KAVANAGH TRIUMPHS IN DURBAN TO EXTEND SPAR GRAND PRIX SERIES LEAD

Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: Tayla Kavanagh continued to deliver in what has been a breakthrough season, extending her lead in the SPAR Grand Prix Series with a hard-fought victory at the Durban SPAR Women's 10/5km Challenge on Sunday 28 June.

Kavanagh, representing Hollywood Athletics Club, pushed the pace from the start of the women's 10km race, shaking off most of the field within the first few kilometres, with only Ethiopian athlete Selam Gebre (Nedbank Running Club) able to hang on.

Tayla Kavanagh (Hollywood) and Selam Gebre (Nedbank) chasing down the Durban SPAR Women's 10/5km Challenge title. Photo: Rogan Ward.

Gebre lost touch with around 500 metres to go, approaching the finish at King's Park, and Kavanagh broke clear to win in 31:32, just six seconds outside her personal best.

"I had very strong competition from Selam today, and I think we really produced a good race out there. We challenged each other a lot and really kept each other going, and I enjoyed the competition," said Kavanagh, who also won the first leg of the SPAR Grand Prix Series in Cape Town in March.

"I put together a good race and I'm really happy with the consistency I've been able to produce over my last couple of 10km races, so I'm really looking forward to what lies ahead for the rest of the season, and I'm just very grateful to be feeling healthy and strong at the moment."

Despite fading in the closing stages after Kavanagh put in a big surge, Gebre held on to take the runner-up spot in 31:45.

Tayla Kavanagh (Hollywood) and Selam Gebre (Nedbank) chasing down the Durban SPAR Women's 10/5km Challenge title. Photo: Rogan Ward.

After missing the opening race of the series in Cape Town, due to visa issues, Gebre picked up valuable points in the SPAR Grand Prix campaign.

"Tayla led for most of the race, and technically and physically I was not good today, but I admire how Tayla won the race. She deserved the win," Gebre said.

Lesotho national record holder Neheng Khatala (Hollywood) rounded off the podium by taking third place in 32:09, proving she had recovered well after taking eighth place at the Two Oceans ultra-marathon in Cape Town in April.

"Since I came back from the ultra-marathon my training has been going very well, and my plan was to run sub-33 today, so I think I did well," Khatala said.

Behind her, producing another impressive result after winning the SA half-marathon title in Gqeberha the day before, Cacisile Sosibo (Boxer Athletics Club) dug deep to finish fourth in 32:16.

Her Boxer teammate Karabo More, who earned the national mile title at the SA Road Running Championships in Gqeberha, ended fifth in 32:44.

There was a sellout entry of 13 355 athletes. Each entry contributed R5 to the race charity, iThemba Lethu from Manor Gardens. Ralph Rajagopaul, SPAR KZN’s Marketing Director, handed over a cheque to the value of R100,000 to Director, Melissa Leslie. 

One lucky participant, Veloshni Naidoo of Phoenix was as the lucky winner of a brand-new Hyundai EXTER vehicle, valued at R269 900.00 following the race.

Caption of Cover Photo: Top 3 at the Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge Selam Gebre (Nedbank) 31:45 (second), Tayla Kavanagh (Hollywood) 31:32 (first) and Neheng Khatala (Hollywood)  (third). Photo: Rogan Ward.

Durban SPAR Women’s 10 / 5km Challenge - Plan your route

Durban: Sunday 28 June With 12,500 participants, along with thousands of supporters, heading into Durban for this year’s  SPAR Women's Challenge on Sunday, 28 June, organisers are urging all entrants to plan their travel arrangements and parking well in advance.

Thousands of participants will take to the streets for the 36th running of South Africa’s most beautiful race, with the routes taking participants around the Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium precinct and along the beachfront. The route is a fast and flat ‘out-and-back’ course starting under the shadow of the Stadium, on Masabalala Yengwa Avenue and finishing on the outer fields of this iconic Durban landmark.

