IN PHOTOS: 1 200 runners and walkers take on 3 distances in SHL Race

Uniwisp and Ngodwana athletes set a blistering pace across the podiums as local clubs battle for top honours on the road.

Abednico Mashaba. > Photos: Mark Kinnear

Some 1 200 runners and walkers competed in the three distances of the SHL Race on Saturday.

The 4.9km fun run, 10km race and 21.1km event started and finished at the Valencia Sports Grounds.

Mashaba and Sithole lead 21.1km field

Abednico Mashaba of Uniwisp won the men’s half-marathon in 01:09:33.

Sbonginkosi Maseko of Bella’s was second in 01:09:44, and Samuel Mathabatha third in 01:13:15.

Nomvula Sithole was untouchable in the women’s half-marathon. The Ngodwana Marathon Club athlete took gold in 01:23:02.

Nonhlanhla Fortein of Bella’s was second in 01:35:45, and Nedbank LVCC’s Madeleine Whitehair third in 01:49:17. Whitehair was also the winner of the 50+ category.

Mkhabela and Ngobese claim 10km titles

The 10km women’s race was won by Ngodwana’s Vanessa Mkhabela in 00:39:26.

Supplement Gwangwa of Barberton Mines was second in 00:42:34, and Phumla Manzini of Ngodwana third in 00:46:15.The winner of the men’s 10km race was Samkelo Ngobese of Bella’s in 00:31:28. Second place went to his team-mate Prince Ndlovu in 00:32:04, and third to Thembinkosi Mavuso of Conquerors Athletics Club in 00:33:01.