Golden Anniversary Heralds Start of NEW ERA FOR PRETORIA MARATHON
The streets of Pretoria were alive with energy and excitement on Sunday 25th February as the 50th edition of the Balwin Sport Pretoria Marathon , Half Marathon and 10km took over the city , with close to 5000 runners taking on the various distance on offer in the third race of four in the new Balwin Sport Marathon Series .
From before sunrise , the athletes began arriving at the PHSOB Club in Lynnwood , feeling a mix of nerves and adrenaline . As the minutes ticked down , a hush fell over the crowd , but when the starting pistol fired , it set off a wave of pounding feet and pumping arms as runners of all ages and abilities embarked on their running journeys .
The crisp morning air rang with cheers from enthusiastic supporters and volunteers lining the routes through Pretoria ' s neighbourhoods . The
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challenging course included a section weaving through the leafy suburbs and the hilly terrain of Groenkloof Nature Reserve , with its sweeping views of the CBD , pushing participants to dig deep .
At the front end of the marathon field , line honours went to Philani Buthelezi in 2:24:04 , while Irvette van Zyl claimed the women ’ s win in 2:43:50 . Bragging rights in the half marathon were claimed by Katlego Terrence Tjale ( 1:08:11 ) and Glenrose Xaba ( 1:19:01 ), and the 10km titles went to George Kusche ( Nedbank ) 31:29 and Gillian Farquharson ( 40:30 ).
Images : Action Photo SA