Haven Hills celebrates half marathon race

The Haven Hills Athletic Club have hosted two successful 10km races, one in 2023 and another in November last year and they attracted some of the province’s finest athletes inclusive of Yanga Malusi, then of Real Gijimas and Sinethemba Jilingisi who now runs for them.

On Friday, Human Rights Day they are launching their inaugural half marathon and are billing it as a fast 21.2km race.

There are runners out there who will still have the Zwelitsha to Mdantsane 50km in their legs, but this race generally would have a different clientele.

The prize money is attractive by club race standards and there in a cash incentive to the club that has the biggest entry, which could get the likes of Real Giiimas, OMAC and other particularly gifted communities to social running, excited.

Runners are always looking for a fast course, especially to qualify for races that require seeding and also to attract the attention of the provinces selecting teams to SA Championship events.

Other runners who have already experienced Haven Hills hospitality include Masixole Kalideni of Old Selbornians, Spelele Macakathi of Komani, Thahdikaya Siyongo of neighbouring Scenery Park and the 50km winner Gift Chigorarawa of Nedbank.

Among the women who will recognise the early stages of the race as it emulates the 10km, are Caryn Lategan, Cindy Nel and Andrea Ranger all of Easy Equities Born2Run.

The course starts at the same point as the 10km did, which is on Doreen Road, Haven Hills. It later ventures out onto the Black Road before turning right and then into the feeder to Voortrekker Road and past Johnson and Johnson, the SPCA and finally back towards the start.

Entries and registration is available at the Buffalo Club, on Buffalo Park Drive and a warm reception will be forthcoming from a club with an attitude to please.

There is also a 5km run for younger and older runners not wishing to push a half marathon.

Daily Dispatch