Madiba takes Platinum

Thabang Madiba

Just under 300 trail running enthusiasts were seen toeing the line at ATKV Buffelspoort (North West Province) on Sunday, 26 May 2013 to be part of the inaugural Platinum Trail Run presented by ISUZU.  SA Trail Running Marathon Champion, Thabang Madiba set a blistering pace in the men’s 24km race, while Anita O’Brien was holding her own in the women’s field.

According to Madiba, the 24km Platinum Trail Run was tough.  “There was a very long hill at the beginning.  I just kept moving at a constant pace.  This is where I managed to catch the lead runner and made my move.  I didn’t get to see much of the scenery on route as I kept looking behind me the whole time to see where the second runner was.  The Platinum Trail Run was awesome and the routes were really well marked.  I’ll definitely be back next year,” says Madiba, who completed the 24km route in an amazing time of 01hour38minutes15seconds.  Edwin Sespip came in second, while Johnny Young finished third.

For O’Brien winning in Buffelspoort is always an amazing feeling.  “I love running in Buffelspoort.  The route was excellent with lots of ups and downs and stunning scenery.  Another nice part of the event is the great atmosphere in the festival village afterwards. The Platinum Trail Run really was a lot of fun,” says O’Brien who completed the 24km route in a well deserved time of 02hours08minutes59seconds.  Jane Swarbeck came in second, while Marinda Cloete finished third.

Henro Havenga took gold in the men’s category of the 12km Platinum Trail Run presented by ISUZU with a finishing time of 53minutes46seconds.  Matlhatse Mamailo came in second, while Letlhogonolo More finished third.

Leilani Scheffer took gold in the women’s category of the 12km Platinum Trail Run presented by ISUZU with a finishing time of 01hour01minutes40seconds.  Benita Kritzinger came in second, while Samantha Ferreira finished third.

EVENT INFO

DATE:                                                  Sunday, 26 May 2013
VENUE:                                              ATKV Buffelspoort (North West Province)
DISTANCE:                                        24km
12km
START TIMES:                                 09h00 – 24km
09h30 – 12km