Cwenga Nose and Refeloe Solomons were the biggest winners at the inaugural Local Choice Pharmacy Govan Mbeki 10km race on Sunday morning.
The event, staged by Ikhamva Athletics Club and Nedbank Running Club, started opposite the Pier 14 Shopping Centre in Govan Mbeki Avenue.
Nose, 24, who is originally from Ngcobo but is based in Mthatha, was the first male runner to cross the finish line, coming in at 29 minutes and nine seconds, beating local favourite road runner Melikhaya Frans, who was second in 29:24.
Nedbank's Andile Motwana took third in 30:17.
The Phantane AC road runner was pleased with his effort.
“The race was fun,” Nose said.
“I enjoyed the route from the start to the finish. I am used to hills, but this one was lovely.
“I am happy with my time as well.
“I am preparing for the Hollywood 10km, which is on August 30.
“This race was part of my preparation because I knew that by coming to Gqeberha I'd get tough competition because there are big guns here like Melikhaya Frans.”
Solomons, of Nedbank Running Club, who recently won the Baywest Mall 10km run, once again dominated in the women's field.
She was the first woman runner to finish (37:26).
Second was Kaityn Wolff, with Amanda Detshe taking third place.
Though not pleased with her time, Solomons took the win.
“The race was very good, and the route was very clear. There were no obstacles in terms of cars and so on.
“I think it's because it's a Sunday.
“The race was fine, but it was tricky with hills here and there, but it was good.
“I am happy for the win, but not with my time. I was surprised when I saw myself in The Herald as a contender, so I told myself, 'Let me not disappoint'.
“But it was a good race, and it brought me also out of my comfort zone.
Race organiser Michael Mbambani said: “We would like to thank the Local Choice Pharmacy for the sponsorship and the inaugural 10km.
“We are very happy the race went well, the guys ran good times, and the weather was on our side.
“We are happy. We almost reached our target of 600 entries, which was a big ask for a Sunday run because we know people go to church on Sunday.”
The Herald
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