Melikhaya Leading The Charge At The Colchester Development 10km Run

Top Nelson Mandela Bay road runner, Melikhaya Frans, will be leading the charge next weekend at the Colchester Development Run, which is part of the Legacy Project, sponsored by Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, since 2016.

The Colchester Development Run will take place from Mackay Bridge Angling Club in Colchester on Saturday, 24 June.

Melikhaya has won this race since 2018 and is looking forward to a strong finish, last year he came second in a time of 29.27, with Thabang Mosiako storming to the finish in 29.06.

Last weekend in-form Thobang Melikhaya ran the race of his life in the NMB Half Marathon in his personal best time and also set a new course record with his perfectly timed sprint to the finish in 1.00.28.

Mosiako will be resting and not competing in this race as and preparing for the Absa Run your City 10km in Durban.

Melikhaya Frans, who is training for the World Marathon Championships, will be leading the Ikhamva athletic club team next weekend.

Race organizer and Ikhamva athletics club coach, Michael Mbambani, confirmed that his entire crew will be participating, led by Melikhaya Frans.

“This is the last local race for Melikhaya as we are finalizing his preparations for the World Marathon Championships in August in Hungary.

“We are looking positive, all plans are on track,” said Mbambani.

Melikhaya will be joined by team-mates Cwenga Nose, Sinawo Poti, Luyanda Tshangana, Sinethemba Jilingisi, Lukhanyiso Jabavu, Lithobe Menzeleleli, Sylvester Honi and Desmond Zibi. Andile Motwana, running for Nedbank, will also be competing.

Families are invited to join either the 5km or 10km distance and the beautiful Sundays River area.

The Colchester Development Run will also be a great opportunity for club runners to gain points in this EPA participation league event.

The event will include a 10km starting at 07h00 and a 5km starting at 07h25, with the prize giving taking place at 09h00, which is also the cut-off for both events. Runners will also be eligible for super lucky draw attendance prizes.

The cost for 10km run is R100, 10km Juniors pay R40, 10km runners aged between 60 and 69 years, will pay R50. 10km runners over 70 years will receive free entry. The temporary license, required for the 10km only, is R40. R30 for the 5km Family Run.

Late entries and race number collections can be done on Thursday, 15 June at Westbourne Oval from 14.00 – 18.00, and late entries will also be accepted on the morning of the race from 06.00.

For more info, contact Michael on 079 149 6796.