The following road closures that will affect access into the area. The 10km race starts at 8am and the 5km at 9am on Masabalala Yengwa Avenue, outside Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium outer fields.

Road Closures for Sunday 28 June

From 02:00

·       Snell Parade between Athlone Drive and the VIP entrance to Suncoast Casino.

·       Battery Beach Road between Snell Parade and Masabalala Yengwa Avenue.

·       Masabalala Yengwa Avenue between Smiso Nkwanyana Road and Isaiah Ntshangase Road.

·       The South bound lane of Masabalala Yengwa Avenue between Smiso Nkwanyana Road and KE Masinga Road.

·       Kingsmead Way and Eden Gardens Crescent. 

From 04:00

•      KE Masinga Road (the 2 left lanes) between Eden Gardens Crescent and Masabalala Yengwa Avenue.

•      Masabalala Yengwa Avenue between Argyle Road and Smiso Nkwanyana Road

•      Somtseu Road at Masabalala Yengwa Avenue

From 06:00

•      The West bound lane of Athlone Drive between Snell Parade and Masabalala Yengwa Avenue

•      The off ramp from the M4 (Ruth First Highway) to Athlone Drive (in both directions)

Road Openings

Roads will be opened as soon as possible after the last competitor has left that portion of the route and the cleaning team has ensured that there is no litter.

Most roads will be reopened by 11:30.

FREE EVENT PARKING:

Access to the Parking on Hollywoodbets Kings Park fields KP3 & KP4 will be via Smiso Nkwanyana Road into Jacko Jackson Drive. Note– once this area is full access will be limited to emergency and official vehicles only.

Access to Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium fields KP9 and KP10 will be via Umgeni Road to Isaiah Ntshangase Road and through the Virgin Active Parking area onto the fields.

Parking on these fields is free.

10km ROUTE

The START is in Masabalala Yengwa Avenue, on the North bound carriageway North of Jacko Jackson Drive proceeding North, crossing onto the South bound carriageway at Simiso Nkwanyana intersection.

Turn right onto Athlone Drive towards the Ocean.

Turn right onto Snell Parade using the shortest route towards Suncoast Casino & Entertainment World.

Turn right onto Battery Beach Road moving across to the West bound lane.

Turn left onto Masabalala Yengwa Avenue using the Ocean side lane on the South bound carriageway.

Turn left onto Kingsmead Way using the slip lane.

Turn right onto Eden Gardens Crescent (counter clockwise at the circle).

Turn right onto K E Masinga Avenue (contra-flow).

Turn right onto Masabalala Yengwa Avenue moving to the inland lane of the South bound carriageway.

At Battery Beach Road intersection cross onto the North bound carriageway of Masabalala Yengwa Avenue.

Turn Left onto the Kings Park Stadium outer fields (using Gate F adjacent to the Kings Park Archery Club)

Turn left onto the outer fields with the FINISH on the field towards the South.

5km ROUTE

The START is in Masabalala Yengwa Avenue, on the South bound carriageway north of Jacko Jackson Drive proceeding North.

Turn right onto Athlone Drive towards the Ocean.

Turn right onto Snell Parade using the shortest route towards Suncoast Casino & Entertainment World.

Turn right onto Battery Beach Road.

Turn right onto the North bound carriageway of Masabalala Yengwa Avenue.

Turn Left onto the Kings Park Stadium outer fields (using Gate F adjacent to the Kings Park Archery Club)

Turn left onto the outer fields with the FINISH on the field towards the South.

Durban SPAR Women’s 10 / 5km Challenge: J-Cue up for a Magner’tic fun finish vibe

Durban: Sunday 28 June Save some energy for when you cross the finish line as this year’s entertainment after the Durban SPAR Women’s 10 / 5km Challenge will be sure to get you moving to  #CelebrateHer on the outer fields of the Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium on Sunday 28 June.  

