Riana van Niekerk gave up her regular training for Gauteng’s Om die Dam 50 race to take part in Saturday’s Two Oceans ultra-marathon, and managed to finish as the first South African home, and a personal best time as a bonus, in fifth position overall.
"I was hoping for top five, but this is great." said an exhausted Van Niekerk. "The wind was really bad and I thought I’d be blown off the road at one stage. To be the first local is brilliant."
Farwa Mentoor had established herself as the top SA finisher in recent years, but came seventh overall following Riana van Niekerk, and Durban’s Carol Mercer in sixth place. Capetonians Ursula Frans took eighth while Leanne Juul was the final gold medallist home.
Meanwhile, Olesya Nurgalieva beat her twin and 2004 and 2005 champion Elena Nurgalieva in the 39th running of the event, recording the event’s second-fastest time in history, as she opened up a half-minute gap on her sister at the close.
2006 winner Tatyana Zhirkova finished third four and-0a-half minutes behind the 2008 champion, leaving defending champion Madina Biktagirova the fourth spot.
"This is my great day," said a beaming Olesya. "I’ve run four times here now, so it’s about time. It’s a very important win for my career. Now I’ll go home and rest for two weeks or so, and then prepare for the Comrades Marathon."
(0 rating, 0 votes, rated)
Loading...
