Thousands participate in KZN Youth Run

The winners of the 2017 KZN Youth Run believe they have a bright future in athletics.

Wiseman Mthembu (18) and Aphelele Jikela (16) won the male and female categories of the 10km race respectively. They were among a strong field of over 7400 youth athletes who participated in the Run held at Kings Park Rugby Stadium Outer Fields on Saturday morning, 03 June 17.

The Youth Run, which is organised by the KZN Department of Sport and Recreation in collaboration with KZN Athletics, is held annually on the eve of the Comrades Marathon.

Mthembu, a Grade 9 learner at Ndondakusuka High Shool in Mandeni, said this was his second year of participation in the Youth Run.

“Last year was my first time participating in the Youth Run and I came 15^thbecause I was not well organised and I did not have running shoes. But this year I came here well prepared. I see myself having a bright future in athletics if I can focus and not get involved in drugs. I’m very happy with my performance,” said Mthembu.

Jikela, from Umlazi’s Zwelibanzi High School, has made steady progress in the three years she has participated in the Youth Run.

“I started participating in the Youth Run in 2015 where I finished in the 11^thplace. Last year I came second and I am happy that this year I finished first. I struggled a bit in the first five kilometres, but after that I regained my strength,” said the Grade 9 learner.

Jikela has previously represented KZN at the national school sport events. She also believes that she has a bright future in athletics.

The two learners were awarded prize money of R1000 each, with runners up getting R900, while number 3 to 10^th place received between R800 and R100.

Head of the Department of Sport and Recreation, Rohini Naidoo said the success of this year’s event is an indication that more young people are becoming interested in sports.

In the schools category, Zwelibanzi High School from Umlazi walked away with the R5000 prize money for having the highest number of athletes who finished the race. They were followed by Ndongeni while Bechet High School came third, pocketing R4000 and R3000 respectively. Fourth place was Bavumile Primary and Zwelihle Junior Secondary took fifth position.

YOUTH RUN 2017 RESULTS (10KM RACE)

Males

1. Wiseman Mthembu 31:34,

2. Sinethemba Tshangase 31:34,

3. Sipho Hlatshwayo 31:35,

4. Mgubhelo Nkululeko 32:06,

5. Siyabonga Bhembe 32:29,

6. Xolani Nxumalo 32:30,

7. Sibusiso Nkwanyana 32:32,

8. Nhlakanipho Majozi 32:37,

9. Sibusiso Gudu 32:39,

10. Busani Chiliza 32:48,

Females

1. Aphelele Jikela 38:35,

2. Andisiwe Njunguza 39:11,

3. Mbali Mtshali 39:20,

4. Sekhonyana Majoro 39:43,

5. Lungelo GAMEDE 39:45,

6. Samukelisiwe DLAMINI 39:58,

7. Phiwengubani NTSHANGASE 40:22,

8. Zamalofe MADLALA 40:28,

9. Nokuthula Ntshangase 40:36,

10. Nomthando MEMELA 40:42.