Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 57, April 2014 | страница 36

Race Report

Old Mutual Om Die Dam
Marathon & Half Marathon,
North West North, 15 March
The Hartbeespoort Dam once again
provided a stunning backdrop to SA’s
largest inland ultra, with huge fields in
the ever-popular 50km and half marathon
races, while the 10km and 5km runs gave
the beginners and more social runners
and walkers a chance to also be part of
the action. – BY DONALD MATHIPA & LAUREN
VAN DER VYVER

W

hile the masses in the race were chasing their
own target times or enjoying the views, Riana van
Niekerk was on her way to a fifth Om Die Dam women’s
title. The 37-year-old from Boxer came home in a time
of 3:35:35 after pulling away from pre-race favourite
Charne Bosman on Saartjies Hill at 35km. “It took me a
while to get back to where I am now, after some injuries,
so I’m chuffed about my win,” said Riana. “I’m enjoying
my running again, and it’s one of my favourite races.
Now I’m looking forward to Loskop and Comrades – I’m
getting stronger, so hopefully it’ll go well.”

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36

ISSUE 57 APRIL 2014 / www.modernathlete.co.za

In the men’s 50km race, 2012 winner William
Mokwalakwala (Toyota) grabbed his second Om Die
Dam victory, despite finishing sixth on the day. A
marshalling error in the final kilometres caused him
to take a wrong turn and the