Returning this year as the main act, Veranda Panda are back with their vibrant, colourful, eclectic music. The husband-and-wife duo have headlined at a variety of big festivals, including Splashy Fen, Sakifo in Reunion and Up the Creek to name a few. They have wowed crowds with their dynamic, high-energy set at one of Durban’s most iconic outdoor settings, Music at the Lake at the Botanical Gardens and now head to the Women’s Challenge stage. 

Liam and Jane Magner blend their classical instrumentation with cutting-edge electronic production, creating a powerful sonic experience. Jane carves up the stage with her electric violin and vocals, while Liam styles behind his desk firing out his electronic beats. Veranda Panda command the stage and connect with audiences in a way few others can – catch their Magner’tic performance from at 10.30am. 

Warming the crowds up before this, DJ J-Cue will welcome the throng of jovial finishers. The magician behind the decks will share his feel-good vibes and emotive music that has roots in soul, dance music, deep house, jazz and Afrocentric sounds. He starts spinning his discs at 09.15am

Every female participant sticking around after the official prize giving stands a chance to win some fabulous lucky draw prizes, as well as a SPAR voucher worth R10,000 to a woman who entered in-store. Plus, SPAR will be giving away a Hyundai Exter 1.2 Premium MT to the value of R269 900.

Participants need to collect their Race Packs at Race Registration which is on Friday 26 and Saturday 27 June on the outer fields of the Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium. Both days, the venue opens up at 10am with the closing time set for 6pm on Friday and 4pm on Saturday. No race pack collections will be accepted on race day. 

The gun fires at 8am on Sunday 28 June for the 10km and the 5km gets underway at 9am. 

For more info visit www.sparwomenschallenge.co.za/durban.

Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge Team work makes the dream work

Durban: Sunday 28 June: Gather your colleagues, work mates, friends and family and enter this year’s Durban SPAR Women’s 10 / 5km Challenge on Sunday 28 June as a group.

“This is a great opportunity for groups of colleagues, clubs, relatives and schools to make the Challenge into a real fun team experience,” says Race Director Brad Glasspoole. “We encourage people to show in true team spirit – they can dress up, wear matching outfits, walk, run, dance and sing – and add to the vibe of the day - as we gather on the road to enjoy the theme #CelebrateHer.” 

Bulk entries for ten or more people wanting to participate in the challenge closes at midnight on Friday 12 June, with individual online entries closing as the clock strikes 12 on Monday 22 June. If you are entering a team, your team coordinator will need to do so electronically via the online entry portal, and click on Bulk Entry.  

There is a special day organised specifically for bulk entry collections where your team leader can go along and collect all your crew's race packs on Thursday 25 June. 

For more info visit the race website, www.sparwomenschallenge.co.za/durban

Maritzburg SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge Sunday 19 August - results

Maritzburg SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge

Pietermaritzburg: Sunday 19 August

Drama unfolded today (Sunday, 19 August) in the Maritzburg SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge as Irvette van Zyl running for Nedbank claimed victory in KZN’s capital in a time of 34.26.

Van Zyl, and a group of four elite athletes led from the onset, getting to the 4km mark looking fresh and energised. The tightly bunched pack parted ways nearing the Time Freight avenue, with Glenrose Xaba, Kesa Molotsane, Manorallo Tjoka and Neheng Khatala rounding the turning circle in Park Drive at the bottom of Princess Margaret.

Pioneering, van Zyl continued straight passing the circle and made her way through to the avenue in the Mayor’s Garden running solo. Having slowed down in the uncertainty of being left by the leading pack, van Zyl lost critical seconds deciding if her homework was in fact correct and her decision was the correct course.

Powering up the incline, van Zyl got back into stride, rounding back onto Park Drive, passing through the half way mark at 16.43. She was followed by Rudo Mhonderwa and Rutendo Nyahora who were neck-and-neck at the 5km mark, going through at 16.58.

Confusion ensued with the front runners between 4km and 5km, now consisting of four runners and Lebogang Phalula trailing just behind, with no sign of van Zyl and the lead bicycle. The crucial decision by the four of the five who followed the vehicles which were forced off the route as no vehicles are allowed through the avenue in the Mayor’s Garden. Van Zyl started to round the roundabout but remembered from the previous year, the route going through the park.

