Elite athletes shine with thrilling performances at Spar Thembisa Mile

Hundreds of athletes and spectators gathered at Moses Molelekwa Stadium for the Thembisa Mile on October 30.

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Some of South Africa’s best middle and long-distance runners produced outstanding results and exciting clashes.

At the annual road running festival in Thembisa, races were held over a mile distance (1.609km) throughout the morning, as well as a walk and competitions in age groups from U10 to U20.

Elvis Mokhonoana edged out local favourite Ryan Mphahlele to win a closely fought contest in the elite men’s mile.

Mphahlele maintained the intensity up front in a late sprint. He was unable to shake off Mokhonoana, who dipped on the line to win in 4:01, equalling the course record set by Mphahlele last year.

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Mphahlele was credited with the same time in second place, with Nkosinathi Sibiya grabbing the third spot in 4:03.

In the elite women’s race, middle-distance track specialist Prudence Sekgodiso successfully defended the title, securing a dominant gun-to-tape victory in 4:45.

It was Sekgodiso’s fourth victory at the annual race. She crossed the line one second outside the course record of 4:44, set by Lebogang Phalula in 2014.

Janie Janse van Rensburg took second place in 4:56 and Charne Swart was third in 4:57.

“I came here prepared and I really wanted to break the course record, but I’m happy and I feel like a true champion,” Sekgodiso said.

Earlier in the day, a 10km race opened the programme, with a mass field of elite and amateur athletes taking part.

Chris Mhlanga stunned a quality line-up to take the men’s title in 30:13, setting a personal best.

National 5 000m record holder, Elroy Gelant, finished second in 30:19 and Simon Sibeko was third in 30:31.

“It was a really hard experience. It wasn’t easy with all the top athletes who were here. I’m glad I managed to get myself a win today,” Mhlanga said.

“It added a lot of pressure knowing Elroy was behind me. I kept looking back, waiting for him to kick, but it also made it exciting. I wanted to work hard to get on the podium today, so the win is a bonus.”

ALSO READ: Register online for the SPAR Thembisa mile and 10km race

In the women’s 10km race, Patience Moruwe won comfortably in 37:18, with junior athlete Karabo Motsoeneng taking the runner-up spot in 38:02 and Maria Shai rounding out the podium in 40:22.

“I wasn’t expecting to win, so I’m very happy,” Moruwe said.

“I’ve been training for a marathon. This is good preparation for me and I think this shows I’m in good shape.”

Held for the 10th time, the SPAR Thembisa Mile, hosted by Thembisa Athletics Club, is aimed at empowering the community in the township.

The race organiser, Donald Mathipa, said he was delighted with the success the event had achieved since it was launched.

“When I conceptualised this race in 2012, I did not know that we would have a huge turnout such as in 2022. We normally see these types of turnouts in the suburbs, so I’m very proud,” Mathipa said.

Making the race possible with its support, SPAR was equally proud to provide the resources required to hold the top-flight event, along with the race’s other sponsors.

ALSO READ: Thembisans gear up for the return of the Mile

“We got involved in the Thembisa Mile because this event is actively involved in trying to get kids off drugs by involving them in sports and keeping them off the streets,“ said SPAR North Rand representative Sophia Matlou.

“Money that is raised will also be given to charity, including providing sanitary products for girls, to make a difference in the community.”

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