Gearing up for Maritzburg’s Most Beautiful Road Race – 18 August 2019

Gearing up for Maritzburg’s Most Beautiful Road Race – 18 August 2019

There are just a few days to go before the Maritzburg SPAR Women’s 10km/5km Challenge (Sunday, 18 August) and organisers are gearing up for another capacity-packed and fun-filled day at the Oval Cricket Grounds in Alexandra Park, where R2 from every entry will go towards CHOC (Childhood Cancer Foundation) House based in the Pietermaritzburg.

While online entries for the race closed on Monday 12 August at midnight there is still time to get entries in at Race Registration on Friday 16 August from 10:00 to 17:00 and Saturday 17 August from 10:00 to 15:00 at The Oval, cricket stadium in Alexandra Park.

Participants and members of the public are reminded about road closures in order to avoid traffic congestion on the day. Organisers advise that participants leave home early and plan where they want to park to avoid being late for the start, as the event attracts 4500 participants who will converge for both the 5km and 10km Start in Princess Margaret Drive, opposite Maritzburg College at 8am.

The road closures and times are as follows:

Sunday, August 18
Balmoral – closed from 03:00 – 11:00
Princess Margaret – closed from 03:00 – 11: 00
Park Drive between Princess Margaret and Princess Elizabeth – closed from 03:00 – 11:00
Princess Elizabeth – closed from 03:00 – 11:00
Park Drive from College Rd to Princess Elizabeth – closed from 07:00 – 11:00
Alexandra Road from Cross Rd to Alan Paton Ave – closed (inbound only) from 07:00 – 10:00
Alan Paton Ave from Alexandra Rd to Burger St – closed (inbound only) from 07:00 – 08:30
Alexandra Road – closed in both directions from 07:30 until approximately 08:45 (to accommodate the large field)

Once again this year, the new water supply procedures will be implemented to help minimise waste that cannot be recycled. The race Goodie Bags with race T-shirts given out at race registration, and the breakfast packs given out after the race, are in recyclable SPAR paper bags.

Water sachets have once again been replaced.  Before the race, participants should collect their 750ml aQuelle Still water, made from fully recyclable PET plastic. Participants must carry the bottle during the event and dispose of the bottles at either the finish of the 5km or at the Time Freight half-way table of the 10km event. 10km participants will be able to collect another bottle of aQuelle water for the second half of the route. At the end of the race each entrant will receive a bottle of water on completion and are encouraged to dispose of these in the recycling bins provided.

Manual Registration can still be done at Race Registration on Friday 16 August from 10am to 5pm and on Saturday 17 August from 10am to 3pm at The Oval Cricket Ground, Alexandra Park, subject to a maximum of 4500 entries.

For more info contact the organisers on maritzburg@sparwomensrace.co.za or visit the official race on www.sparwomensrace.co.za or like the Facebook page.

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Maritzburg SPAR Women’s Challenge 10km/5km Sunday 18 August 2019

Media Release

Maritzburg SPAR Women’s Challenge 10km/5km

Sunday 18 August 2019

Entries are now open for the Maritzburg SPAR Women’s Challenge 10km/5km, the City’s “most beautiful road race”, which takes place in and around Alexandra Park in the Capital, on Sunday 18 August.

The popular running event is the fifth in the national Grand Prix series, which attracts both elite athletes as well as experienced and novice participants, with cash prizes for the top runners.

Last year, Nedbank CG runner Irvette van Zyl made a spectacular comeback after having given birth to her second child in June, winning the race in a time of 34.26, followed by KZN runner Jenet Mbhele of Umzimkulu Striders in a time of 34.47.  She currently sits in fourth place and Mbhele in a tie fifth place on the leaderboard of SPAR Grand Prix.  

All eyes will be on Namibian athlete, Helalia Johannes (Nedbank) who broke the SPAR South Africa series record in the Durban Challenge in June this year, winning in an astounding time of 30 minutes 59 seconds. Helalia also won the Port Elizabeth and Cape Town races earlier this year. 

