ZIMBABWEAN Rutendo Nyahora won her first Spar Women's Challenge road race yesterday morning in Cape Town in a time of 33 minutes and 10 seconds, with former South African 800m champion Mapaseka Makhanya coming second.
The 24-year-old Nyahora described the victory as her biggest in South Africa in three years, and has it loud and clear that she is planning to win all the remaining four legs of the series billed for in Port Elizabeth, Durban, Pretoria and Johannesburg.
"I have waited patiently for this day and victory has been eluding me for the past three years. It feels good to have finally won the race," said Nyahora, who is running in the colours of Nedbank Road Running Club Gauteng North.
"I was expecting a tough race, especially after training with Mapaseka two weeks ago. Also remember that other top runners like Rene Kalmer, Zintle Xiniwe, Irvette van Zyl and Christine Kalmer were also competing.
"When I realised that there was no pressure right behind me, I started running comfortably," added Nyahora, whose next big event will be the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon on Easter Saturday where she has registered to participate in the half marathon event.
Makhanya, who recently joined Transnet Engineering Club, was second in 33:22, with Capetonian Xiniwe (Maxed Eilte Western Province) third 18 seconds later. "I'm happy with my performance. I underestimated the whole thing by starting a little behind. It was too late to catch up with Rutendo," said Makhanya.
Last year's overall winner of the series Kalmer, finished fourth after clocking 33:50. Veteran runner Poppy Mlambo, who is back in action after being grounded by an assortment of injuries, came 10th in 36.11. Just over 21 000 people took part in this event which included a 5km fun run for beginners.
Nyahora wins Spar Women's challenge
ZIMBABWEAN Rutendo Nyahora won her first Spar Women's Challenge road race yesterday morning in Cape Town in a time of 33 minutes and 10 seconds, with former South African 800m champion Mapaseka Makhanya coming second.
The 24-year-old Nyahora described the victory as her biggest in South Africa in three years, and has it loud and clear that she is planning to win all the remaining four legs of the series billed for in Port Elizabeth, Durban, Pretoria and Johannesburg.
"I have waited patiently for this day and victory has been eluding me for the past three years. It feels good to have finally won the race," said Nyahora, who is running in the colours of Nedbank Road Running Club Gauteng North.
"I was expecting a tough race, especially after training with Mapaseka two weeks ago. Also remember that other top runners like Rene Kalmer, Zintle Xiniwe, Irvette van Zyl and Christine Kalmer were also competing.
"When I realised that there was no pressure right behind me, I started running comfortably," added Nyahora, whose next big event will be the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon on Easter Saturday where she has registered to participate in the half marathon event.
Makhanya, who recently joined Transnet Engineering Club, was second in 33:22, with Capetonian Xiniwe (Maxed Eilte Western Province) third 18 seconds later. "I'm happy with my performance. I underestimated the whole thing by starting a little behind. It was too late to catch up with Rutendo," said Makhanya.
Last year's overall winner of the series Kalmer, finished fourth after clocking 33:50. Veteran runner Poppy Mlambo, who is back in action after being grounded by an assortment of injuries, came 10th in 36.11. Just over 21 000 people took part in this event which included a 5km fun run for beginners.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos