Runners come out in their numbers for 2023 Goss & Balfe Sapphire Coast Marathon

Runners braved the cold weather, having just celebrated the Springboks World Cup win, to compete in the 2023 Goss & Balfe Sapphire Coast Marathon in Amanzimtoti on Sunday.

“Congratulations to this year’s race competitors for another successful Goss & Balfe Sapphire Coast Marathon,” commented Romy Wenzel of Sapphire Coast Tourism. “We enjoyed an impressive number of visitors to the Sapphire Coast for this epic event, giving us a chance to showcase the incredible tourism assets found here.”

Wenzel said the 2023 Goss & Balfe Sapphire Coast Marathon was another example of the spirit of humanity that often emerges in high-endurance events: “One example is Lizette Botha who came first in the 42km 60-69 age category. She has overcome many injuries over the past few years, but still runs and shows so much compassion for her fellow competitors. Lizette is a really special athlete who has helped many novice runners achieve their goals.”

Lynette Botha of Amanzimtoti Athletics Club, organisers of the event, said there were 2 203 entrants for the event, and the runners managed to navigate the new route in this Comrades Marathon qualifier: “Despite anticipating heavy rain there was only a bit of drizzle and cooler weather to welcome our athletes on the day! Both registration days went smoothly, and we received positive feedback from all runners who stopped at the water stations – so a big thank you to our local companies who hosted our water tables.”

Botha said the Race Organising Committee also extended thanks to the Amanzimtoti AC members who came out to make it a success, as well as Scottburgh AC and Bluff AC who assisted on the day: “We would also like to extend our appreciation to the community for their help and patience in hosting this annual event.”

Results for the 42km – Men

1. Brino Chidzungu - 02:31:29          
2. Njabulo Mpanza - 02:36:00
3. Siphokuhle Tshoba - 02:37:35

Results for the 42km – Women

1. Ferne Kalamer - 03:21:07
2. Lieketseng Molefe - 03:30:29
3. Angelique Muller - 03:39:41

Results for the 21.1km - Men

1. Mfundo Chagwe - 01:07:30
2. Bonginkosi Zwane - 01:10:37
3. Skhumbuzo Mpanza - 01:12:00

Results for the 21.1km - Women

1. Amanda Nkomo 01:31:33
2. Lethokuhle Letsoalo 01:32:54
3. Romy Wenzel 01:33:03

Results for the 10km - Men

1. Simphiwe Zulu - 00:32:00
2. Sakhiwo Manguzela - 00:33:34
3. Siyanda Sandile - 00:33:45

Results for the 10km - Women

1. Kate Brading - 00:51:04
2. Kyra-Leigh Cooper - 00:52:54
3. Gemma Reed - 00:54:05

The organisers would like to thank the main sponsors, Goss & Balfe and Galleria Mall; spot prize sponsors Designer Kitchens and AfriSam; and water table hosts: Day One Health, Hypersure, Amanzimtoti AC - Toti Juniors, Warner Beach Preparatory School, Bundu Networx, Amanzimtoti Scouts, Community Chest, Pam Golding, Chas Everitt, Natal Park Run, AfriSam, Lions Amanzimtoti, Remax Amanzimtoti, and Team Seven. Thanks were also extended to Hyundai Amanzimtoti for assisting with the Leading vehicles, Mike Signs and Zee’s Printing for all signage and printing, and Sapphire Coast Tourism for marketing.

Sapphire Coast Tourism Festive Season

The fun continues on the Sapphire Coast this holiday season with the Sapphire Sizzling Summer campaign running throughout December at selected main beaches within the region. Anyone wanting to sponsor or assist with the programme can contact romywenzel@gmail.com.