Road Running chairperson, Natalie Mills.
“Organisation went well and the weather was great. We had no issues at all on the day.”
She said the 4 138 finishers this year was more than last year’s 3 882, and this was a positive result of good marketing on behalf of the sponsors.
Pirates will next host the annual Cool Ideas 10km on 12 July. Entries for this run will open in April.
Details: Pirates info@piratesclub.co.za; 011 646 5025.
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