THE second Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Road Running Series event, hosted by the St Albans’ Running Club at St Albans’ Correctional Services, took place in ideal windless weather conditions on Saturday, April 10.
It was a thrilling superfast finish!
Melikhaya Frans stormed through 3km (8:09) and 5km (13:47) en route to an exceptional 10km finish time of 28:16 – one of the fastest times by an EP athlete in Gqeberha, just four seconds shy of Abner Chipu’s Eastern Province record. Melikhaya and his coach, Mike Mbambani, were both emotional at the finish.
“I ran out as hard and fast as I could,” said Melikhaya, after his fantastic performance.
Yanga Malusi, of Zwelonke Athletics Club, also ran a superb race, finishing in second position in 30 minutes, an improvement from his last 10km, in Colchester, when he came third.
Mariano Eesou, of Madibaz, ran his personal best and finished third in 0.30.15.
Kelly van Vliet was the first woman home at St Albans in 0:36:28 and was crowned the EP Champion.
She was in high spirits after the race, where she had to race to the finish with Nwabisa Mjoli, of Ikhamva Athletics Club, who finished second in 0:36:35.
“It was a hard race with a sprint finish, but I have been working on my sprints and I am so happy to race again and grateful to be challenged by such awesome women athletes,” said Kelly.
Ntombesintu Mfunzi finished third overall, in a time of 0:36:56.
“I am very happy with my performance today. I won my age category (35-39 years), and took 22 seconds off my previous 10km race in Colchester two weeks ago.”
The second road running series was well supported by participants from throughout the Eastern Cape, all eager to get back into road running.
Alec Riddle, who commentated at the event, said, “This was brilliant road running!”
Xolisa Ndlumbini of Vukani Club won the 35-39 year men’s age category in 0:31:24.
Renee Hawkridge (70), of Blue Water Bay Road Running Club, had an excellent finish in 0:53:27, breaking the EP record for her age group.
Issued on behalf of LOC EPA
