AMINOSTIM COUNTRY CHALLENGE 15KM & 5KM FUN RUN, IRENE, 10 July 2010
The first Aminostim Country Challenge hosted by Irene Road Running Club was, as promised, a race with a difference! City slickers from running clubs in Gauteng and Gauteng North would have been forgiven if they thought they were running on a real farm! About 1 800 participants braved temperatures way below freezing and took up the challenge on a cold winter’s morning in Irene.
The start on the grounds of the Irene Agricultural Research Centre (ARC) was relatively fast with the first 3km run on flat to gentle declines. The route took runners through the beautiful Southdowns Estates for a 6km loop, whereafter they returned to the grounds of the ARC for some off-road running! This is where the fun started for many.
As the name of the race indicates, it was a true country challenge with about 6km of running on gravel road. This included a tough and demanding climb at about the 13km mark. There were lots of farm animals to be seen, and participants marvelled at an old pig crossing the road in his own time, as if the whole farm belonged to him!
The overall comments from participants were that they thoroughly enjoyed the route, especially the gravel part as this was something different to a normal road race. “This was a well-organised event and if you did not run it this year, I would advise you to diarise it for next year,” said Gerald Kroukamp from Phobians Athletic Club.
Irene is known for presenting races of high quality. This time was not different. The organisation was excellent, as were the well-manned and well-stocked water points. There was more than enough parking, and the traffic flow and control went smoothly.
This race promises to become one of the top
15km winter road races in the country!
RESULTS
MEN
1 Lucky Mohale Bonitas 46:32
2 Tsotang Maine Toyota 46:38
3 Wesley Ruto Nedbank 46:41
VETERANS
1 Elias Mabane Bidvest 52:32
MASTERS
1 Johannes Seakamela RAC 55:01
GRANDMASTERS
1 Maxwell Teffo BCC 68:34
GREAT GRANDMASTERS
1 Ken Nurden Agape 70:53
JUNIORS
1 Kabelo Rabogale ACRW 64:17
WOMEN
1 Louisa Labello GS 57:18
2 Charne Bosman Mr Price 57:21
3 Catherine Skosana Transnet 57:45
VETERANS
1 Jane Madau Nedbank 66:05
MASTERS
1 Hennelie v Zyl Eskom 79:43
GRANDMASTERS
1 Rina Machadu Ndaba 95:35
GREAT GRANDMASTERS
1 Deidre Larkin Randburg Harriers 1:54:48
JUNIORS
1 Letitia Saayman New Balance 60:47