“We were told that the race was exactly the same from last year, and we received an sms yesterday about the water table being at the top of the park. So, I knew that we needed to go through the park. Three of us in the leading pack had done the race last year, so it wasn’t new to us. I knew the route, and I knew where I was going so I am happy that I stuck to my decision to go solo,” said a relieved van Zyl.

For Xaba and Molotsane, the Maritzburg race was a make or break race for them as going into the PMB race, the two athletes had a single point separating them in the Grand Prix.

“Five runners were disqualified for following the incorrect route.  At the conclusion of the race, objections were lodged, and a jury was convened. A unanimous decision was made and Irvette van Zyl is recognised for running the correct route, therefor she officially is the winner of the 2018 Maritzburg SPAR 10km race,” stated Race Director, Brad Glasspoole at the media briefing following the announcement.

The five runners disqualified are Glenrose Xaba, Kesa Molotsane, Manorallo Tjoka, Neheng Khatala and Legogang Phalula.

“It was quite a dramatic day for the top runners, but we are pleased that the policies and procedures in place were able to help resolve the results. I would like to thank the officials for their professional handling of this. Alongside all of this, we had 4,502 people out on the route who had a magnificent day in glorious weather,” said Max Oliva, MD for SPAR KZN.

The final race in the Grand Prix takes place in Johannesburg on 7 October, which promises to be an exciting conclusion to the elite race.

For more info visit www.sparwomensrace.co.za/Maritzburg or like the race’s Facebook page.

Female Senior

1 Irvette van Zyl 34.26, 2 Jenet Mbhele 34.47, 3 Rutendo Nyahora 34.56, 4 Portia Ngwenya 35.16, 5 Rudo Mhonderwa 35.38, 6 Patience Murowe 36.16, 7 Nobukhosi Tshuma 36.28, 8 Cornelia Joubert 36.37, 9 Cherise Sims 36.52, 10 Mokulubete Makatisi 36.59

Female Junior

1 Liza Kellerman 38.38, 2 Simangaliso Madlala 39.35, 3 Cherry Lee Schoeman 40.28

Female 35 – 39

1 Fikile Mbuthuma 37.59, 2 Cary-Ann Smith 43.53, 3 Nikki Kelbrick 58.52

Female 40 – 49

1 Ronel Thomas 40.23, 2 Elizabeth Dlhiwayo 40.57, 3 Janene Carey 41.52

Female 50 -59

1 Grace de Oliveira 44.45, 2 Xolisile Mwelase 48.11, 3 Gail Babich 48.40

Female 60 -69

1 Blanche Moila 49.11, 2 Jenny Taylor 51.29, 3 Sibongile Zakwe 01:00.35

Female 70+

1 Gill Tregenna 59.25, 2 Ivy Gertrude Lottering 01:20.51

ENDS

Photographs by Rogan Ward 

Classy Run for Kesa Molotsane at Maritzburg SPAR Women's 10km Challenge - August 20

MEDIA RELEASE

CLASSY RUN FOR KESA MOLOTSANE AT MARITZBURG SPAR WOMEN’S 10 KM CHALLENGE

Kesa Molotsane (KPMG) had a classy run in the inaugural Grand Prix series of the Maritzburg SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge on Sunday, August 20 winning in a convincing time of 34.21, followed by Rutendo Nyahora (Nedbank) in 34.34 and Irvette van Zyl (Nedbank) in 34.37.

In the penultimate race on the SPAR Grand Prix, the leading lady extended her domination over the log. Out of the starting blocks, Irvette van Zyl (Nedbank) edged to the front of the pack, leading marginally for majority of the race, with Lebogang Phalula (Boxer) and Rutendo Nyahora (Nedbank) tailing her closely on her shoulder.

