Fantastic turnout at the 11th edition of Freedom Run

Over 700 runners took to the streets of Motherwell in the 11th edition of the 10km Freedom Run, the proud platform for many young and promising athletes. Yanga Malusi, of Real Gijimas, stormed to the finish at the Raymond Mhlaba Sports Centre in 29.31, but slower than Melikaya Frans’s winning time last year of 28.39. Ikhamva athlete, Cwenga Nose, who is growing in running confidence at every race, followed closely in second position in 29.53.

Defending champion, Melikhaya Frans, finished third, in 30.29, with the outstanding sportsman spirit that he always displays, looking back and encouraging young and promising 20 year-old team-mate, Sinethemba Jilingisi, who finished fourth in a strong time of 30.30. Outstanding triathlete, Keegan Cooke, finished fifth in 30.36. Melikaya competed in the icy cold Boston Marathon on the previous Monday and was definitely feeling the after-effects of this special effort.

Ikhamva Athletics club dominated the finish with outstanding results, three of the top five overall winning positions and age category firsts in the 35-39 category with Luyanda Tshangana, finishing in 31.21, the 50-59 category with Desmond Zibi finishing in 32.37, and the women’s 50-59 age category with Michelle Howes finishing in 41.32.

Ikhamva athletics club coach and Freedom run race organizer, Mike Mbambani was thrilled with the results. “Today was special, our 11 th edition, we have so many young and promising athletes excelling in road running, so we can only build from here! “We are taking sport to the people, and bringing events closer to the kids. “The Motherwell Freedom race is a perfect example, it was accessible, where many youngsters could walk to the event to participate.

“All race arrangements went smoothly according to our plans and we are going to grow the race. “We are grateful to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, our main sponsor, for their ongoing support, and extend our appreciation to all our sponsors and supporters, CHC-SA Construction, Impact Sports, EP Athletics, and the traffic and technical officials – they all play a key role in ensuring the success of events such as these,” said Mbambani.

Kelly van Vliet of Nedbank running club, was the first women home and ran a fantastic race to finish in a time of 36.40, considering she is fresh from competing in the recent Two Oceans 21km where she finished 8 th in 1 hour 22 min. She was also first in her 35-39 age category. Bubbly as always, Kelly was very happy with her performance. “I really enjoyed the race, it was well organized and the route was fast and fantastic,” said Kelly. Nedbank team-mate, Refeloe Solomons, was the second woman to finish, and first in her age category, 40-49, in 38.00, closely followed by Kayla Nell, of Charlo athletics club, in third position, in 38.06. Adri Wessels, of Run 4 Christ, finished fourth in 39.16 with Kaitlyn Wolff, of Achilles, finishing fifth in 39.49, smashing her goal of finishing in under 40 min.

EPA President, Sticks Stiglingh, an experienced athlete himself, also participated in the 10km race and credited the growth in the junior athletes. “The Freedom race is an excellent 10km route, one of the best to achieve your personal best time, and I am very happy with my time today of 45.48,” he added with a smile. “I am thrilled with the performance of the junior runners today, and I must single out, 15 year-old, Thandolwet Matsalo, of Kowie Striders, who finished in an outstanding time of 33.08, and fourth junior home. “Thandolwet started in the Kowie Striders development group and built his strength from running on the farm roads and competing in the EPA Cross Country events. He then joined Ikhamva athletics club for coach management and training and his dedication is now starting to pay off! “added a proud Stiglingh.

MMC Bassie Kamana, responsible for Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts & Culture, showed his support to the athletes at the event. “I am very proud of this professional event which is hosted in the Motherwell township, the fact that it has reached its 11 th edition deserves a special congratulations to the organisers. “Road running has the potential to unite people of all races, ages and levels of fitness, in the township, and this is a remarkable goal,” added Kamana.

Age Category winners were as follows: Thozamile Bolkolo, of Madibaz athletics club, finished first in 60-69 age category in 41.01, Cathy Allers, of Elite athletics club, finished first in the women’s 60-69 age category in 52.50. Hannes Els, of Madiba, finished first in the 70+ age category in 43.43 and Liz Jenkerson, Muirite Strider, finished first in women’s 70+ age category in 58.29.