Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 67, February 2015

Off With A Race Report Ma Kicker! Dis-Chem Half Marathon & Rehidrat 5km Dash, Central Gauteng, 11 January Images: Jetline Action Photo As the traditional New Year’s fitness tester in Gauteng, the 14th Dis-Chem Half once again boasted a massive field as runners lined up in Bedfordview to take on the challenging, hilly route and kick-start their running year. I n the men’s field, Lucky Mohale came out tops with a 1:07:40 finish, followed by Nedbank’s David Manja (1:07:53) and teammate Kgosi Tsosane (1:08:06) rounding off the podium. “I’ve run this course so many times, so I’m always ready, but it’s still tough,” Lucky told Modern Athlete. “I want to represent South Africa at the World Champs in the 42km this year and Dis-Chem is my start.” In the women’s race, Modern Athlete Brand Ambassador René Kalmer claimed the win in 1:18:38, followed by the in-form Yolande Maclean (1:21:26), while Christine Kalmer (Boxer) rounded off the podium with a 1:23:23 finish. “Dis-Chem is a rude awakening after your Christmas holiday, but you can see where you are and how much you have to get your act together,” said a smiling René. What you said… Bryan O’Connor: “Training through December paid off! PB smashed!” Phumlani Nkosi: “I loved the atmosphere after the race. It was packed. Great weather and as always great organisation.” Victor Lebohang Nyamate: “Awesome race on the CGA race calendar, though my race was affected by my weight gained during December.” Caroline Lee: “Well organised, atmosphere great, route tough, love chip timing, great marshalling, good race. Enjoyed it. Only complaint: Water tasted terrible.” Bruce (@flyingbbear): “What a great race #DisChem21. Well organised, lovely route. Thanks to all involved! #loverunning” t Hohenhort! Hilly a Race Report Ma , Cape Town, s Hohenort 15km Brook , 10 January estern Province W Now 41 years old, the Hohenhort is one of South Africa’s oldest shorter distance road races, and one thing is for sure, the runners in the 2015 edition were probably saying the exact same thing about those hills as the original field of runners in the first edition in 1975: “Crikey, another hill!?!?!” – BY SEAN FALCONER Y es, the Hohenhort is a hilly race, but oh boy is it pretty as you run through the tree-lined Constantia streets and catch glimpses of the Tokai forests and mountains above the ‘burbs. You also run a section of Rhodes Drive, after a steep climb up through the streets parallel to Southern Cross Drive, so this race, at times, could easily be used as a tester ahead of the Two Oceans Half Marathon.First over the line was Virgina Ngudlumana (Itheko) in 48:46, and the women’s title went to Zintle Xiniwe (NBMC) in 58:24, but for most, just getting home on ever-soslightly wobbly legs was the order of the day, given the amount of ups and downs, and the fact that it was the first Images: Sean Falconer race of the year for some entrants. But what a wonderfully scenic way to start the running year! 47

Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 67, February 2015 | Page 47