Predictions for most local road races are fairly simple, but when it comes to the Mdantsane 10 that is not the reality.
Other events would love to have runners from other provinces simply arrive of their own volition, and not have to pay to get them here.
Last year’s winner of the men’s race was the visiting Melikaya Frans of the Kamva AC down Port Elizabeth way. Frans was also the runner-up in 2015, which means he is bound to be back to defend his title.
The winning times are seldom fast given the numerous hills that have to be negotiated on the tough route, made somewhat easier only by the incredible crowd support from the community of Mdantsane.
Frans won the race on the final hill to the stadium and clocked in at 33:14, having been pushed all the way by Khaya Bufele of Glen Grey Sprinters, who finished just seven seconds off the leader’s pace.
Frans’ teammate, Zolani Mabongo finished third, 16 seconds adrift.
One of the all-time greats of local running, Mluleki Nobanda from Libode, was fourth and also the first veteran home in 34:08, while another sharp veteran and SA championship silver medallist at both the 2016 SA Marathon and the 2017 SA Half- Marathon, Siyabulela Madlavana of Born 2 Run, was the fifth man across the finish in 34:21.
All these men are likely to feature again tomorrow, while a host of visiting Nedbank runners are expected to be in the field challenging.
Other local men to keep an eye on will be regular marathon exponent, Nkosinathi Nzingo of Nedbank EL, oft race winner, Luthando Hejana of Real Gijimas, Bulelani Mgubo of All Stars and the Born 2 Run duo of Lukahanyo Ngxoko, who won the Africa Day Half- Marathon, and an improving performer in Masivuye Poswa.
Hanlie Botha of Born 2 Run has been out of running for a few months, but is on her way back and likely to line up for a race she has won on more than one occasion. She missed last year’s event through illness and that allowed Vuyiseka Nkumenge from Future Striders in PE to triumph in 39:53. Another to watch out for is previous winner Ntombesintu Mfunzi, a Nedbank visitor on occasion.
Born 2 Run’s Comrades and Two Oceans gold medallist, Stephanie Smith won the BCMM Half-Marathon recently in a PB time and she too will be out at one of her favourite races.
Entries are still open and available at sports shops, the Masizakhe Childrens Home and on-line