While the elite athletes battle it out for their leaderboard positions, a host of women (and their supporters) will be there for many other reasons, whether it be to record their personal best times, have fun with friends and family, or to set themselves some healthy new goals, the race offers something for everyone.

Once again both the 10km and 5km events start at 8am outside Maritzburg College in Princess Margaret Drive, winding through the City’s picturesque Alexandra Park, and the boundaries of the CBD ending at The Oval Cricket Stadium in Alexandra Park, where the prize-giving and lucky draw will take place. 

In an effort to keep the intimacy of the race, a limit of 4,500 entries will be accepted with 1,750 for the 10km and 2,750 for the 5km.  Entries to the 10km distance are open to participants from age 14 and to the 5km from age 9, with the age restrictions being applicable on the day of the competition. Entry fees are R120 for 10km licensed athletes and for 5km runners, and R145 for 10km unlicensed athletes (which includes the R25 temporary licence fee).

Entries can be done online at www.sparwomensrace.co.za/maritzburg by using the EFT or credit/debit card payment options. EFT entries close on Monday 5 August at midnight, and credit/debit card entries on Monday 12 August at midnight. Manual entries (subject to the limit of 4,500 entries) can also be done at the race registration, which takes place on Friday 16 August (10 am to 5 pm) and Saturday 17 August (10 am to 3 pm) at The Oval Cricket Stadium in Alexandra Park.

Groups entering more than 10 people using the “Multi-Entry” online option on the website can have their race packs and promo bags delivered directly to the team co-ordinator. For these group-entries to be delivered, they must be processed, paid for and confirmed by Friday 2 August 2019.

At race registration, all participants receive their race number, a “one-size fits most” race T-shirt and a promo bag (the contents of which may vary from bag to bag). All participants also receive a breakfast pack at the finish line.

To entertain children, SPAR provides a Kids’ Zone at the Oval, which is not a child-care facility - adults still need to mind their children, and they cannot be left there unsupervised.

Pietermaritzburg’s Choc (Childhood Cancer Foundation) is once again the official race charity, with R2 from each entry donated to them. Last year R9,000 was raised for this worthwhile cause that supports children battling with cancer, and their families.

For more information visit the official race website on www.sparwomensrace.co.za /Maritzburg or like the Facebook page, Twitter and Instagram or email the race organisers on maritzburg@sparwomensrace.co.za. 

Maritzburg SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge Sunday 19 August - results

Maritzburg SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge

Pietermaritzburg: Sunday 19 August

Drama unfolded today (Sunday, 19 August) in the Maritzburg SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge as Irvette van Zyl running for Nedbank claimed victory in KZN’s capital in a time of 34.26.

Van Zyl, and a group of four elite athletes led from the onset, getting to the 4km mark looking fresh and energised. The tightly bunched pack parted ways nearing the Time Freight avenue, with Glenrose Xaba, Kesa Molotsane, Manorallo Tjoka and Neheng Khatala rounding the turning circle in Park Drive at the bottom of Princess Margaret.

Pioneering, van Zyl continued straight passing the circle and made her way through to the avenue in the Mayor’s Garden running solo. Having slowed down in the uncertainty of being left by the leading pack, van Zyl lost critical seconds deciding if her homework was in fact correct and her decision was the correct course.

Powering up the incline, van Zyl got back into stride, rounding back onto Park Drive, passing through the half way mark at 16.43. She was followed by Rudo Mhonderwa and Rutendo Nyahora who were neck-and-neck at the 5km mark, going through at 16.58.

Confusion ensued with the front runners between 4km and 5km, now consisting of four runners and Lebogang Phalula trailing just behind, with no sign of van Zyl and the lead bicycle. The crucial decision by the four of the five who followed the vehicles which were forced off the route as no vehicles are allowed through the avenue in the Mayor’s Garden. Van Zyl started to round the roundabout but remembered from the previous year, the route going through the park.

