Thabang Mosiako Powered To The Finish Of Colchester Development 10Km Run

The Colchester Development 10km Run took place in perfect cool weather conditions from Mackay Bridge Angling Club in Colchester on Saturday, 27 January, the first summer edition since its inception.

Thabang Mosiako, who runs for Nedbank running club, led from the start and powered to the finish in 28.38, an impressive improvement on the last time he ran Colchester 10km in 2022, when he won in 29.06.

“I followed my coach, Mike Mbambani’s plan, to run 2.52 min per km to finish in sub 29 minutes, so I kept consistent and achieved this, I am very happy,” said Thabang, who also won the 10km EPA Champion title.

This event, which is presented in partnership with Eastern Province Athletics and the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality as part of the Legacy project, attracted a strong turnout of nearly 700 runners, for the 10km and 5km distances. The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality are a proud to partner of the Colchester Development run since 2016.

Defending champion, Melikhaya Frans, of Ikhamva athletic Club, was supportive of his training mate when he finished second in a time of 29.40.

“I kept pushing but I am not ready to do sub 29, I am happy that Thabang was able to keep to our training plan,” said Melikhaya.

Ikhamva club was well represented with their runners competing to the finish to take second, third, fourth and fifth positions.

Melikhaya was closely followed by Nicolas Seoposenge in 29.42, then Simon Sibeko, in fourth place in 30.01 and Sinawo Poti in fifth position in a time of 30.36.

An extra accolade for Ikhamva athletics club was Luyanda Tshangana, who his 40-49 age category in 31.35, and in-form Desmond Zibi, who won his 60-69 age category in 34.57.

Siyavuya Jeyi, of Motherwell athletics club, was the first junior male to finish in a time of 32.43.

Gift Chigomarawa, of Nedbank running club, won his 35-39 age category in 32.00. Team-mate, Sandiso Ngxishe won his 50-59 age category in 37.49 with Hannes Els, of Madiba, winning his 70-79 age category in 46.03.

Kelly van Vliet, of Nedbank running club, ran a superb race to finish in 37.08, first in her 35-39 age group and the title of EPA female 10km champion.

“The route was flat but great, I am very happy with my race as I am in training for the NMB Runified 50km in February,” said an elated Kelly.

Natia Gous finished second in 38.20, followed by Ntombesintu Mfunzi, from Nedbank running club, in third place and first in her 40-49 age category in a time of 38.30.

Her team-mate, Annalise Scholtz, finished fourth in 38.34, with Kayla Nell, of Charlo athletics club, who won the women’s 10km last year, finishing in fifth place in a time of 39.38.

The first junior female to finish was Kara Fourie, of St Albans athletics club in 41.55.

Christine Claasen, of Nedbank running club, won the 50-59 age category in 44.01, Janette Schierz-Cruisius, of Body Concept running club, won her 60-69 age category in 54.18. Margie Saunders, of Nedbank running club, won the 70-79 age category in 45.37 with Orgia Nell, of Muirite Running Club finishing the race in 80+ category in 1.23.57 with Godfrey Kariem, of Gelvandale running club, finishing first in the 80+ male category in 1.31.03.