It was an all-or-nothing affair for the 22 members of the South Coast Striders who took part in the 96th edition of the Comrades Marathon (down run).
Club chairman Emmanuel MK Mufamadi felt the runners were better prepared compared to previous years, with the club investing time and effort in organising long training runs.
He said there were six novices who all returned decent times.
There were some very proud moments, with two runners clinching silver medals, something rather rare in recent years.
One of these was secured by the in-form novice Sanele Wayise, the other by Sthembiso Khuluse.
Nangamso Mlilo missed silver by a mere 32 seconds.
MK was also pleased that, this year, no one bailed out.
“This is just a testament to say we are living up to our expectations,” he said.
Overall, the race was won by Tete Dijana (men) and Gerda Steyn (women).
MK also acknowledged veteran runner Chris Mortimer, who completed his 36th run and who is still moving like a well oiled machine.
“He has been a stalwart member of the club for 40 years and he is approaching Tiger Gono’s record of 40 Comrades Marathon in Striders colours,” he said.
RESULTS (Striders)
Sthembiso Khuluse 7:03:39
Sanele Wayise 7:20:29
Nangamso Mlilo 7:30:32
Bongani Mbhele 8:07:51
Brain Flascas 8:42:21
Hendrick Barnard 8:50:57
Cyril Nondaba 9:07:03
Michael Ahlers 9:24:15
Angela Bunge 9:41:33
Arthur Flascas 9:46:51
Mawonga Cita 10:33:15
Deborah Berridge 10:46:23
Tobias Ahlers 11:09:25
Martin Venter 11:09:46
MK Mufamadi 11:13:04
Chris Mortimer 11:20:14
Zandile Dunywa 11:31:55
Ziyanda Matandabuzwa 11:32:10
Adeline Jacobs 11:41:03
Lynn van der Merwe 11:41:03
Gert Veldman 11:51:50
Nadine Young 11:53:50
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