Township runners showed their mettle at the the 30th PPC Cement Riebeeck Bergmarathon on Saturday.
Phumlani Nxusani running in the colours of Itheko bagged the big one as he crossed the finish line in a time of 02:31:18.
He was closely followed by Justin Fritz and Ben Matiso in second and third place respectively.
Lee-Shay Willemse finished first in the women’s race, clocking a time of 03:24:14.
The half-marathon (21.1km) was won by Mthandazo Qhina (men’s) and Candice Hall (ladies), with Siviwe Nkombi (men’s) and Mariette Strauss (ladies) winning the 10km race.
Hosted by PPC Cement and the Swartland Athletics Club, the Bergmarathon saw over 2 000 participants enter this year. Supporters from the PPC plant and local community were out in full force to cheer on the runners – who included former Springbok rugby player Morné Du Plessis and Runner’s World deputy editor Lisa Nevitt.
Long distance paralympian runner Jan Nero also received a special cheer as he crossed the finish line with his guide, and race veteran Brian Rothman came home to overwhelming applause as he completed his 30th race this year. He is the marathon’s longest standing supporter.
“We’re delighted by this year’s turnout and congratulate everyone who participated,” says Bernard Venter, PPC Riebeek Factory General Manager.
“We’re thrilled that so many people could join us to celebrate 30 years of PPC’s involvement in the Riebeek community – and look forward to welcoming everyone back next year.”
Meanwhile the Khayelitsha Athletics Club has announce that it would a 10km race race on Sunday August 30.
KAC spokesman Nelson Tshambo said preparations were an advanced stage.
“We have received positive feedback from runners and the community at large,” he said.
“We call upon everyone to join us on the day,” said Tshambo