Out of nowhere, the star runner started her assault to the front with about 4km remaining. Looking strong, she charged her way through the runners, joining the top three, matching their pace for the last few kilometres of the run. Striding away from van Zyl as they wound their way to the stadium, she secured her position on the top step of the podium, cementing her first spot on the log. Having started the 2017 series with a first in Cape Town, a first in Port Elizabeth, a second in Durban and third in Pretoria, she went into the Pietermaritzburg race with a decent 19 point lead ahead of van Zyl.

“I really enjoyed the run today, it was a really nice route. I love the hills, I grew up in a hilly area, so they don’t bother me. It was cold, and I took a while to warm up but I am really glad that I ran. It was a good test before I take on the 5,000m in World Student Games in Taipei this week. I am the only South African running the 5,000m and I want to do my country proud, so today has motivated me and given me the opportunity to challenge myself.”

Molotsane departed directly after the race, heading straight to the airport to go compete in Taiwan with her first 5,000m heat taking place on 25th August and the finals on 27th August. “I needed special permission to run in Pietermaritzburg from the Federation, but I think it was good for me ahead of running against the top international athletes. I wanted to retain my position in the Grand Prix to stay on top of the leaderboard, so needed to compete today.”

The class act said she didn’t have issues changing from track to road, or vice versa. “A lot of people find it challenging and demanding to handle both track and road, but it is easier for me, it isn’t so much of a shock. I think it is because I concentrate on the longer distances.”

Second on the leaderboard, van Zyl said, “I gave it my best but my best wasn’t good enough. I needed to push it as I find myself in a difficult situation with points on the Grand Prix log, I needed to win and get bonus points to stay in the game.”

“I am an impatient runner, so I tend to break early and take up the pace. It usually works for me but I just couldn’t hang in there. Kesa ran really well. I have had a tough year, with the injury that forced me out of the Durban race, I have been working hard to have a fighting chance. But I am glad it was a pain free run. I also like hilly courses, so enjoyed the my first time on the Maritzburg course.”

Second on the day, the petite Zimbabwean, Rutendo Nyahora overtook van Zyl, leaving her behind on the final stretch of road leading into the stadium. “I am feeling fine on the back of running a marathon. My running was down, so I had to kick hard and my plan worked.”

Molotsane shaved off 20seconds from the previous winning time of 34.41 that Lebogang Phalula clocked in 2016.

A total of 4,500 took to the two distances in a chilly 3 degrees. Peter Deeb, Marketing Director of SPAR KZN said, “Having the Maritzburg race being included in the Grand Prix has certainly raised the profile of the race. Everyone had a fantastic time, and we were full to capacity. It was a chilly morning to start off with, and the course had a lot of hills. We are very pleased with the numbers, and it is always wonderful to give back to our community as road running has a huge following here in Pietermaritzburg.”

Results

Open

1 Kesa Molotsane (KPMG) 34.21, 2 Rutendo Nyahora (Nedbank) 34.34, 3 Irvette van Zyl (Nedbank) 34.37, 4 Lebogang Phalula (Boxer) 34.50, 5 Betha Chikanga 34.58, 6 Maria Shai (Boxer) 35.02, 7 Glenrose Xaba (Boxer) 35.05, 8 Nolene Conrad (KPMG) 35.11, 9 Nicole Louw (KPMG) 35.23, 10 Rudo Mhonderwa (Nedbank) 35.32

