Checkout Verulam Falcons AC’s Derick Gumede and Nkosinathi Jila had an exceptional run at Comrades 2017 ultramarathon. The talented dual ran the 86.73 km to emerge as the only silver medallists under 7 hours from the north coast region. Derick, running around 4 minutes per km, completed in 06:26 and was 61 st from a field of 17 031 starters. Nkosinathi, running around 4 ½ minutes per km, completed in 06:57 and was 150 th overall.
Novice Benson Masuku, had an inspired second half run to earn a Bill Rowan Medal in a time of 08:51. He was followed shortly by former silver medallist Ravin Singh (08:59), who also received a Bill Rowan Medal. Lindiwe Hlongwa was first Falcons’ female finisher in a time of 09:56. Lindiwe looked strong and relaxed throughout her run. Petite but resilient, Judy Reddy (11:48) was the second Falcons’ lady finisher. An elated and tired Judy, stated she found the race tough but concentrated on moving closer to Pietermartizburg finish.
David Mfeka, Sibusiso Sangweni, Nkosinathi Yalo, Ernest Cele, Malungisa Tshkitshwa and Vikash Singh together with Lindiwe received Bronze Medals.
Whilst Rajesh Ramnarain, Bonginkosi Ngubane, Nkosingiphile Mkhize, Bala Govender and Logan Pillai together with Judy received Vic Chapham Medals. Team Falcons was proud of the new addition Sibusiso Sangweni to the club’s green number members. Another special moment at comrades 2017 was when Bonginkosi Jeremia Ngubane completed his 20th comrades to earn his double green number.
Falcons Chairperson Yunus Doba, who was on route at comrades 2017, commented the punishing dry and hot weather conditions slowed many runners on the second half of comrades.
He gave his congratulations to all participants and kudos to the Falcons seconding team. Verulam Falcons AC’s 20 th anniversary was more memorable and jubilant when ex Falcons member Bongomusa Mthembu won the Comrades again – 2014 and 2017.
Bongomusa started his humble beginnings at Falcons and was a past Runner of the Year recipient at the club.
Comrades Marathon Results 2017 Finishers
1.Derick Bafana Gumede 06:26
2.Nkosinathi Emmanuel Jila 06:57
3.Benson Masuku 08:51
4.Ravin Singh 08:59
5.David Mfeka 09:13
6.Sibusiso Sangweni 09:22
7.Nkosinathi Yalo 09:33
8.Lindiwe Goodness Hlongwa 09:56
9.Ernest Khulekani Cele 10:20
10.Alex Mmeli Ngcobo 10:27
11.Malungisa Tshkitshwa 10:43
12.Vikash Singh 10:58
13.Rajesh Ramnarain 11:01
14.Bonginkosi Jeremia Ngubane 11:31
15.Nkosingiphile Mbuyiseni Mkhize 11:40
16.Bala Govender 11:40
17.Judy Reddy 11:47
18.Logan Pillai 11:59
