NMB Cross Country Series – Second Edition Results

The second league of the Nelson Mandela Bay Cross Country League Series took place in wet and muddy conditions on Saturday, at Varsvlei, with 400 competitors.

EP Athletics cross country chairperson, Attie Williams, was satisfied with the turnout of both athletes and spectators.

“The poor weather did affect the number of competitors in the second league, but those who participated, with most of the athletes at school level, made the best of the cooler conditions. “The new track layout at Varsvlei also gave spectators a better view of the races,” reported Attie.

The 10km race was won by Andile Motwana, running for Nedbank, in a time of 32.32, followed by Bongani Banda, of Chillies, in second position in 33:22, with Sibahle Maqwara, running for Nedbank, in third position in 33:51.

Refiloe Solomons, of Nedbank running club, was the first woman to finish the 10km with a significant lead in 42.50. Asanda Zamisa, of Sibaleka Nani athletics club, finished second in 45.33, followed by Jene Banfield, Run4Christ athletics club, in 46:02.

The 4km Men’s race was won by Siyabonga Rofuzana of Nedbank running club in 13:05, followed Thako Jekana in 13:29. Phathutshedzo Tlou, of Madibaz athletics club, finished in third position in 14.02.

Refiloe Solomons continued her winning streak and was the first woman to finish the 4km in a strong time of 15:46. She was followed by Jene Banfield, of Run4Christ athletics club, in 16:45, with Siposethu Mavata, of Sibaleka Nani athletics club in third position in 17:06.

The NMB Cross Country Series will consist of four league meetings, EPA Championships and an Inter-Provincial planned to prepare the athletes for the upcoming National Championships.

Prize money has been allocated to the top three male and female athletes participating in the 10km and Open 4km.

The third Cross Country League event will take place from Nelson Mandela University B-Soccer field on 27 May where the athletes will have the opportunity to test the ASA Cross-Country Championships track for the first time.