SIZA Fit held its third official event last Saturday which attracted more than 1 000 runners, some professional, and serious about winning and others for general fitness, fun and family time.
Weather conditions were great; open skies, with a light chill which soon warmed up made for great running conditions. The 21km course, which was carefully laid out to include and present the best of Port Alfred, took runners through Station Hill and Nemato where they were cheered on by residents along the way, then into Port Alfred CBD and further on past the Royal Port Alfred Golf Club following a course near the beach back to the finish line at Port Alfred High School.
A total amount of R198 000 of prize-money was allocated to the event with first place for men and women in the 21km, winning each R15 000. Runners came all the way from Johannesburg, Durban, Port Elizabeth, East London and elsewhere.
Siza Fit organiser Noluthando Vithi said she was thrilled to see the outcome of the event and that it was growing each year.
[pullquote]“We had some top runners on the road again, and we have increased prize-money,” she said.[/pullquote]
Racing over the finish line at the speed of light, in an excellent time of 1:03:05 was first place finisher for the 21km, Naakoe Nkhasi.
A minute later, a race favourite, Elroy Gelant, came rushing past barely out of breath.
“It’s a great course, I enjoyed it,” he said.
In third position was Melikhaya Frans who finished 48 seconds after Gelant.
Ladies’ winner, Liziwe Mabona finished in 1:19:26 and two minutes later Keneilwe Sesing followed over the finish line.
The 5km fun run saw families, and oldies, moms and dads and a dog or two partake, following a route that also showcased some of Port Alfred’s beauty and diversity. Runners had a good time, and in flash a mere minutes after the race started Lithobe Mezelelei came running over the finish line in only 17:04.
For the girls, Liyema Tele finished in 21:24 despite enduring a fall and cutting her forehead open. The young girl persevered and received her medal and medical treatment at the finish line.
See this week’s TotT for full story.
