Spotlight: THIRSTI Spring Race, Tulbagh

What a way to celebrate the very first THIRSTI Spring Race, hosted by our valued partner THIRSTI. Nedbank Running Club claimed both overall titles in the 21.1km, plus a ladies 1-2. Comrades Marathon Up Run champion George Kusche (NRC GN) took the Male Overall win in 1:06:03, more than ten minutes clear of the field. Deanné Laubscher (NRC WP) won the Female Overall title in 1:20:53 running a personal best on an undulating, challenging course, and looking to be in the best shape of her life. Clubmate Nicole van Wyk (NRC WP) was 2nd in 1:25:14 – an impressive run from one of the club's newest members, who continues to make her mark with yet another podium finish.

The setting was as good as the running: a beautiful venue with a live band and a race village, giving runners the chance to make a full day of it and catch the Springboks take on New Zealand afterwards.

On the age-category podiums, David Ruiters (NRC WP) rounded out the top three in the Men 40-49 over 21.1km, and Andrew Cooper (NRC WP) took the win in the Men 50-59 category over 10km.

NRC KZN - Hollywoodbets Durban 10km

A sold-out field of 15,000 runners packed Hollywoodbets Kingsmead for the sixth edition of this Durban classic. Stephen Ngigi Kangethe (NRC International) twisted his ankle entering the stadium but fought hard to hold on for 2nd overall in 28:21 - a gutsy run that made the Green Dream Team proud.

In the women's race, Dikeledi Majara was the top Nedbank finisher, 6th overall in 34:03 - a strong run in a stacked, competitive field on race day.

NRC WPA (Western Province)

Chilli 10km (Sandown Retail Crossing)

Fortunate Chidzivo took the win at the brand-new Chilli 10km, crossing the line in 37:15 to claim the inaugural title on the race's very first outing. Patrick Dlangamandla added another green podium to the day, taking the win in the M70-79 category - a regular podium achiever who continues to show that age is just a number.

Western Province Race Walking Series 3 Championship

Tariq Klink took the win in the 21.1km walk, another strong result for the club as the Race Walking Series rolls on.

Velocity 21km, Groot Phesantekraal (Durbanville)

Elmé Middlemost took another green podium, 3rd in the W40-49 category. Charmaine Cupido won the W70-79 category, continuing her superb run of form and adding yet another podium finish to a season that just keeps delivering.

NRC AGN (Gauteng North)

Dullstroom Scenic Altitude (3-in-1 Series)

Michelle Dykman kept her winning streak alive, taking 1st overall at the demanding 478m Elevation 21km in 1:33:48 - another race, another win, and another reminder that she's in red-hot form heading into the rest of the season.

Lintons Corner (Linton Mall) 21.1km & 10km

A dominant showing across both distances at Linton Mall. In the 21.1km, Silvester KipKemboi Kipsang led the club home with the overall win, with clubmate Brian Muthomi Kiogora right behind him in 2nd, and Mary Njambi Njuguna 2nd woman. Albert Kangor rounded out a strong day, 1st in the M40-49 category. Over 10km, Lina Jepkemoi Kaino topped the women's race, while Colin Kanyimo (1st M40-49) and Sekgwane Moloele (1st M50-59) added two more age-category wins for the Green Dream Team.

Ultimate Fast Challenge

Albert Kangor backed up his Linton Mall run with another fine result, 9th overall and 1st in the M40-49 category, clocking 33:24. Taryn Snyman also impressed, placing 3rd in her age group over 10km.

Kyalami Corner 21km

Sibeko Pule rounded out the podium with 3rd overall in 1:09:22, a solid result for the club on a competitive field.

Women's Half Marathon, Wits Education Campus, Parktown

Mapaseka Makhanya topped the field, 1st overall in 1:27:44, a time that also secured her 1st place in the W40-49 category.

NRC CGA (Central Gauteng)

Daveyton Heart 10km, Sinaba Stadium, Benoni

Lucky Mohale was 2nd overall in 30:30, also good enough for 1st in the M40-49 category.

NRC EPA (Eastern Province)

Nedbank Running Club dominated the Despatch Superspar 10km, doubling as the EP Championships. Andile Motwani won the Overall Men's title in 30:15, while Kelly van Vliet (37:58) and Refeloe Solomons (38:24) went 1-2 in the Overall Women's race - Kelly's time also good enough for gold in the Ladies 35-39 category. Zolani Mabongo took bronze in the Men 40-49 (32:26); Refeloe Solomons added gold in the Ladies 40-49, with Liza-Marie Kingston bronze (40:07). Xolile Ndingane (35:20) and Melikhaya Kepe (37:08) went gold-silver in the Men 50-59. Christopher Mabengeza took silver in the Men 60-69 (40:23), and Christine Claasen gold in the Ladies 60-69 (45:39). Raymond Weitz added bronze in the Men 70+ (49:09), and Kylie Dorfling won the Junior Ladies title in 45:49.

NRC LIMA (Limpopo)

Under the leadership of Timothy Nkuna and Gloria Lebyane, Nedbank Running Club Limpopo hosted a hugely successful Nedbank Spring Opener in Tzaneen this weekend, drawing more than 700 entries. It was a well-organised race with plenty of spectators out in support, and food stalls added to the festival atmosphere for everyone to enjoy afterwards.

On the results side, Given Makgoba won the 21.1km, 1st overall and 1st in the M20-39 category, in 1:12:50. In the women's 21.1km, Gift Ramabele was 2nd overall and 1st in the W40-49 category (1:36:37).

The club went one better over 10km, locking out the top two steps of the men's podium: Isaac Moshia took the win in 32:29, with clubmate Musa Thuketana right behind him in 2nd, 32:40.

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World Masters Athletics Championships | Daegu, South Korea

More medals for the club on the world stage. Anthony Grendon crossed the line 1st in the Men's 800m M65-69 Final, taking the World title and setting a new South African Masters Athletics (SAMA) and African Masters record in the category with a phenomenal 2:14.94. Anthony also crossed the line 1st in the 1500m in a time of 4:45.20 – double gold success for Anthony!

Dalene Sonnekus added a bronze medal to her collection, 3rd in the Women 60 category for the 21.1km - her 2nd medal of these Championships - proof that passion, dedication and consistency know no age limits.

 

Closing

That wraps up this week's round-up. A huge well done to every member of the Green Dream Team who laced up this weekend - see you all out there again next week for another edition full of Nedbank Running Club results!

Wishing all our runners selected to represent their provinces at the ASA Cross Country Championships in Pretoria, Curro High School, Hazeldean, on 5 September, the very best of luck!

#RunWithUs | #GrowWithUs | #GreenDreamTeam | #NedbankRunningClub | #MoreThanAClub

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