Over
130 ‘out of town’ athletes made their way to the Bay for the event, including
the big names Henri Schoeman, Claude Eksteen, Tayla Glover and Glen Gore. Race
morning brought ideal racing conditions for the start of the Elite and Age
Group race. Claude Eksteen took the honours in the men’s race, finishing in a
time of 1:58, followed by Henri Schoeman (1:59) and Gian-Nicola De Dominicis (2:03).
The women’s race was won by Lauren Dougall (2:16) followed by Tayla Glover
(2:19) and Geraldine von Fintel (2:31).
Despite
hot conditions in the junior categories, the youngsters raced well. Luke
Browett came in first (age 12-15) followed by Callum Simpson and Ben de la
Porte. Mikaela Jonsson took line honours for the girls, followed by Antonia
Bosworth-Smith and Georgina Dougall. The boys’ 16-19 age category was won by
Aidan Nugent with Bradley Schuit second and James Wewege third. Kerryn Grenfell
came in first for the girls, followed by Nicole Muller and Kerryn Farrell.
The
local Traffic Officials from uMhlathuze Municipality were out in full force and
the safe racing conditions allowed athletes as young as eight to race the same
route as the senior athletes. Special mention must go to the deaf athletes from
the Fulton School for the Deaf, who also participated in the event under the
guidance of their principal, Bev Campbell.
Thank
you to our title sponsor, Saverite, and Liquor Land, Backsberg Estate, Future
Life, ABI, Modern Athlete, Aspen Pharmacare, Browns Cash and Carry,
Mkuze and Empangeni as well as Umhlathuze Pharmacy, who all assisted in making
this event such a resounding success.