35- 39

1 Janie Grundling (Boxer) 37.22, 2 Makhosi Mhlongo (32Gi) 37.41, 3 Fikile Mbuthuma (Nedbank) 39.02

40-49

1 Tanith Maxwell (Boxer) 37.56, 2 Janene Carey (Boxer) 39.55, 3 Delia Jay (Dolphin Coast Striders) 44.40

50-59

1 Judy Bird (KPMG) 39.54, 2 Grace de Oliveira (Boxer) 44.10, 3 Gail Babich (Savages) 46.47

60-69

1 Blanche Moila (Savages) 49.19, 2 Sonja Laxton (RAC) 50.34, 3 Jenny Taylor (Saints Athletics) 51.13

70 plus

1 Gill Tregenna (Westville) 59.22

Juniors

1 Nicole Louw (KPMG) 35.23, 2 Shanley Koekemoer (KPMG) 37.27, 3 Cherry Lee Schoeman (Boxer) 39.53

-ends

Tish Jones wins Durban SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge

Tish Jones wins Durban SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge

DIMINUTIVE British distance runner, Tish Jones (KPMG), broke through the elite and highly competitive field of South African athletes to win the Durban leg of the SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge today (Sunday, June 11) in a personal best time of 32 minutes 58 seconds.

Among the leaders right from the start, Jones shrugged off a trio of Nedbank runners which included Zimbabwean long distance runner, Rutendo Nyahora, together with Nolene Conrad  (KPMG) soon after rounding the halfway mark in the fast, flat Durban beachfront course and finally broke away on her own.

Running strongly in the virtually perfect windless and warm conditions, Jones jumped into the lead and ran solo for the last four kilometres and finished 33 seconds ahead of second-placed Kesa Moletsane (also KPMG) who finished in 33:31 with third-placed Lebogang Phalula (Boxer) crossing the finish line in 33:39.

The top runners averaged 3 min 15 sec per kilometre with six runners crossing the finish line withing a minute of the winner in the shadow of the Growthpoint King’s Park Rugby Stadium.

Described as “the country’s most beautiful road race”, Jones was running for only the second time in this popular series, having first shown her mettle in winning the women’s event in the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in 2:36:13 last year.

The British runner, who is based and trains in the Western Cape, came fourth in the last London Marathon, missing the cut for the British team to compete in this year’s World Championships, also in London, with only three runners gaining selection for this event.

Speaking at the press conference after the race she said she had planned to run a sub 33-minute race and having achieved this could be highly satisfied with her previous best times over this distance both set last year with a 33:16 in Leeds in November and a 33:05 in Houilles, France, in December.

“I always try to remain relaxed and to maintain a steady pace,” she said, “but whatever you choose to be good at you have to just make up your mind to go all out for.”

Jones said she would now focus on next year’s Commonwealth Games Marathon and also defend her title in the Cape Town Marathon.

Jones added that she would also seriously consider entering in two of the remaining three races in the SPAR 10km Grandprix Series.

Moletsane said she had been ill for the past two weeks but had entered this race on account of her high status in the SPAR Grand Prix, which is spread over all six races in the series.

Her second place today (June 11) earned her 29 points more to add to the 59 she already has, 29 also for coming second in the Cape Town leg and 30 for winning the Port Elizabeth leg.

-ends

RESULTS

OPEN

1 Tish Jones (KPMG) 00:32:58; 2 Kesa Molostane (KPMG) 00:33:31; 3 Lebogang Phalula (Boxer) 00:33:39; 4 Elisabet Kebede Arsedo (Nedbank) 00:33:48; 5 Ruthendo Nyahora (Nedbank) 00:33:50; 6 Glenrose Xaba 00:33:56; 7 Rudo Mhonderwa (Nedbank) 00:34:03; 8 Nolene Conrad (KPMG) 00:34:07; 9 Bertha Chikanga 00:34:15; 10 Mapaseka Makhanya (Olifantsfontien) 00:34:26.

JUNIOR

1 Nicole Louw (Afs-KPMG) 00:35:26; 2 Nicole Van Me (KPMG) 00:36:11; 3 Chery-Lee Schoeman  (KPMG) 00:39:51; 4 Nomthandazo Memela 00:40:03; 5 Nokukhanya Mtshali 00:41:19

40-49

1 Bulelwa Simoe 00:36:55; 2 Janene Carey (Boxer) 00:38:56; 3 Ronel Thomas (Boxer) 00:39:10

50-59

1 Judy Bird (KPMG) 00:39:09; 2 Grace de Oliveira 00:43:11 (Boxer); 3 Gail Babich (Savages) 00:45:21