Elite Gqeberha road runner Kelly van Vliet, who won the 2023 edition of the Choose to Challenge 10km run, is back and ready to contest for the title once again on Saturday.
In its ninth year, the popular Gqeberha race, organised by EP Athletics and the Legacy Project, starts and finishes at the Baywest Mall.
The race consists of a 10km race, a 5km family walk and a 1km children’s race.
Van Vliet, who ran in the colours of the Nedbank Running Club in 2023, was the first female to cross the finish, coming in at 37:35.
However, she was unable to defend her title in 2024 as she was pregnant with her son, Carter.
Though unfamiliar with the new route, Van Vliet said she would do her best to get a podium finish on race day.
In 2024, the organisers found a new venue for the race and secured a three-year partnership with Baywest Mall.
The event was previously held at Kings Beach but later moved to Cillié High’s JJ Engelbrecht Sports Grounds.
“I’m excited, I haven’t run the route. Last year, I was pretty heavily pregnant,” Van Vliet said.
“I’ve taken some time to go back to basics with speed and hopefully aiming for a time rather than place or position.
“Super excited to test the fitness and run among the strong ladies’ field.”
Kovsies Athletics Club’s Lizandre Mulder won the women’s event in 2024 in 36:11.
Ntombesintu Mfunzi of Nedbank Running clocked a time of 39:42 for second place, with Refeloe Solomons, also of Nedbank RC, third in 39:55.
In the men’s race, Ikhamva Athletics Club road runner Melikhaya Frans was first in 2024 in a time of 30 minutes and 24 seconds to clinch his fifth NMB Choose to Challenge title.
He was followed by Yanga Malusi of Real Gijimas in (30:44) and Lithebe Menzeleleli of Ikhamva Athletics Club (30:56).
Frans, 34, will be looking to dominate once more at the 2025 race.
Race director Michael Mbambani said entries were still open.
“We are taking entries on Friday between 2pm and 6pm, and Saturday from 5.30am to 7am at Baywest Mall.
“We are ready for the race, we have over 1,000 entries, and our target is to exceed last year’s number, which was 1,300 entries.
“I think in terms of the race logistics and everything, we are on track. We have done dry runs, and everything is in place.
“We have our volunteers and marshals ready.
“We are ready to take more entries,” Mbambani said.
The Herald
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