Mr Price Celtics runner Bulelwa Mtshagi of scored an impressive victory in the women’s open 21km category in Saturday’s picturesque Overberg town of Elgin, when the second annual Oude Molen Elgin Race saw some of the country’s top athletes pitching up on the day in near perfect weather conditions with a total prize purse exceeding R36 000.
The field almost doubled after the inaugural race in 2007 with close to 300 athletes tackling the half marathon, over 200 gearing up for the highly competitive 10km race and hundreds more taking to the road for the 5km fun run and Schools Challenge.
Mtshagi scored an impressive victory in a time of 1:27:49, crossing the line in 29th position overall. "It was a fantastic race, but the inclines were quite tough," the champion said after the race.
"Although the scenery was absolutely beautiful, the section through the orchards on gravel was a challenge on the muscles. I’ll definitely be back next year to defend my title," said Mthsagi after the race.
Marathon legend Farwa Mentoor was back to defend her title, but had to be satisfied with second place, with Nomvuyisu Seti of Mr Price Western Province crossed the line in third position.
In the 10km route, Thozama April of Mr Price Celtics took the gold ahead of second-placed Khulukazi Lupondo, while Swartland junior runner Olga Davids finished in third place.
The race is an ideal preparatory event for the Two Oceans and Comrades, and also serves as a qualifier. The 2008 event marked the introduction of a new route, with sections being run on gravel roads through the apple orchards of the Elgin Valley.
Considered as one of the most beautiful races in the country, the Oude Molen Elgin Race features a 21km and 10km race as well as a 5 km fun walk. With the second section of the race including some steep inclines, athletes were unanimous in their praise for the scenic beauty as well as the challenging new route.
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