The weather conditions at the ninth Nedbank Om Die Dammetjie race was something the Lowveld is not used to this time of the year. It was rainy and very cold as more than 380 runners, an increased number of entrants, gathered at the start.

There were three races, the 21km, 10km and the 5km fun run. According to the race organizers the Nedbank Sponsorship was confirmed for next year due to the high turnout and the successful race on the day.

This year a hired bus brought development runners as well as other runners from the area to participate
Nick Bester, former Comrades and Ironman Marathon winner and Patrick Baransky, Sponsorship portfolio Manager for Nedbank, Also ran in the 21km race.

“It’s always great to come out to the lowveld.”
“The people are friendly, enthusiastic and there are some great athletes here,” Bester commented.

A carnival atmosphere for the race was created with the help of the Moths with their food and drink, Lefpa (Lowveld Escarpment Fire Protection Association) and their Bokkie “Mlilo” which means “fire”, creating fire prevention awareness as well as Ligwalagwala FM with Music.

Like ever year the competition wasent just for the runners. The water point was also judged and Logista won the best water point of the race by booting the runners with their singing and clapping.
In a close second position was the local Nedbank team

With regards to the running:
Spectacular times were recorded, Enos Matalane, a Former Lowvelder, finished the 21km in an amazing time of 01:07:17, a new race record. He was closely followed by Ntutuko Maseko from the Local Nedbank LVCC club. In the ladies race Kim Laxton of Legogote Villagers (White River) was the winner with another record time and a four minute margin between her and the second runner

Original article