The Nedbank running club had one of the most dominant weekends on the South African calendar this past week with athletes dominating the podium spots around the Country.
In the big Soweto Marathon which attracted 40 000 athletes and enjoyed live TV coverage, the Nedbank running club green dream team had one of their most successful Soweto Marathon’s to date, taking both the men’s and women’s races as well as dominating the top 10 with 6 in the top 10 in both the men’s and women’s races and the entire women’s podium. Debeko Dakamo Dasa from Nedbank running club Ethiopia survived a late challenge from Nedbank running club Kenya’s David Maru to take victory in what was his debut Soweto Marathon in 2:18:35.
In the women’s race, Irvette Van Zyl successfully defended her title for the 3rd time in a row to narrowly miss out on her phenomenal course record from last year in 2:34:01. “I’m so happy to defend my title and also run a quick time considering I had an op only 4 months ago,” said an elated Van Zyl afterwards. “It was warm, and the conditions were tough, but I can say that I felt strong throughout the race.”
Over in the big apple, Gerda Steyn made a return to the New York Marathon. After finishing 13th last year in a World class time of 2:31:04, Steyn and coach Nick Bester set a goal of qualifying for next year’s Olympic Games, an amazing feat considering that Steyn is an ultra-marathon runner. In order to qualify, Steyn needed a time of under 2:29:30 and she obliterated this. Her time of 2:27:48 not only qualified her for next year’s Olympic Games Marathon but also saw her ranked as the 4th fastest South African to ever run a marathon.
“This race never fails to surprise me,” laughed Steyn. “I always set my goals high and then I turn it up a notch and right now I am so happy with today’s run!”
Off the road and on the trails, Nedbank running club green dream team athlete Eric Ngubane took a dominant victory in the Rhodes Dryland Traverse Trail ultra-marathon. His time of 5:47:02 saw him take both the victory and the King of the mountain title.
Soweto Marathon, Half Marathon & 10 km
Marathon
MEN
1. Debeko Dakamo Dasa (Nedbank RC Eth) 2:18:35
2. David Maru (Nedbank RC Ken) 2:18:48
5. Ramolefi Motsieloa (Nedbank RC Les) 2:19:22
6. Lebenya Nkoka (Nedbank RC Les) 2:19:36
7. Wubshet Demisse Jote (Nedbank RC Eth) 2:19:41
10. Justin Chesire (Nedbank RC Ken) 2:20:58
11. Mabuthile Lebopo (Nedbank RC Les) 2:22:23
14. Mholi Jali (Nedbank RC) 2:24:22
15. Joseph Manyedi (Nedbank RC) 2:25:00
18. Melly Kennedy (Nedbank RC Ken) 2:26:30
19. Munyaradzi Jari (Nedbank RC Zim) 2:27:37
Veterans:
1. Mabhutile Lebopo (Nedbank RC Les) 2:22:23
WOMEN
1. Irvette van Zyl (Nedbank RC) 2:34:01
2. Selam Abere Alebachew (Nedbank RC Eth)2:45:54
3. Gadise Getachew Bekele (Nedbank RC Eth) 2:48:19
5. Jennifer Koech (Nedbank RC Ken) 2:54:36
6. Rutendo Nyahora (Nedbank RC Zim) 2:55:26
10. Ntebaleng Letsela (Nedbank RC Les) 3:00:40
Veterans:
1. Jennifer Koech (Nedbank RC Ken) 2:54:36
Half Marathon
MEN
2. Joel Mmone (Nedbank RC) 1:05:50
3. Namakoe Nkhasi (Nedbank RC Les) 1:05:58
Veterans
3. Peter Medupe (Ned) 1:17:31
Masters:
2. Mohajahe Mokohoto (Ned) 1:33:33
WOMEN
2. Rudo Mhonderwa (Nedbank RC Zim) 1:22:06
4. Rebecca Tebogo Mokgosinyane (Nedbank RC) 1:26:19
6. Agneter Kerubo Nyabuto (Nedbank RC Ken) 1:26:53
10 km
MEN
6. Sipho Hlatshwayo (Nedbank RC) 31:55
G’masters:
3. Daniel Motshwene (Nedbank RC) 48:51.
G/g'masters:
1. Don Charles (Nedbank RC) 46:51
Landmarks Half Marathon
MEN
2. Mthandazo Qhina (Nedbank RC) 1:10:45
Veterans:
1. Mthandazo Qhina (Nedbank RC) 1:10:45
2. Vakalisa Kopolo (Nedbank RC) 1:16:34; 3.
Masters:
1. Andrew Cooper (Nedbank RC) 1:21:59
WOMEN
5. Obertina Kanyongo (Nedbank RC Zim) n/t (Also 1st mast)
G’masters:
1. Olga Howard (Nedbank RC) 1:44:13
Aspen 10 km
MEN
10. Henry Crause (Nedbank RC) 38:58
WOMEN
3. Kelly Van Vliet (Nedbank RC) 38:25
Table View High School 10 km
MEN
G/g'masters:
2. Henry Cleophas (Nedbank RC) 48:58
Juniors:
2. Heinrich Ryk (Nedbank RC) 38:09
WOMEN
2. Jeanetta Kohler (Nedbank RC) 39:06
Veterans
2. Jeanetta Kohler (Nedbank RC) 39:06
3. Sharon Nel (Nedbank RC) 42:23
G’masters:
3. Charmaine Cupido (Nedbank RC) 52:32
New York Marathon
WOMEN
13. Gerda Steyn (Nedbank RC) 2:27:48
UniWISP 3-in-1 Kaapsehoop Marathon, Half Marathon & 10 km
Marathon
MEN
1. Professor Mthethwa (Nedbank RC) 2:19:28
Rhodes Dryland Traverse Trail ultra-marathon
MEN
1. Eric Ngubane (Nedbank RC) 5:47:02