CONGRATULATIONS to Amanzimtoti Athletics Club chairman Des van der Merwe on winning the 21km walkers race in the Maritzburg half marathon and Sandra van der Merwe for attaining third woman and fourth overall.
Well done to Shirley and Marilyn on completing their first half marathon walk and to all who took part in this great race.
Buses donated by Richard Anderson and Desmond and Sharon Venter left Hutchison Park at 3.30am. Some 5,000 athletes took part. The army cannon sounded the start at 5.30am.
The race finished at the Harry Gwala Stadium to a roar of music and applause from the crowd. Tea and coffee was provided at the end. There were also stands selling bacon and egg rolls, pancakes and plenty more.
Results 21km walk: D van der Merwe 2.35, S van der Merwe 2.45, M Meyer 2.52, A Kretzmann 3.08, J Williams 3.14, J Rees 3.16, S Coulter 3.16, B Wagner 3.17.
21km run: S Msomi 1.44, L Martin 1.56, R Warren 1.57, C Stange 1.57, T Zama 2.02, B Mathe 2.11, N Hlengwa 2.29, B Stange 2.47, A Wasserman 2.47, T Poultney 3.06.
42km run: J Shishani 3.03, B Mkhize 3.26, M Mccalgan 3.28, T Ndlovu 3.30, S Finn 3.36, L Herron 3.37, W Gibson 3.38, M Mpungose 3.39, M Ndlovu 3.40, R Shabeer 3.49, B Makhanya 3.55, S Khomo 3.55, W Mtungwa 3.58, S Farrimond 3.58, T Mdanda 4.07, C Dann 4.12, M Ndlovu 4.13, S Linden 4.17, S Strachan 4.17, N Dlamini 4.27, L Symmonds 4.28, A Schubach 4.33, J Momberg 4.33, J Wright 4.33, R Schubach 4.33, P Radebe 4.38, T Mthethwa 4.50, M Mzimela 4.50, T Castle 4.51, E Toerien 4.54, L Herbst 4.57, L Botha 4.58, R Warren 5.00, H Nell 5.25, M Ngcobo 5.32, congratulations to all.
Big thanks to Warren for erecting the gazebos and collection of race packs and to Des and Martyn for driving the buses and transporting the club’s athletes safely to and from the venue.
The committee is working hard in preparation for this year’s Clean Dick King half marathon and 15km walk. This year the club is giving R500 to the cleanest water station along the route. It also appeals to companies or a group of eight to 10 to man one of six water stations. Call Chris on 083-3013-632.
This event takes place on 3 April. Entries are now open on www.totiac.co.za. The club needs volunteers to assist in marshalling – call Martyn on 082-876-3751. Helpers will receive a free T-shirt.
Uphcoming races: 6 March Stella Royal, 13 March Umgeni Water Marathon, both of which are pre-entry events. On 20 March is the Gaterite Challenge.
Weekly time trials are on Wednesdays. Walkers start at 5.30pm over 4km and 8km. Runners start at 6pm over the same distances. Visitors are welcome to join. Meet at the clubhouse at Hutchison Park. On Saturdays there is an 11km run and walk from the clubhouse at 5.30am for walkers and 6am for runners. Tea, coffee and biscuits are served afterwards. Visitors are welcome to join in and keep fit.
Call chairman Des van der Merwe on 082-806-0348 or club captain Chris Stange on 083-301-3632.
Time trial results:
4km walk: A Wasserman 30.33, M du Preez 30.33.
8km walk: G Ellis 56.30, D van der Merwe 56.30, S van der Merwe 59.50 M Weyer 63.32, N Saville 63.34, A Kretzmann 65.56, J Williams 72.08, L Gcaba 76.00, B Doyisa 76.10, B Wagner 76.50, F Paxton 76.50.
4km run: S Radebe 16.50, P Mngadi 16.50, S Msomi 20.29, N Khathi 20.35, C Clarke 23.40, R Sayer 23.40, T Zama 23.49, M Mzimela 23.49, L Ndlela 24.03, A Payne 25.13, S Blom 27.50, S Khumalo 28.15, Z Sithole 28.36, N Sabelo 29.25, J Rooschuz 29.53, A Olivier, 29.53.
8km run: T Ngcobo 39.08, B Ngcobo 32.46, E luiz 37.03, J Botha 38.14, M Coetzee 38.38, M Hlongwa 39.35, B Mngadi 39.35, M Muthwa 40.00.
The club would like to wish Joanne a speedy recovery and everyone hopes to see her back on the road soon.
