WELKOM – The 24th annual Mediclinic Vista Women’s Road Race brought women, children, families and the wider community together in a celebration of sport, health, and resilience on Saturday 22 August.
Hosted by the Eskom Athletics Club Free State under the theme “Strive with Pride,” the race formed part of Women’s Month celebrations and highlighted the unifying power of community sport.
With Mediclinic as a key supporter and Vista as the main sponsor and media partner, the event catered for participants of all ages and abilities. The programme featured a women-only 5 km fun run and walk, open races of 5 km and 10 km, 1.6 km children’s and Masters events, and a kid’s dash covering 100 m.
The festive atmosphere was evident from the start, with families cheering along the route and volunteers supporting runners at water points.
The event also gave young participants an opportunity to experience organised sport, while the Masters categories demonstrated that an active lifestyle can be enjoyed at any age.
Each finisher received a specially designed gold medal in recognition of their achievement and commitment to the challenge.
The race also had a strong community focus, with proceeds and awareness initiatives supporting CANSA, Charlotte Moll Haven, the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) blood donation drive, and Engo.
Event organiser Hilde du Plessis thanked the sponsors, stakeholders, volunteers, athletes and participants for making the event a success.
Du Plessis said the event had grown into much more than a road race.
The continued support of Mediclinic, Vista, Eskom Athletics Club Free State and other partners has helped establish the race as a highlight of the local sporting calendar.
From young children completing the 100 m dash to experienced Masters athletes taking on the 1.6 km race, the event brought generations together through sport, participation and community spirit.
In the 5km Open Women/Girls category contetstants had a lot of fun, while showing tenacity and endurance throughout the 5 km run. PHOTO: Marti Will 
The Masters category once again highlighted the enduring appeal of road running. In the 1.6km Masters 60+ Men’s race, John Senatla of Wesselsbron Athletic Club finished first. PHOTO: Marti Will 
In the girls’ 11–15 years category, Lebohang Mashiloane of Dream Team AC claimed first place, followed by Carisha Pretorius of Hennenman Primary School. PHOTO: Marti Will 
Many aspirant future marathon runners took part in the 1.6 km Registered Athletes races for boys between 11 to 15 years. PHOTO: Marti Will 
The younger competitors also made their mark in the 1.6km Registered Athletes races. PHOTO: Marti Will 
The younger competitors also made their mark. In the boys’ 11–15 years category, Mpho Mpheteng of Real Lions Athletic Club (photo) finished first, ahead of Mojalefa Mahabo of Extreme Athletic Club and Tshireletso Morake of Brandwag Volkskool. PHOTO: Marti Will 
The 10 km Open Women-Girls category was won by Gloria Tsotesi of the Dream Team Athletics Club. Arouchelle Nieuwenhuis of Goudveld Multi Sport finished second, followed by her clubmate Marna Walker. PHOTO: Marti Will 
The Masters category once again highlighted the enduring appeal of road running. In the 1.6 km Masters 60+ men’s race, John Senatla of the Wesselsbron Athletic Club finished first, with Gerald Sullivan (photo) and Maliko Matishaya, both competing as individuals, taking second and third. PHOTO: Marti Will 
The 10km Open Men/Boys category for athletes aged 17 and older was run through the suburb of St Helena in Welkom. PHOTO: Marti Will 
In the the 100m Kids Open Dash/Walk for boys aged four to eight future athletes showed what they are made of. PHOTO: Marti Will 
Little girls showed their mettle and endurance during the 100m Kids Open Dash/Walk for girls aged four to eight. PHOTO: Marti Will 
Contestants of all ages and genders ran through the streets of St Helena during the 24th Mediclinic Vista Women’s Road Race on Saturday 22 August. PHOTO: Supplied 
Loads of fun was had by participants in the 5 km Women-only Fun Run-Walk for participants aged 14 and older. PHOTO: Supplied 
The results
In the 10 km Open Men and Boys category for athletes aged 17 and older, Katleho Khitsane of the Sasolburg Athletic Club claimed first place in 33:08. Thabang Mathosa of the Nedbank by Grace Athletic Club was second in 33:22, while Lefa Moeletsane of the Masal Athletics Club took third in 33:35.
The 10 km Open Women and Girls category was won by Gloria Tsotesi of the Dream Team Athletics Club in 42:44. Arouchelle Nieuwenhuis of Goudveld Multi Sport finished second in 44:08, followed by clubmate Marna Walker in 45:09.
Moorosi Soke of the Boxer Athletics Club dominated the 5 km Open Men and Boys race for athletes aged 16 and older, crossing the finish line in 15:55. Rethabile Mokhothu and Bongani Mzili of the Eskom Athletics Club Free State finished second and third respectively, recording times of 16:40 and 16:47.
In the 5 km Open Women and Girls category, Moleboheng Mohapi of Nedbank by Grace took the honours in 21:35. Lethibela Naledi of the Real Lions Athletic Club was second in 24:14, while Selina Ramokhoase of the Kerms Athletic Club finished third in 25:14.
The younger competitors also made their mark in the 1.6 km Registered Athletes races. In the boys’ 11 to 15 years category, Mpho Mpheteng of Real Lions finished first, ahead of Mojalefa Mahabo of the Extreme Athletic Club and Tshireletso Morake of the Brandwag Volkskool.
In the girls’ 11 to 15 years category, Lebohang Mashiloane of the Dream Team AC claimed first place, followed by Carisha Pretorius of the Hennenman Primary School.
The 5 km Women-only Fun Run-Walk for participants aged 14 and older was won by Carisha. Rethabile Mokoena of the Extreme Athletics Club was second, while Realeboha Olifant of the Wessel Maree High School took third.
In the 100 m Kids Open Dash-Walk for boys aged four to eight, Siiya Mlangeni of the Aurora Primary School finished first, followed by Katleho Mosia of the Graanveld Primary School and Oratilwe Mokoena of the Goldenpark Primary School.
Ugonma Njoku of the Bedelia Primary School won the corresponding girls’ category. Hail Tsotetsi of the Dream Team finished second, with Tlotla Motsoko of the Odensia Primary School third.
In the 1.6 km Children’s Fun Run-Walk for boys aged nine to 15, Lesebo Kgaung of the Iphatheleng High School claimed first place, followed by schoolmate Thembao Leeto. Kanahelo Sejake of the Virginia High School finished third.
The girls’ race was won by Zoey van der Linde of the Welkom-Gimnasium High School. Anele Dywill of the Riebeeckstad High School took second, while Elisa Makhata of the Brandwag Volkskool finished third.
The Masters category once again highlighted the enduring appeal of road running. In the 1.6 km Masters 60+ Men’s race, John Senatla of the Wesselsbron Athletic Club finished first, with Gerald Sullivan and Maliko Matishaya, both competing as individuals, taking second and third.
Wilemina Sullivan won the Masters 60+ Ladies race as an individual. Ntebaleng Sibanyana of the Action Club finished second, while individual entrant Limakatsa Mahlatsi took third.
The 1.6 km Disability Fun Race for men aged nine and older was won by Ivan Johnstone, with Edgar Phakoe finishing second. Both competed as individual athletes.
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