Helalia Johannes from the Nedbank running club is proving that there is nobody who can stop her in the Spar Grand Prix series with yet another win and course record over the weekend in Pietermaritzburg.
Run in cool conditions from the Oval, Johannes and fellow Nedbank running club team mate Tadu Nare from Ethiopia immediately set out in front, a scene all too familiar with this year’s series already. A few surges by Johannes saw her take the lead after 4km and pull away to take victory in a new course record of 32:23 with Nare finishing 2nd in 33:06.
“As always, I am really happy with another win today,” said Johannes afterwards. “Although the plan is to win the series overall, all of this forms my preparation for the World Championships in 2 months’ time and I am very happy with where I am in terms of my form.” Johannes will be representing Namibia in the women’s Marathon and after winning the Commonwealth title last year, looks set to stand a chance of medalling in the heat and humidity of Doha.
Over in George, the Nedbank running club totally dominated the Women’s day 10km with both Francois Maquassa (30:35) and Stephany Pedro (40:12) leading their Nedbank running club team mates to clean sweeps on the podium in the men’s and women’s races.
Spar Grand Prix Series 10 km
1. Helalia Johannes (Nedbank RC) 32:23
2. Tadu Teshome Nare (Nedbank RC Eth) 33:06
6. Rutendo Nyahora (Nedbank RC Zim) 34:19
7. Irvette van Zyl (Nedbank RC) 34:21
14. Patience Murowe (Nedbank RC Zim) 36:45
G’masters:
1. Olga Howard (Nedbank RC) 46:33
Midrand Striders Half Marathon & 10 km
Half marathon
MEN
3. Clinton Ferreira (Nedbank RC) 1:14:32 (Also 1st vet)
Volkswagen 10 km
MEN
Veterans:
1. Anele Maliza (Nedbank RC) 32:37
Masters:
2. Sithembiso Yozo (Nedbank RC) 36:20
G’masters:
2. Nelson Mgubasi (Nedbank RC) 42:56
G/g'masters:
2. Eddie Eades (Nedbank RC) 47:36
WOMEN
1. Ntombesintu Mfunzi (Nedbank RC) 37:22
3. Ndileka Mvakwendlu (Nedbank RC) 39:16
Veterans:
2. Toegeda Vyver (Nedbank RC) 46:40
Masters:
3. Buyelwa Kobokana (Nedbank RC) 51:11
G/g'masters:
1. Ronelle Steyn (Nedbank RC) 1:02:56
Phobians 15 km
MEN
1. Joel Mmone (Nedbank RC) 46:14
4. Raoul Mabirimisa (Nedbank RC) 48:10
WOMEN
1. Rudo Mhonderwa (Nedbank RC) 55:30
5. Rosaline Isaiah (Nedbank RC) 59:38
Women's Day 10 km
MEN
1. Francois Maquassa (Nedbank RC) 30:35
2. Gershwill Jacobs (Nedbank RC) 31:53
3. Godwin Heyns (Nedbank RC) 32:50
Veterans:
1. Eddie Mouton (Nedbank RC) 39:11
Masters:
1. Kerneels Barnardo (Nedbank RC) 56:46
G’masters:
1. Petrus Ciliiers (Nedbank RC) 1:24:28
WOMEN
1. Stephany Pedro (Nedbank RC) 40:12
2. Cecilia Nel (Nedbank RC) 41:12
3. Teresa Bester (Nedbank RC) 41:47
Veterans:
1. Teresa Bester (Nedbank RC) 41:47
Masters:
1. Sharon Losper (Nedbank RC) 48:18
2. Johanna Claassen (Nedbank RC) 50:29
G’masters:
1. Mariette de Haan (Nedbank RC) 55:30
G/g'masters:
1. Cecilia Swiegers (Nedbank RC) 1:14:55
2. Geraldine Loftie-Eaton (Nedbank RC) 1:22:07
Juniors:
1. Stephany Pedro (Nedbank RC) 40:12
2. Candice van Beulen (Nedbank RC) 46:54
Central Gauteng Cross Country Championships
4km
Seni Men
1. Brand Lentswe (Nedbank RC) 11:35
Boys 15
1. Reatlegile Moswe (Nedbank RC) 12:42
Women 35-40
1. Tebogo Makgosinyane (Nedbank RC) 15:28
45-49
6. Sekwali Motsei (Nedbank RC) 29:44
Women 50_54
1 Winnie De Winaar (Nedbank RC) 18:49
5. Venter Laura (Nedbank RC) 22:03
8km Veteran Men
1. Coolboy Ngamole (Nedbank RC) 26:13
6. Adam Maroko (Nedbank RC) 29:37
8km Men 55
4. Zeb Mokonoto (Nedbank RC) 32:43
10km Senior Women
4. Andronica Mokgotla (Nedbank RC) n/t
4km u/23
7 Amely Chauke (Nedbank RC) n/t
4km Girls 17
6. Sandra Wijtenburg (Nedbank RC) 16:16