Pictures credit: Volume Photography
Lucky Miya and Megan Mackenzie have come out victorious at the FNB Platinum Trail Run. From their interviews, we know that they are serious contenders and as a result both are heading to the World Championships to represent South Africa. A massive congrats to these two fantastic athletes!
The ATKV Buffelspoort continued the excitement of Saturday’s FNB Magalies Monster MTB Classic presented by ISUZU by welcoming just over 800 excited trail runners that were rearing to take part in the third annual FNB Platinum Trail Run on Sunday, 24 May 2015.
In the men’s race, the second time round proved to be the charm for Lucky Miya who completed the 24km FNB Platinum Trail Run in an impressive time of 01 hours 29 minutes 16 seconds. In the women’s race Megan Mackenzie was fighting fit claiming victory on her first attempt in a well-deserved time of 01 hours 48 minutes 25 seconds.
According to Miya, the FNB Platinum Trail is perfect training for the world trail run championship. “The race was fast with Thabang Madiba and Edwin Sisipi offering tough competition. I had to run as hard as I could. After finishing 2nd in 2014, it felt awesome winning here today. I’d definitely recommend this event to all runners. It’s really well organised, while the route is not too technical”. Edwin Sesipi came in second, while Thabang Madiba finished third.
“Today’s race was fantastic,” said a very happy Mackenzie. “In 2014 I withdrew from the event due to injury. It felt like my world was coming to an end, but time goes on. One year later here I am reaching my goals. The route was fast, I just loved it. The FNB Platinum Trail Run is ideal for both elite runners as well as runners that just want to try out the trails. It’s well organised, you won’t find many trail run events like this”. Mpho Mabuza came in second, while Poppy Mlambo finished third.
Both Miya and Mackenzie will head to Switzerland in July where they will take part in the 2015 World Long Distance Trail Champs. Other members of the South African Team include: Johardt van Heerden, Thabang Madiba, Iain Don-Wuachope, Su Don-Wauchope and Karine Bezuidenhout.
In the men’s 12km FNB Platinum Trail Run Itumeleng Khumalo claimed victory in a time of 51 minutes 40 seconds. Nicky Ndhlovo came in second, while Ryn Mathaba finished third. Maphuthi Phaka was the lady to beat with a winning time of 01hour 55 seconds. Pauline Painting came in second, while Estie Van Heerden finished third.
Sydney Kaomo took gold in the men’s 8km FNB Platinum Trail Run with a finishing time of 28 minutes 33 seconds. Daniel Ellis came in second, while Ishmael Mothoane finished third. Anita O’Brien was the first lady on the podium with a finishing time of 33 minutes 07 seconds. Izzy Dlhiwayo came in second, while Elzani Smith finished third.
“We are thrilled to see athletes from across the country participating in one of the North West Province’s most exciting running competitions. The route chosen for the FNB Platinum Trail Run makes it a unique race as it provides a perfect balance of beautiful scenery and challenging terrain. We congratulate all the athletes who took part in this year’s competition and hope to see them again next year,” says Michael Vacy-Lyle, FNB Business CEO.
