Big guns dominate in epic eShowe race

SOME big guns made their way to this year’s eShowe Superspar Ngoje Trail Run held in eShowe on Saturday.

Among the top performers were 2014 Comrades Marathon silver medallist Eric Ngubane who won the 45km men’s race, while gold medallist Prodigal Khumalo won the 22km race.

The 45km race attracted just on 60 runners who tackled the gruelling route.

At the seven hour mark, 26 runners were still out on the track.

The 45km runners set off at 5.30am, with headlamps on as they pushed into the dark.

Last year many runners finished in the dark and the organisers decided to opt for an early start this year which proved popular among the competitors.

The approximately 140 runners in the 25km race got underway just as the sun was rising at 6.30am.

There were no incidents and the competitors were pleased with the race, with some saying it was the best marked route they have run on in ages.

Mike vom Hagen led the team of organisers with Gareth Chittenden and Brian Korff supporting him.

This was the first year that the Holy Childhood School was involved in the race and everything from registration to catering ran smoothly.

Results

45km

Men

1 Eric Ngubane (3:37:15); 2 Al Leslie; 3 Marcus Prinsloo

Women

1 Precious Duma (4:48:01); 2 Lia Percival; 3 Leoti Morkel

25km

Men

Prodigal Khumalo (1:42:38); 2 Alex Mathaba; Njabulo Dladla

Women

Fikele Mbuthuma (1:55:04); 2 Andeli Cebekhulu; 3 Amy Burger

Youngest male – Tiagan Terrablanche

Youngest female – Lilly von Lieven

10km

Men (senior)

1 Francis Platt; 2 Mnogi Ngcobo; 3 Matthew Cole

Men (junior)

1 Dylan Korff; 2 Tiaan Marais; 3 Dylan Jones

Women (senior)

1 Abigail Trenam; 2 Sharlaine Kok; 3 Susan Tocknell

Women (junior)

1 Kwanele Cebekhulu; 2 Thule Majola; 3 Louren Hanbury-King

5km

Male

1 Mfundo Ndlovu; 2 Brad Reddy; 3 Bryce Emberton

Female

1 Londiwe Ntombela; 2 Asanda Sikhakhane; 3 Aneliswa Mpungose