“We were told that the race was exactly the same from last year, and we received an sms yesterday about the water table being at the top of the park. So, I knew that we needed to go through the park. Three of us in the leading pack had done the race last year, so it wasn’t new to us. I knew the route, and I knew where I was going so I am happy that I stuck to my decision to go solo,” said a relieved van Zyl.

For Xaba and Molotsane, the Maritzburg race was a make or break race for them as going into the PMB race, the two athletes had a single point separating them in the Grand Prix.

“Five runners were disqualified for following the incorrect route.  At the conclusion of the race, objections were lodged, and a jury was convened. A unanimous decision was made and Irvette van Zyl is recognised for running the correct route, therefor she officially is the winner of the 2018 Maritzburg SPAR 10km race,” stated Race Director, Brad Glasspoole at the media briefing following the announcement.

The five runners disqualified are Glenrose Xaba, Kesa Molotsane, Manorallo Tjoka, Neheng Khatala and Legogang Phalula.

“It was quite a dramatic day for the top runners, but we are pleased that the policies and procedures in place were able to help resolve the results. I would like to thank the officials for their professional handling of this. Alongside all of this, we had 4,502 people out on the route who had a magnificent day in glorious weather,” said Max Oliva, MD for SPAR KZN.

The final race in the Grand Prix takes place in Johannesburg on 7 October, which promises to be an exciting conclusion to the elite race.

For more info visit www.sparwomensrace.co.za/Maritzburg or like the race’s Facebook page.

Female Senior

1 Irvette van Zyl 34.26, 2 Jenet Mbhele 34.47, 3 Rutendo Nyahora 34.56, 4 Portia Ngwenya 35.16, 5 Rudo Mhonderwa 35.38, 6 Patience Murowe 36.16, 7 Nobukhosi Tshuma 36.28, 8 Cornelia Joubert 36.37, 9 Cherise Sims 36.52, 10 Mokulubete Makatisi 36.59

Female Junior

1 Liza Kellerman 38.38, 2 Simangaliso Madlala 39.35, 3 Cherry Lee Schoeman 40.28

Female 35 – 39

1 Fikile Mbuthuma 37.59, 2 Cary-Ann Smith 43.53, 3 Nikki Kelbrick 58.52

Female 40 – 49

1 Ronel Thomas 40.23, 2 Elizabeth Dlhiwayo 40.57, 3 Janene Carey 41.52

Female 50 -59

1 Grace de Oliveira 44.45, 2 Xolisile Mwelase 48.11, 3 Gail Babich 48.40

Female 60 -69

1 Blanche Moila 49.11, 2 Jenny Taylor 51.29, 3 Sibongile Zakwe 01:00.35

Female 70+

1 Gill Tregenna 59.25, 2 Ivy Gertrude Lottering 01:20.51

ENDS

Photographs by Rogan Ward 

Classy Run for Kesa Molotsane at Maritzburg SPAR Women's 10km Challenge - August 20

MEDIA RELEASE

CLASSY RUN FOR KESA MOLOTSANE AT MARITZBURG SPAR WOMEN’S 10 KM CHALLENGE

Kesa Molotsane (KPMG) had a classy run in the inaugural Grand Prix series of the Maritzburg SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge on Sunday, August 20 winning in a convincing time of 34.21, followed by Rutendo Nyahora (Nedbank) in 34.34 and Irvette van Zyl (Nedbank) in 34.37.

In the penultimate race on the SPAR Grand Prix, the leading lady extended her domination over the log. Out of the starting blocks, Irvette van Zyl (Nedbank) edged to the front of the pack, leading marginally for majority of the race, with Lebogang Phalula (Boxer) and Rutendo Nyahora (Nedbank) tailing her closely on her shoulder.

Out of nowhere, the star runner started her assault to the front with about 4km remaining. Looking strong, she charged her way through the runners, joining the top three, matching their pace for the last few kilometres of the run. Striding away from van Zyl as they wound their way to the stadium, she secured her position on the top step of the podium, cementing her first spot on the log. Having started the 2017 series with a first in Cape Town, a first in Port Elizabeth, a second in Durban and third in Pretoria, she went into the Pietermaritzburg race with a decent 19 point lead ahead of van Zyl.

