It's raining, it's pouring: Splashing on the run

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GEORGE NEWS - The 26th Palm Tyre race took place in pouring rain last Saturday, 9 December. Presented by Outeniqua Harriers Running Club, this popular item on the sports calendar has been an annual event since 1996.

"Traditionally the distance was 21,1km, but in the last eight years a 10km race has been added," said Duppie du Preez, president of Outeniqua Harriers. With the downpour last Saturday, athletes were only allowed to run the 10km distance for safety precautions.

"Despite the weather, the spirit between the athletes was incredible."

During an early morning inspection last Saturday morning, it was found that the road on the 21,1km route is incredibly slippery. "It also seemed as if the Malgas River near Witfontein might be coming down strong and could pose a danger to the athletes," said Du Preez.

"Management decided to let all the athletes participate in the 10km only. Unfortunately the 21,1km race had to be cancelled altogether."

The men's winner was Selwyn Matthews (25, Nedbank SWD) with a time of 31:05. Lloyd Bosman (35, Nedbank SWD) was second with a time of 31:26.

The women's winner was Melissa van Rensburg (41, Nedbank SWD) with a time of 39:57, and the runner-up was Nikki Walters (34) from Knysna Marathon Club, with a time of 42:31.