VIRGINIA – Harmony Striders runners turned out in numbers for the Rand Water Vaal River City Marathon in Vanderbijlpark on 13 September, with club members competing across the 42.2 km and 21.1 km distances.
In the marathon, Thompho Muthelo, Andre van Niekerk, Clayton Anderson and Morne Nel represented Harmony Striders over the demanding 42.2 km route.
The club was also represented in the half marathon by Twane Anderson, George Semoeng and Ntombizodwa Danisa, adding further strength to the Harmony Striders contingent at the event.
The Vaal River City Marathon formed part of a busy period for the club, with runners also preparing through regular time trials designed to test their fitness and build towards longer-distance races.
At the club’s time trials on 9 September, runners competed over 8 km and 4 km distances, producing a wide range of performances.
Time trials
In the 8 km event, Thapelo Khanali was among the fastest finishers with a time of 31:22, followed by Raboroko Mojalefa in 34:12 and Andre van Niekerk in 40:17.
Reggie Mokhosi completed the distance in 41:21, while Amelia du Plessis recorded 42:41. Jaco Potgieter finished in 44:50, with Chantel Rheeder and Johan Rheeder clocking 44:33 and 44:38 respectively.
Andre Els and Morne Nel both recorded 47:51, while Deon Lodder finished in 47:59. Kershney Nortman and Clayton Anderson both crossed the line in 50:51.
Rina Nel completed the 8 km in 53:51, followed by Anne-lene Penny in 55:21, Arthur Penny in 55:19 and Cornelius Visagie in 55:26.
Further finishers
Further finishers included Portia Mgini in 63:00, Lientjie Blom in 63:28, Unathi Ntja in 66:00, Johan Pretorius in 66:30, Yvonne Visagie in 69:00 and Deleen van Rooyen in 71:00. Ishmael Dhlamini completed the distance in 85:00.
The 4 km time trial also produced strong performances. Kamohelo Nyamane finished in 15:21, narrowly ahead of Kananelo Sejentu in 15:26. Celes Yamthanda recorded 17:10, while Benjamin Senokoane finished in 17:01.
Reneilwe Mayeza completed the distance in 18:00, followed by Skosana Lehlononolo in 18:43 and Thoriso Mokhanedi in 19:51.
Micheal Molahloe recorded 20:15, with Bohlokwa R finishing in 20:49. Kananelo Mohlosela completed the course in 21:42, while Lungile Fixane and Zama Fixane both recorded 21:35.
Tshiamo Phoyi crossed the line in 24:00, followed by Gert Pienaar in 27:28, Christa Els in 28:19 and Mavis Motaung in 28:04.
The combination of regular time trials and participation in major road races such as the Rand Water Vaal River City Marathon highlights the club’s continued focus on keeping its runners active and race-ready across a range of distances.
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