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GEORGE NEWS - This year's edition of the Outeniqua Marathon, traditionally known for its scenic yet demanding route through the Seven Passes area, presented a different challenge altogether.
Due to the ongoing roadworks and the damage caused by the recent heavy rains, some sections of the Seven Passes route were deemed unsafe, forcing the organisers to revise the course in the weeks leading up to the race.
While the change meant runners missed some parts of the iconic pass, the adjusted route still showcased the natural beauty of the Garden Route Dam and the surrounding Saasveld landscape, and finished at the Nelson Mandela University.
If the route changes tested adaptability, the weather demanded resilience. Clear skies and soaring temperatures, climbing into the high 20s, made for punishing conditions on the road, adding another layer of difficulty to an already challenging race.
A total of 225 athletes lined up for the full marathon, while the half-marathon drew the biggest field of the day with 694 runners.
The 10km race also enjoyed strong support, with 419 participants taking part.
Results
The men's 42.2km race at the Outeniqua Marathon set a relentless pace from the outset, with Lloyd Bosman (Nedbank Running Club SWD) powering to victory in an impressive 02:36:03, averaging 3:42/km.
Bosman held off a determined challenge from Lindani Ngwenya (Plettenberg Bay AC), who crossed the line just 42 seconds later in 02:36:45, while Tholinhlanhla Shabalala (Knysna Marathon Club) secured third place in 02:38:22 to complete a tightly contested podium.
In the women's marathon, Carla Spangenberg (Nedbank Running Club SWD) delivered a dominant performance to take top honours in 03:09:09 at a steady 4:30/km pace. Leah Sloman followed in second place in 03:19:09, with Alison Nell (32gi RC SWD Club) finishing third in 03:26:18 and claiming the 40+ category title.
The half-marathon also produced standout performances, with Selwyn Matthews (Nedbank Running Club SWD) leading the men's field home in 01:13:38.
He was followed by fellow Nedbank Running Club SWD athletes Bruce Maboza (Nedbank Running Club SWD) in 01:17:07 and junior runner Luciano Squire (Nedbank Running Club SWD) in 01:18:03, who impressed with his podium finish.
In the women's 21km race, Danette Walley (Boxer AC) claimed victory in 01:28:40, ahead of Melissa van Rensburg (Nedbank Running Club SWD) in 01:32:20 and junior athlete Minki Lotter (Meyerton AC) in 01:32:31, both finishing within seconds of each other.
Over the 10km distance, Valentino Loggenberg (Rainbow Running Club) stormed to victory in the men's race in a rapid 00:30:37, with Austin Koopman (Nedbank Running Club SWD) close behind in 00:30:41. Francois Maquassa (Nedbank Running Club SWD) completed the podium in 00:38:57.
In the women's event, Karli Lötter (Outeniqua Harriers) took the win in 00:53:34, followed by Tenike Blunden (Outeniqua Harriers) in 00:54:18 and Lorette Pretorius (Parys Multisport Club) in 00:54:27, rounding off a day of competitive racing across all distances.
Louis Massyn (front) competed in the 10km run. Photo: Deidre Cloete
A total of 225 athletes lined up for the full marathon, while the half-marathon drew the biggest field of the day with 694 runners. Photo: Hugo Redelinghuys‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
