PHOTO COLLAGE CAPTION: Anton Nicolaisen (with the tie), former World Junior Record Holder in the 3000 m Steeplechase visited at the Nedbank Bloemfontein Achilles Time Trial on 28 August. Also present on this memorable day was Nick Bester (left of Nicolaisen).
In the insert, Nick Bester is having fun running the mentioned time trial with his old Comrades friend, Johan Burger.
COLLAGE, RESULTS and REPORT: RUFUS BOTHA
Legends, Anton Nicolaisen and Nick Bester visit at Nedbank Bloemfontein Achilles Time Trial (28 August 2013)
The Nedbank Bloem Achilles Running Club hosted their Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 28 August 2013 and it was attended really well by their members.
The AGM was preceded by a festive atmosphere weekly 4 km time trial at Achilles which saw a few blind and disabled athletes taking part, as well.
It was truly a privilege to see two South African long distance legends at the time trial, the one visiting and one taking part.
Anton Nicolaisen, former world junior 3000 m steeplechase record holder and 13 years in succession a medal winner at the South African senior championships in the same event made a surprise appearance to come and say hello to his old running friends and partners.
Nicolaisen, who was more renowned as a distance and steeplechase runner, ran a dream mile (under 4 minutes) when he clocked 3:59,30 in Port Elizabeth in 1991. He also wrote excellent Personal Bests (PB’s) behind his name in the 1500 m (3:40,18, Stellenbosch, 1990), 3000 m (7:47,78, Stellenbosch, 1990), 5000 m (13:31,55, Stellenbosch, 1995) and ran a best time of 8:22,48 in Stellenbosch for the 3000 m steeplechase. This is still the fourth fastest time ever by a South African.
Former Comrades Ultra Marathon winner and Iron Man Champion, Nick Bester arrived early enough for the AGM to first take a shot at the 4 km time trial and clocked 17:17 to finish with years long Comrades friend Johan Burger. Burger himself was a former winner of the veterans section of the Comrades.
RESULTS - WEEKLY TIME TRIAL (4 KM)
1. Marius Wessels (14:39)
2. Pule Molosi (15:47)
3. Danie Breytenbach – (15:55) Blind Athlete
4. Barry Williams (15:55) Danie Breytenbach’s Guide
5. Rouxné Vermaak (16:22)
6. Shaun Peens (16:54)
7. Booi Masiu (17:00)
8. AJ Mouton (17:16)
9. Nick Bester (17:17)
10. Johan Burger (17:17)
11. William Malekele (17:27)
12. Ben Baauw (18:03)
13. Michelle Bridger (18:11)
14. Peet van Huysteen (18:42)
15. Milandré Pretorius (18:58)
16. Marisa Williams (18:58)
17. Lebogang Setouto (19:06)
18. Innocent Mzimele (19:16)
19. Rikus van Dyk (19:20)
20. Jan van der Westhuizen (19:30)
21. Xholiswa Mhlangeni (19:56)
22. Charles Hugo (20:46)
23. Cia Jantjies (21:00)
24. Johan Fourie (21:58)
25. Karen Philips (22:04)
26. Moses Modise (22:25) Mentally and Physically
(Cerebral) Disabled Athlete
27. Renier Bosch (22:25) Assisting Moses Modise
28. Emile Fourie (24:37)
29. Dibuseng Ntsala (24:52)
30. Melt Maree (25:35)
31. Pulane Matsoaboli (26:04)
32. Mamosa Thamae (28:21)
33. Zanele Ndawe (28:30)
34. Rosemary Booi (28:51)
35. Tinyiko Ndabambi (29:23)
36. Dineo Mabalane (34:15)
37. Maleshoane Kolisana (35:43)