“I really enjoyed the run today, it was a really nice route. I love the hills, I grew up in a hilly area, so they don’t bother me. It was cold, and I took a while to warm up but I am really glad that I ran. It was a good test before I take on the 5,000m in World Student Games in Taipei this week. I am the only South African running the 5,000m and I want to do my country proud, so today has motivated me and given me the opportunity to challenge myself.”

Molotsane departed directly after the race, heading straight to the airport to go compete in Taiwan with her first 5,000m heat taking place on 25th August and the finals on 27th August. “I needed special permission to run in Pietermaritzburg from the Federation, but I think it was good for me ahead of running against the top international athletes. I wanted to retain my position in the Grand Prix to stay on top of the leaderboard, so needed to compete today.”

The class act said she didn’t have issues changing from track to road, or vice versa. “A lot of people find it challenging and demanding to handle both track and road, but it is easier for me, it isn’t so much of a shock. I think it is because I concentrate on the longer distances.”

Second on the leaderboard, van Zyl said, “I gave it my best but my best wasn’t good enough. I needed to push it as I find myself in a difficult situation with points on the Grand Prix log, I needed to win and get bonus points to stay in the game.”

“I am an impatient runner, so I tend to break early and take up the pace. It usually works for me but I just couldn’t hang in there. Kesa ran really well. I have had a tough year, with the injury that forced me out of the Durban race, I have been working hard to have a fighting chance. But I am glad it was a pain free run. I also like hilly courses, so enjoyed the my first time on the Maritzburg course.”

Second on the day, the petite Zimbabwean, Rutendo Nyahora overtook van Zyl, leaving her behind on the final stretch of road leading into the stadium. “I am feeling fine on the back of running a marathon. My running was down, so I had to kick hard and my plan worked.”

Molotsane shaved off 20seconds from the previous winning time of 34.41 that Lebogang Phalula clocked in 2016.

A total of 4,500 took to the two distances in a chilly 3 degrees. Peter Deeb, Marketing Director of SPAR KZN said, “Having the Maritzburg race being included in the Grand Prix has certainly raised the profile of the race. Everyone had a fantastic time, and we were full to capacity. It was a chilly morning to start off with, and the course had a lot of hills. We are very pleased with the numbers, and it is always wonderful to give back to our community as road running has a huge following here in Pietermaritzburg.”

Results

Open

1 Kesa Molotsane (KPMG) 34.21, 2 Rutendo Nyahora (Nedbank) 34.34, 3 Irvette van Zyl (Nedbank) 34.37, 4 Lebogang Phalula (Boxer) 34.50, 5 Betha Chikanga 34.58, 6 Maria Shai (Boxer) 35.02, 7 Glenrose Xaba (Boxer) 35.05, 8 Nolene Conrad (KPMG) 35.11, 9 Nicole Louw (KPMG) 35.23, 10 Rudo Mhonderwa (Nedbank) 35.32

35- 39

1 Janie Grundling (Boxer) 37.22, 2 Makhosi Mhlongo (32Gi) 37.41, 3 Fikile Mbuthuma (Nedbank) 39.02

40-49

1 Tanith Maxwell (Boxer) 37.56, 2 Janene Carey (Boxer) 39.55, 3 Delia Jay (Dolphin Coast Striders) 44.40

50-59

1 Judy Bird (KPMG) 39.54, 2 Grace de Oliveira (Boxer) 44.10, 3 Gail Babich (Savages) 46.47

60-69

1 Blanche Moila (Savages) 49.19, 2 Sonja Laxton (RAC) 50.34, 3 Jenny Taylor (Saints Athletics) 51.13

70 plus

1 Gill Tregenna (Westville) 59.22

Juniors

1 Nicole Louw (KPMG) 35.23, 2 Shanley Koekemoer (KPMG) 37.27, 3 Cherry Lee Schoeman (Boxer) 39.53

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