Exciting running action is fully on the cards as the second annual Siza Vitality Half-Marathon kicks off in Port Alfred tomorrow.
High-class entertainment should be in store as some of the country’s top runners go head-to-head in what should make for an enthralling battle as they go all out for the win.
“We have an extremely strong and highly competitive field taking part in the race and we should be in for a great morning’s running,” said EPA liaison Mike Mbambani.
Defending champions Melikhaya Frans and Ntombisintu Mfunzi from Uitenhage and Port Elizabeth respectively will be back looking to defend their titles.
Both athletes are in great form and come into the race with high hopes of putting in another top performance.
“We take the same approach in all races. If you want to win you run from the front and I believe they will be at the front on Saturday,” said Mbambani, who also coaches both defending champs.
Frans comes into the race fresh off setting a new personal best in the SA 10km race, while Mfunzi this past weekend triumphed in the annual Chris Hani Marathon.
“They are both currently in good form and extremely confident coming into the race, but there are some really good runners that they are competing against and they will have to be in top form if they are to win,” said Mbambani.
On the men’s side Frans will find a stiff challenge in the form of Gauteng-based runner Sibusiso Nzima, who recently qualified to compete at the Olympics in the marathon and Western Cape runner Lungile Gongqa, who has enjoyed considerable success in Eastern Cape races over the past few years, and these two should be among the frontrunners on the day.
Another major threat will be Mbongeni Ngxazozo, who came second at the SA Half-Marathon champs, and he will be aiming for an impressive performance tomorrow.
Top SA runner Elroy Gelant, who was originally set to compete in the race, may not be back in time as he has been competing in Ireland and his arrival back in SA looks as if it may be too late for him to make the race.
On the women’s front Mfunzi should have her work cut out for her with top Cape Town runner Busi Simae taking part, while Zimbabwe long-distance runner Fortunate Chidzivo should also be in the running.
However, Mfunzi is confident and aiming to make it a double triumph.
“I’m excited and ready to defend my title and winning the challenging Chris Hani Marathon last Saturday has boosted my confidence more,” said Mfunzi.
“The course is tough but the support in the location is amazing. You just keep on digging harder as they are out in their numbers along the streets cheering for us.”
A 5km fun run will also be run, allowing for a more family orientated and less serious run to take place.
The race starts and ends at Port Alfred High School and gets under way at 7am tomorrow morning.
Registration will take place at the school from 6pm-8pm tonight and 5am-6:30am tomorrow morning.
Annual Siza half-marathon to showcase country’s elite
High-class entertainment should be in store as some of the country’s top runners go head-to-head in what should make for an enthralling battle as they go all out for the win.
“We have an extremely strong and highly competitive field taking part in the race and we should be in for a great morning’s running,” said EPA liaison Mike Mbambani.
Defending champions Melikhaya Frans and Ntombisintu Mfunzi from Uitenhage and Port Elizabeth respectively will be back looking to defend their titles.
Both athletes are in great form and come into the race with high hopes of putting in another top performance.
“We take the same approach in all races. If you want to win you run from the front and I believe they will be at the front on Saturday,” said Mbambani, who also coaches both defending champs.
Frans comes into the race fresh off setting a new personal best in the SA 10km race, while Mfunzi this past weekend triumphed in the annual Chris Hani Marathon.
“They are both currently in good form and extremely confident coming into the race, but there are some really good runners that they are competing against and they will have to be in top form if they are to win,” said Mbambani.
On the men’s side Frans will find a stiff challenge in the form of Gauteng-based runner Sibusiso Nzima, who recently qualified to compete at the Olympics in the marathon and Western Cape runner Lungile Gongqa, who has enjoyed considerable success in Eastern Cape races over the past few years, and these two should be among the frontrunners on the day.
Another major threat will be Mbongeni Ngxazozo, who came second at the SA Half-Marathon champs, and he will be aiming for an impressive performance tomorrow.
Top SA runner Elroy Gelant, who was originally set to compete in the race, may not be back in time as he has been competing in Ireland and his arrival back in SA looks as if it may be too late for him to make the race.
On the women’s front Mfunzi should have her work cut out for her with top Cape Town runner Busi Simae taking part, while Zimbabwe long-distance runner Fortunate Chidzivo should also be in the running.
However, Mfunzi is confident and aiming to make it a double triumph.
“I’m excited and ready to defend my title and winning the challenging Chris Hani Marathon last Saturday has boosted my confidence more,” said Mfunzi.
“The course is tough but the support in the location is amazing. You just keep on digging harder as they are out in their numbers along the streets cheering for us.”
A 5km fun run will also be run, allowing for a more family orientated and less serious run to take place.
The race starts and ends at Port Alfred High School and gets under way at 7am tomorrow morning.
Registration will take place at the school from 6pm-8pm tonight and 5am-6:30am tomorrow morning.
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