Toti AC runners sprint to top honours at KZN champs

THIS weekend saw Amanzimtoti Athletics Clubs juniors and U23 athletes make their mark at the KZN senior and masters athletics championships.

The club dominated the women’s middle-distance events when Lisha Van Onselen (still under 19) streaked away to win the women’s 1,500m KZN title in an excellent time of 4:38.8, which also qualifies her to compete at the SA senior championships.

Another gold medal was won when U21 competitor, Kelly Fletcher, who is now a member of the Durban University of Technology Club while she studies there but is also a long-standing member of Toti AC who still trains in the local squad, produced an electrifying last 150m to win the women’s 800m KZN title in an excellent time of 2:11.02, also qualifying for the SA championships. Kelly also won silver in the women’s 400m, only a few minutes after her 800m title. Kelly was the initial trailblazer who sparked the strong Amanzimtoti AC junior resurgence when she joined the club a few years ago as a 15-year old. A bronze medal was also won by Tebogo Khanye in the men’s 800m. Jurie Jansen Van Vuuren achieved a remarkable performance when he qualified through the heats and semi-finals of the men’s 400m, winning his semi-final race, and still improving his best time in an exciting final.

The masters athletes also did their part in keeping the club’s flag flying, with Riaan Vosloo and Llewellyn Van Onselen each winning two events in their age groups.

Traffic alert for Dick King this Sunday

THE motoring community of Amanzimtoti is reminded that the 21km and 15km events of the Dick King road race hosted by Amanzimtoti Athletics Club will take place this Sunday, 29 March.

About 700 athletes will start at 6am outside Splash Waterworld in Beach Road, to run through Toti into Doonside, along Warner Beach into Illovo and turning in front of Panorama Park to return on the same route to the finish at Amanzimtoti main beach by turning into Shad Place.

Motorists are urged to exercise caution with runners who may be running against the flow of traffic. There will be marshals with orange safety vests and red flags as well as Metro Police officers assisting runners and traffic.

Athletes who have entered the race are reminded that it starts at 6am in front of Splash. Registration takes place on Saturday from 10am to 4pm and on Sunday from 4.30am. There will be no entries on the day as this was a pre-entry event only. Runners can enjoy six water tables along the route stocked with cold water and Coke. Runners must ensure they throw their empty water booster bags in the Mpact cardboard rubbish bins provided next to the water tables. At the finish, runners can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and there will also be a post-hydration station handing out cold drinks and water at the finish.

There was a good turn-out with the helpers’ run last Saturday. The club appeals to all members to help at the Dick King race on Sunday and the run-up on Saturday. The club needs help for Saturday’s registration at Toti main beach, with shifts from 10am to noon; noon to 2pm and 2pm to 4pm, as well as Sunday’s registration at Toti main beach. Athletes will arrive from 4am on Sunday morning to register, so the club needs as many helpers as possible from 4am to 6am. Contact Belinda on belinda@henwoodbritter.com or call Chris on 083-301-3632

Those keen to marshal for runners’ safety can call Martin on 082-876-3751 and he will allocate a marshalling point along the route. The club also needs help with tea and pouring of refreshments on Sunday morning, with shifts working from 7am to 11am. Call Des on 082-806-0348.