Young athletes lead the way at the 12th edition of Freedom Run

Nearly 700 runners took to the streets of Motherwell to celebrate Freedom Day at the 12th edition of the 10km Freedom Run, the only township-based race in the Legacy Project series and a proud platform for many young and promising athletes.

Nicholas Seoposengwe, 22, of Ikhamva athletics club, stormed to the finish in perfect weather conditions at the Raymond Mhlaba Sports Centre in 29.11, with Ikhamva team-mate, Cwenga Nose, 23, following in second position in 29.29. Sibahle Maqwara, 22, running for Nedbank running club, finished third in 30.20

Nicholas was happy with his race.

“The Freedom 10km was part of my training for the NMB Half Marathon in June, I did not improve on my PB of 28.22, but I am satisfied with my time,” said Nicholas.

Ikhamva Athletics club dominated the finish with outstanding results, the top two overall winning positions and age category firsts in the 40-49 category with Luyanda Tshangana, finishing in 31.13, the 50-59 female age category with Michelle Howes finishing in 42.21 and Desmond Zibi in the 60-69 category finishing in 34.29, breaking his own SA 10km record of 34.33.

Ikhamva athletics club coach and Freedom run race organizer, Mike Mbambani was thrilled with the results.

“The Motherwell Freedom race is special, this was our 12th edition, it should have been 13th , but we missed a year during Covid.

“We had a huge turnout and.we are grateful for the continued support of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, the EPA LOC, Motherwell Club volunteers, and Traffic services who all play a key role in ensuring the success of events such as these.

“Everyone felt safe on the road and athletes ran good times as a result.

“It is our intention to grow and continue to build this event,” added Mbambani.

Kelly van Vliet, of Nedbank running club, was the first woman home and ran a fantastic race to finish in a time of 37.26, considering she is fresh from competing in the recent Two Oceans Ultra Marathon.

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, I was nervous how my legs would hold after Two Oceans, but I ran well, the race was well organized and the route was flat and fast,” said Kelly.

Leigh Callaghan, who runs for Achilles AAA, was the second woman to finish, in 38.42, with Jordan Tissink finishing in third position, in 39.07.

MMC Bassie Kamana, responsible for Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts & Culture, showed his support and surprised the crowd by quietly joining and finishing the 10km race himself.

“I am very proud of this professional event which is hosted in the Motherwell township, the fact that it has reached its 12th 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.

EPA President, Sticks Stiglingh, an experienced athlete himself, also participated in the 10km race and credited the growth in the promising young athletes competing in EPA events.

Age Category winners were as follows:

Zintle Xhonti,,of Motherwell athletics club, was the first female junior to finish in 40.26 and Thandolwethu Matsalo of Kowie Striders the first male junior in 31.32. Gift Chigomarawa, of Nedbank running club, finished first in the 35-39 age category in 30.54. Ntombesintu Mfunzi, finished first in the women’s 40-49 age category in 40.36. Luvuyo Dyani, of Nedbank running club, finished first in the 50-59 age category in 36.53, with Margaret Lloyd of Crusaders athletics club, winning the female 60-69 age category in 53.21. Cathy Ives, of Achilles AAA, finished first in the women’s 70-79 age category in 1.07.57, with Hannes Els, of Madiba, first in the 70-79 age category in 45.41.

Video: Young athletes lead the way at the 12th edition of Freedom Run

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