The NRC men claimed the first four positions in the marathon with another two NRC runners following within the top ten. That makes 6 out of the top ten positions going to the NRC. In the women’s marathon race it was no different with the first three podium positions belonging to the NRC and another three in the top ten.
When it came to the half marathon, victory continued. Both the men’s and women’s races were won by NRC athletes while another three women and four men finished in the top.
Uniting people
The Mandela Day Marathon, which offered huge prize money, is an initiative by uMgungundlovu District Municipality, which aim to unite people from all walks of life from all over the globe to get together for just one day to walk in the steps of Madiba.
More than 24 000 runners took on the race that began at Manaye hall where Mandela made his last speech. The raced finished at the magnificent capture site where he was captured.
Foreigners (mostly from the NRC international front) dominated the two longer races, with 25 of the 40 top ten places going to them. Of the total prize money (counting the open category only) of R676 000, foreigners won R545 000, or just more than R80%.
Marathon
Ethiopia's Sintayehu Legese Yinesu (NRC/ETH) took the title in 2:28:06 and won R100 000. The women's race, with the same prize money, went to Kenya's Loice Jebet Kiptoo (NRC/KEN) in 2:50:01.
Half Marathon
Last year's female marathon champion, Mamorallo Tjoka (NRC/LES), won the half marathon in 1:18:47 while her teammate Benard Bil (NRC/KEN) took the men’s title in 1:02:23.
10km
Portia Ngwenya not only won the Women’s race in a time of 37:17 but also finished first Veteran.
It is obvious to say the day and the race belonged to the NRC.
RESULTS
MANDELA DAY MARATHON, HALF MARATHON & 10 KM
PIETERMARITZBURG TO HOWICK (MARATHON), HILTON TO HOWICK (HALF-MARATHON), 26 AUGUST
Marathon
MEN
Open
1. Sintayehu Legese Yinesu (NRC/ETH) 2:28:06
2. Mabuthile Lebopo (NRC/LES) 2:29:12 (1st Veteran)
3. Mark Oyugu (NRC/KEN) 2:31:04
4. Justin Chesire (NRC/KEN) 2:31:08
8. Kebede Aberra Dinke (NRC/ETH) 2:32:54
10. Tekletsion Kassahun Tefera (NRC/ETH) 2:33:51
WOMEN
1. Loice Jebet Kiptoo (NRC/KEN) 2:50:01
2. Selam Abere Alebachew (NRC/ETH) 2:53:22
3. Tsega Galani Reta (NRC/KEN) 3:03:25
5. Jennifer Koech (NRC/KEN) 3:05:59
6. Loveness Madziva (NRC/ZIM) 3:11:49
9. Beryl Makokha (NRC) 3:29:26
Half Marathon
MEN
Open
1. Benard Bil (NRC/KEN) 1:02:23
5. Lebenya Nkoka (NRC/LES) 1:03:23
6. David Manja (NRC) 1:03:39
7. Sibusiso Nzima (NRC) 1:03:46
9. Namakoe Nkhasi (NRC/LES) 1:04:02
WOMEN
Open
1. Mamorallo Tjoka (NRC/LES) 1:18:47
4. Rutendo Nyahora (NRC/ZIM) 1:20:01
5. Rudo Mhonderwa (NRC/ZIM) 1:20:38
6. Patience Murowe (NRC/ZIM) 1:22:21
Masters
2. Xolisile Mwelase (NRC) 1:49:31
10 km
WOMEN
Open
1. Portia Ngwenya (NRC) 37:17 (1st Vet)
MANDELA DAY TRAIL RUN
4km
MEN
Open
1. Sibusiso Kubheka (NRC) 20.34
KHAYELITSHA 10 KM, KHAYELITSHA, CAPE TOWN, 26 AUGUST
MEN
Veterans
1. Mthandazo Qhina (NRC) 31:20
2. Vakalisa Kopolo (NRC) 32:35
Grandmasters
1. Robbie Lindsay (NRC) 41:11
WOMEN
Open
1. Bulelwa Simae (NRC) 38:06 (1st Vet)
Veterans
1. Bulelwa Simae (NRC) 38:06
2. Busisiwe Matiwane (NRC) 45:23
Grandmasters
3. Charmaine Cupido (NRC) 50:02
SCHOEMANSHOEK HALF MARATHON & 10 KM, OUDTSHOORN, 25 AUGUST
Half Marathon
MEN
Open
1. Lloyd Bosman ?(NRC) 1:12:16
2. John April (NRC) 1:12:45 ?
3. Francois Maquassa (NRC) 1:14:31 ?
WOMEN
Open
1. Cecilia Nel ?(NRC) 1:43:12
Masters
1. Louisa du Buisson (NRC) 2:14:31
Grandmasters
1. Mariette de Haan (NRC) 2:06:57
10 km
MEN
Open
1. Selwyn Matthews (NRC) 33:47 ?
2. Anderson Ncube (NRC) 34:13 ?
3. Donovan Jantjies (NRC) 35:58 ?
Veterans
1. Rob Welsh (NRC) 39:49
Great Grandmasters
1. Leslie Martin (NRC) 58:38
Juniors
1. Christiaan Lingervelt (NRC) 36:06
WOMEN
Open
1. Anastatia Plaatjies (NRC) 43:00 ??
Veterans
1. Avril Davids (NRC) 1:08:46
Masters
1. Iona du Plessis (NRC) 1:06:22
Great Grandmasters
1. Dalene Le Roux (NRC) 1:19:58
80+
1. Cecilia Swiegers (NRC) 1:17:55
WANDERERS AUCOR PROPERTY ROAD RACE, 10KM & HALF MARATHON, WANDERERS, 26 AUGUST
WOMEN
Open
2. Deann Horn (NRC) 1:30:32
SPAR OAK COTTAGE MOUNTAIN DRIVE HALF MARATHON, GRAHAMSTOWN, 25 AUGUST
WOMEN
Open
1. Ntombesinthu Mfunzi (NRC) 1:32 (Takes hot spot for Queen of the Mountain)