Runners compete in Garbie Springs Striders road race

The Striders 32km race took place in Springs on Sunday morning and is the oldest 32km road race in South Africa according to Springs Striders Athletic Club secretary, Rhoda Steyn.

Runners who competed in their 10th and 21st 32km Striders race received their permanent race number – 10th race runners received a single digit green number and the 21st race runners received double digit green numbers.

Nine-time South African Comrades Marathon winner Bruce Fordyce, also competed in the event on Sunday.

“This was my first ever race in 1977, I ran 2:04 and came 105th, this was my 10th Striders race” says Bruce.

Bruce received his permanent number after the race from running legend, Alan Robb, who also competed in the 32km race and is also a four-time Comrades Marathon winner.

All runners and walkers in all events received a medal.

A local beverage company ensured that all the runners stayed hydrated throughout the race.

Rhoda would like to thank all those who assisted and made the water tables possible. “Without them the race would not have been possible,” she says.

A total of 710 runners completed the 15km race and 720 runners completed the 32km road race.

Results for the 15km race:

Open men: Kemang Khunanyane (Rockies) 49:45; Kwanele Mthembu (Prestige) 50:10 and Mandla Nkabinde (Nkangala) 51:48.

Veterans: Lawrence Chipangaan (Benoni Harriers) 55:40; Khenene Semetse (Gallopers) 59:44 and Readman Rikhotso (SPRAC) 60:34.

Masters: Lawrence Wrench (BNAC) 72:48; Jannie Buys (PPMK) 81:06 and Roy McGregor (Fit 200) 90:13.

Grandmasters; Zeblon Nxumalo (Honey Lotus) 66:19 and Joseph Khumalo (Boksburg) 79:21.

Juniors: Kwanele Mthembu (Prestige) 50:10.

Open women: Thuli Mbatha (Kathlehong) 68:04; Alison de Bruin (Temp) 69:04 and Marlize Vermaak (Kempton) 69:33.

Veterans: Thuli Mbatha (Kathlehong) 68:04; Marlize Vermaak (Kempton) 69:33 and Velizwa Dunjwa (Ulinda) 72:17.

Masters: Sonja vd Vyfer (Team Vitality) 85:30; Mary Jones (JHAC) 92:18 and Christa Heiden (ACRW) 94:09.

Grandmasters: Sharon v Wyk (RWFL) 98:02 and Jenny Robertshaw (Rockies) 1:44:13.

Results for the 32km race:

Open men: Retsepile Khotle (Benoni Harriers) 1:46:43; Derocious Makhobalo (Nedbank) 1:50:36; Tumelo Mahlangu (Nedbank) 1:52:30; Dan Ndlovu (Cool Running) 1:54:02 and Emmanuel Magakwe (Olifantsfontein) 1:57:37.

Veterans: Ernest Molatlhwa (SANDF) 2:19:42; Wynand Strydom (Boksburg) 2:21:33 and Trevor Locker (Fourways) 2:30:21.

Masters: Arnold Geerdts (KPMG) 2:22:08; Peter Jaaehne (Outeniqua Harriers) 2:23:43 and Philemon Mbokazi (Benoni Harriers) 2:25:16.

Grandmasters: John Woodnutt (MCCRR) 2:28:00 and Norman Milne (BNAC) 2:44:54.

Open women: Tshifhiwa Malobola (Rockies) 2:20:24; Salome Cooper (Born 2 Run) 2:22:15; Andronica Mokgotla (Nedbank) 2:24:08; Seipati Peo (Rockies) 2:25:25 and Kathryn du Buisson (Team Vitality) 2:29:52.

Veterans: Salome Cooper (Born 2 Run) 2:22:15; Heather Walden (Born 2 Run) 2:33:50 and Nomasonto Skosana (Nedbank) 2:36:54.

Masters: Chris Walter (Dainfern) 2:45:26; Almarie Rothman (Kempton) 2:55:47 and Louise Goosen (Kempton) 2:57:10.

Grandmasters: Makgoale Magwentshu (Ukhozi) 3:21:09 and Margaret Boshoe (Sunninghill) 3:49:35.