GCU K2 MARATHON CHAMPIONSHIPS – ERK, BENONI – 8 MAY 2016
Thanks to the mothers who courteously allowed our paddlers and race organisers to participate at the Gauteng Marathon K2 Championships at Homestead Dam, Benoni, today 8 May 2016 in somewhat more windy overcast and downright cold conditions on this pre Winter May day!
The hero’s of todays massive effort were the Under 23 ladies Sneziwe Gxobole and Thembesile Jokozela (SOW) who tried lap after lap with a problem boat, eventually changing to a working boat in order to finish their 22.5km race – and did not get a time for their efforts – nevertheless recognised for effort, perseverence, commitment and determination!! all characteristics that will build champions! Alex Masina and LIam Stewart (JCC/ERK) who were the favourites to win the Under 18 race also had to withdraw due to boat rudder problems!
Anna Clifford Arwidi partnered with Sarah Evans (DABS) to finish the ladies 18.9 Veteran age category race in a time of 1 hour 35 minutes, and Tinyiko Mahwayi with Ayanda Chwai who finished the Under 14 girls race of 15.3 kms in 1 hour 36 minutes…….well done ladies all for your hard slog in the unpleasant conditions!
The winning males were Wayne Jacobs partnered with Siseko Ntondini (Dabs/SOW) in 1:35, followed by Nicholas Weeks with Michael Stewart (ERK) in 1:36 and Cornelis Human with Roy Clegg (Dabs/VIC) in 1:37 – a good hard competitive race.
Grand Master Men winners were Chris Visser with Meyer Steyn (Dabs) in 1h25, while Keith Beeston and John Rowan (JCC/ERK) finished in 1:49. In the Sub Grand master Men race Nicolas Oldert and Theo Smit finished their 18.9 km race in 1h40, while Willem Landman partnered with Elton Du Preez (CEN) to finish as the Sub Veteran 22.5 km winners.
The Under 18 boys winners for their 22.5 km race was Xolisa Gxobole and Sinenhlanhla Ludidi in 1:51 (SOW) while the Under 16 champions were Zandnhlanhla Mbala and Benjamin Mntonintshi (SOW) in 1:52. Under 23 22.6km finishers were Colin Ledwaba and Katiso Hlahatsi (VIC) in 1:40, and Andile Nyanga with Sipho Qoko (SOW) who finished in 1:44.
Well done to ERK for giving the Gautengers the opportunity to gain valuable training mileage as well as selection trials for the upcoming SA Marathon Championships in the Western Cape!
Jennie Dallas
for GCU PR
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