Border will be well-represented at run

MORE than 400 runners from Border-Kei clubs are expected at the start of the Two Oceans Marathon in Cape Town on Saturday.

This will take place against a backdrop of meaningful success for runners with local connections over the history of the race, spanning 46 years.

The runners will be flying, driving, bussing or taxing their way to Cape Town during the course of the next week, filled with enthusiasm, hopes and dreams.

The 56km ultra is the favourite, though many will opt for the 21.1km Half-Marathon and some the Trail Run.

There have been at least nine runners who earned gold medals in the 56km event and who were either born in the Eastern Cape or plied there running trade out of East London at the time of their success.

Those who won gold while in local club colours were Mluleki Nobanda, who won the race once in a time of 3:09:21. On top of that he won two more gold medals for a second and a fourth position.

Alfred Mangesi from Mthatha won two gold medals, both for ninth position and a best time of 3:18:07, while Rodwell Sims claimed the 10th and final gold medal when he finished in 3:22:03.

Gordon Shaw, who finished second at the Comrades on two occasions obtained a Two Oceans gold for his fifth position in 3:24:28.

The two biggest local names were however Thompson Magawana and Zithulele Sinqe.

Both moved up to the mines from their Eastern Cape homes and ran for equivalent clubs. Both won the race twice. Sinqe, who came onto the scene a little later than his compatriot, tried hard to break Magawana’s incredible record of 3:03:44 set in 1988, but like all runners since was unable to do so and had to settle for a personal best of 3:07:17. Magawana also won in a time of 3:05:31 at his first attempt.

Sadly both men have passed on.

Sinqe was killed in a car crash and Magawana lost to a debilitating illness.

Only one local woman has won a top 10 gold and that was Jean Rayner, who ran a sterling 4:04:35.

Stephanie Smith is the second fastest local woman, having run 4:11:24 in 2015.

Smith has since had a child and will be racing again this year.

Her coach believes she can move into the all-time fastest Border-Kei slot, all things being equal on raceday.

The two locals who have been conspicuous in the HalfMarathon have been Lusapho April and Hanlie Botha.

In a follow-up article we will look at some of the local pioneers who would travel to Cape Town year in and out and become national legends in the process.

Inclusive in that group will be Barry Steidlen, Edwin Lwana, Kenny Wilkinson, Sindile Tshaka and Gerry Laubser.

Best of luck to all. — DDC