LAST Sunday’s annual iSimangaliso St Lucia half marathon was a resounding success, attracting almost double the number of entries compared to last year’s event.
Now in its fifth year, the event firmly entrenched on KZN sporting calendars, saw a record 954 entries, of which 216 competed in the 21.1km half marathon, an official race sanctioned by KZN Athletics.
Competitors took in the sights and sounds of St Lucia’s natural spaces, including the iGwalagwala Trail and estuary boardwalk, while 30% of the total entry fees went towards iSimangaliso’s Rare and Endangered Species Fund.
The next project from this fund is the re-introduction of eland into uMkhuze Game Reserve.
First man to cross the line in the 21.1km was Ayanda Mncube in a time of 1:09:02, while first woman home was Slindile Chilli in 1:27:35.
Each winner was awarded R1 700 in prize money.
Lindokuhle Ntombela was the first 10km walker across the line in a time of 00:53:55, while Sipho Ngxongo was the first 10km runner to finish in 00:35:06.
The first 5km runner, Syabonga Mafuleka, crossed the line in a time of just 00:19:05.
Andile Cebekhulu was the first female in the 15-19 year category, finishing the 21.1km in a time of 1:58:33, while Thabani Mncwango was the first male in this category, clocking 1:15:07.
Young Graham Wynne (10) won the children’s 2km fun race.
In keeping with the theme of this year’s event, a dedication to fallen colleagues and community members Jabu Msezane, Herbert Mthembu and Thembi Buthelezi, the Herbert Mthembu Trophy for Best School was won by Kingdom Christian College in Mtubatuba, of which 36 pupils participated.
‘iSimangaliso wishes to thank the numerous sponsors and supporters, without whom the event would not be the great success that it is, with special mention of Umfolozi Sugar Mill (USM) and St Lucia Ski Boat Club,’ said Lindy Duffield, iSimangaliso Marketing and Brand Manager.
