The KMIA Trail Run is where runners earned their wings – Lowvelder

Long-distance runners from a number of Lowveld running clubs earned their wings after taking on the annual KMIA
Trail Run on Saturday. The race was run over 5, 10 and 21 kilometres and followed a grueling route through the macadamia orchard bordering the airport.

The trail is a scenic one, with a 582-metre elevation gain. Runners took off from the starting line at 07:00 and meandered through the entrance and on through the orchard.

Prince Ndlovu.

ALSO READ: GALLERY: The Best in Mbombela 2019

According to KMI Airport marketing manager, Cat Nienaber, Lowmed assisted with the registration, entries and technical aspects of the race such as referees and paramedics, while KMI Airport organised the race and provided the route layouts for this thrilling run.

Sizwe Masehla crossed the finish line in 22:26 to pip the other 5-kilometre entrants to the post and was followed by
Mia Robbinson, who broke away from the women, clinching first place in 32:45.

Leonie and Michelle van der Westhuizen.

ALSO READ: Malopeni Cycle Tour in the KNP is unforgettable

The hotly contested 10-kilometre race saw open marathon runner, Thulani Lekhuleni breaking away from the pack and claiming the victory in a time of 38:03. Hot on his heels was Prince Ndlovu, who claimed second place in 42:44.

In the women’s open 10-kilometre category, Zanele Sehohle recorded a time of 57:00, beating her nearest rival, Chantall MiddleBowee, who claimed the second spot in a time of 57:13.

Morris Monga.

ALSO READ: Enduro enjoyed by all

Morris Maiga made a clean sweep of it in the over-40 category and sealed first place in a time of 43:13. Hendrik
Mentz scooped first place in the over-50 category with a time of 58:24.

Allison Hay recorded 58:15 and was the first over-50 woman across the finish line. The heat and humidity tested the abilities of the 21-kilometre entrants, but the runners prevailed and Samuel Mathebatha took first place in 01:24:00 in the open category.

Trevor Bovill and Retie van der Merwe.

ALSO READ: Harley chapters ride for goodwill at Rainbow Slowveld Bash

He was followed by Bheki Nkosi, in second place, with a time of 01:26:04. Karien Booyse crossed the finish line first in this category in a time of 01:57:10, followed by Eldoret Boezaart with 02:11:20.

In the over 40-category, Vusi Chiloane made it over the line first in a time of 02:04:30, while Eldoret Boezaart’s time
ensured she prevailed over second placed Mausley Philane, whose time was 02:28:24.

Vanessa Sueltz.

ALSO READ: Verdict on opposed bail application for former master of High Court imminent

Albert van Putten recorded a time of 02:06:10 in a closely fought race between him and Chiloane. In the over-50 category, Joram Sayiya was the first male over the finish line, with a time of 2:08:40. Magret Msibi was the first woman, with a time of 3:01:48.

#Earnyourwings was the tag line this year and the runners put their best foot forward over a challenging course while contending with the uneven terrain and humidity.