MATJHABENG – Harmony Striders runners were out in force at races in Vanderbijlpark and Bloemfontein over the weekend of 24 and 25 October, while club members continued to test their fitness and improve their performances during the club’s weekly time trials.

The club was represented at the Actom Turbo Machines Half Marathon in Vanderbijlpark on Saturday 24 October, where Bennie Wilding took part in the 21.1 km race.

Also on Saturday, Gerald and Mina Sullivan competed in the 10 km race at the CUT Alumni Race in Bloemfontein, while Cornelius Visagie tackled the 21.1 km distance.

Twenty-five runners take part in ABSA Run Your City 10km

The following day, Harmony Striders turned out in numbers for the ABSA Run Your City race in Bloemfontein. Twenty-five club members participated in the 10 km event, showcasing the club’s continued commitment to road running and participation in events beyond its home base.

Those who took part were Edward Raboroko, Morne Nel, Clayton Anderson, Twane Anderson, Yvonne Visagie, Cornelius Visagie, Deleen van Rooyen, Bernadette de Costa, Marietjie van Loggerenberg, Gerald Sullivan, Mina Sullivan, Luiz de Andrade, Micheal Molahloe, Andre van Niekerk, Kershney Nortman, Adel Henderson, Riaan Henderson, Potlako Sekokotana, Augustus Makhasana, Pieter Marais, Meshack Lepele, Justice Shelile, Vusi Maseko, Puseletso Seitshiro, and Ishmael Dhlamini.

Club members test their fitness at weekly time trials

The weekend’s races followed the club’s time trials held on Wednesday 21 October, where runners tested themselves over 8km and 4km distances.

In the 8km time trial, Moeketsi Msindisi recorded the fastest listed time of 30:25, followed by Raboroko Mojalefa in 32:06, and Andre van Niekerk in 41:06.

Amelia du Plessis completed the distance in 44:55, while Jacques du Preez, Bennie Wilding and Johan Rheeder each recorded 45:49. Andre Els, Deon Lodder, and Morne Nel all finished in 48:05.

Deon du Plooy clocked 51:03, followed by Anne-Lee Penny, Arthur Penny, Mavis Motaung and Rina Nel, who each recorded 54:14. Jack Harms finished in 54:20, with Muso Molefi completing the trial in 54:21.

Cornelius Visagie recorded 54:45, while Eben Venter finished in 57:00 and Deleen van Rooyen in 57:07. Luzanne Venter completed the distance in 57:44, followed by Portia Mgini in 61:00 and Johan Pretorius in 66:40.

The 4 km time saw Kananelo Sejentu record the fastest listed time of 14:14, followed by Isaac Kompi in 17:33 and Kananelo Mohlosela in 20:01.

Kershney Nortman completed the distance in 24:17, with Lesley van Niekerk finishing in 24:28. Katleho Tsiu recorded 28:10, followed by Lientjie Blom in 30:08 and Zama Fixane in 30:17.

Rhian Rose finished in 38:00, while Kekeleetso Khomari recorded 44:15.

Runners prepare for Sunset Night Race in November

Runners can now look forward to the Sunset Night Race on Friday 27 November, hosted at the NG Church in Harmony.

The event will feature a 4 km race at R50 and a 10 km race at R100, offering runners a choice of distances.

For more information, call or send a message to 071 682 6615.

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