2011 SPAR Grand Prix Champion Irvette van Zyl (née van Blerk) has won the Johannesburg SPAR 10Km Challenge at Old Parktonians in Randburg. Her teammate Rutendo Nyahoro came second and Diana-Lebo Phalula third.
After finished second in Grand Prix Series behind Rene Kalmer, this was Van Zyl’s first Challenge win this year in a race she led from the 2Km mark until the end. “This was a very good race for me, I really didn’t expect to win,” van Blerk says.
“I was really happy with my time, I was hoping to run under 36 minutes – and I did in 34.34 minutes!”
Although she won pretty convincingly, Van Zyl, who is recovering from an Achilles injury, doesn’t believe she’s back to full fitness yet. “I was lucky today. My training and rehab haven’t been going that well. I was in pain on Wednesday when I was just training. It has really been up and down.”
The support of Nedbank has also meant a lot to her she says. “Nedbank Running Club is the best club I’ve ever run for. They’re doing a great job. They really support their athletes.”
Her Nedbank teammate and 2012 SPAR Grand Prix winner Rene Kalmer, who had to pull out due to injury, says she is happy for van Blerk. “I am happy for Irvette. If I had to choose someone to win the race it would have been her. She had a tough year and really deserves this.”
Nyahoro, who looked tired but satisfied at the finish line, says she is tired of the runners-up spot: “I am getting bored of second place now.”
Phalula hasn’t been in been in the best form this year, but says she’s happy with her progress. “I’m getting into shape for next year,” said Phalula. “I feel like I’m getting my form back.” Phalula says she will be will be running the steeplechase as well as doing middle distances races next year.
Leading Open Results of the SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge race run at Old Parktonians on Sunday 14 October 2012: 1. Irvette van Zyl (née van Blerk) (Nedbank CGA) 34.34 2. Rutendo Nyahora (Nedbank GN) 35.34 3. Diana-Lebo Phalula (Mr Price CGA) 35.43 4. Zintle Xiniwe (Mr Price WP) 35.50 5. Christine Kalmer (Nedbank CGA) 36.15 6. Nolene Conrand (UJ) 36.33 7. Kim Laxton (Sunninghill) 36.42 8. Eunice Muchizi (Art of Running) 37.11 9. Cornelia Joubert (Nedbank CGA) 37.31 10. Mpho Mabuza (Bonitas) 37.47 Juniors (15-19 years): 1. Sylvia Tshetlanyane 39.17 2. Zandile Hadebe 39.39 3. Puseletso Dieta 40.28 Veterans (40-49 years): 1. Janene Carey 39.28 2. Paulina Nhapo 39.52 3. Michelle Mee 41.52 Masters (50-59 years): 1. Sandra Steenkamp 45.34 2. Frances van Blerk 47.12 3. Janine Engels 47.23 Grandmasters (60+): 1. Sonja Laxton 46.23 2. Annatjie Greyvenstein 52.51 3. Rosina Sebati 57.28
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