Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 62, September 2014 | 页面 46

race report

A Sea of Pink
Cherie Vale/Newsport Media & Volume Photography

Ma

The streets of Stellenbosch and Johannesburg were
awash with pink race T-shirts as thousands of women
went for a 10km or 5km run or walk in celebration of
National Women’s Day – and the racing up front saw
some surprisingly good times for athletes returning
from long lay-offs. – BY SEAN FALCONER

Irv Smashes PB in Stellies
TOTALSPORTS LADIES RACE STELLENBOSCH, BOLAND, 9 AUGUST
Fresh from winning the Durban leg of the Totalsports Ladies Race in July, but
still seemingly on the comeback path after a seven-month lay-off due to a leg
injury, nobody was more surprised than Irvette Van Zyl (Nedbank AC) when
she ran a blisteringly fast 32:20 in Stellenbosch to take a full 30 seconds
off her previous best mark, set in 2011. Rene Kalmer (Modern Athlete) was
second in 33:33, with Zintle Xiniwe (New Balance Multisport) third in 34:15,
and Boxer’s Jenna Challenor also set a new PB, coming home fourth in 34:27
(an improvement of 13 seconds).
“I was hoping for a time of 33:15, but not once did I expect to achieve a new
personal best, and I’m still in shock,” said a delighted Irvette after the race.
“Everything just went right today. The route wasn’t easy – there were a lot
of turns with a few hills – and I knew Rene was close to me. I kept hearing
something behind me, but I think it was just my pony tail hitting against my
sunglasses. I am very happy to have won two out of the three Totalsports
Ladies Race events this year. I am enjoying running again and am therefore
very excited about what lies ahead.”
Irvette van Zyl
absolutely shattered her
PB in Stellenbosch.

Lebogang Bounces Back in Joburg
TOTALSPORTS LADIES RACE JOHANNESBURG, CENTRAL GAUTENG,
9 AUGUST
Running with a temporary licence number after only recently returning to
running action, Lebogang Phalula dominated the 10km main event at Roosevelt
High School in Emmarentia as she cruised home in 36:01, well clear of secondplaced Boxer AC’s Mapaseka Makhanya (37:09), who in turn was followed home
by Nedbank’s Rutendo Nyahora (37:23). Lebogang’s sister, Lebo, running for
Mr Price, was fourth in 38:51.
“I am very happy with today’s win. I didn’t race much last year because I was
pregnant, and I thought my sister would win today, so I was hoping for a
top three position. It’s my first win in two years. I had a good race and really
enjoyed the support on route.

SERENADING T LADIES
HE

Another popular feature of these women’s races is the
live music and concert vibe at the finish. The crowd at
Coetzenberg Athletics Stadium in Stellenbosch was kept
jumping by popular singer/songwriter Jimmy Nevis, while
Joburg rocked to the unique sounds of Mi Casa.

46

ISSUE 62 SEPTEMBER 2014 / www.modernathlete.co.za