The J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge® provided an opportunity for Johannesburg runners to step up to the plate, display their companies’ team spirit and accept the challenge for corporate fitness in 2011. The race which took place on 3 March 2011, is in its 8th year in Johannesburg and its 35th year internationally, and is one of the corporate road running calendar’s most popular events.
Over 12,000 participants from 348 companies laced up their running shoes and took to the tree-lined streets of Illovo. Runners and walkers representing their corporate teams ventured into the fading sunset hues that blushed over Melrose and Birdhaven this evening. These runners were running for a cause and teaming up for fitness by participating in the 5.6 kilometre road race which starts and ends at The Wanderers Club each year.
First across The J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge ® finish line were Sibusiso Nzima (16:50), the First male representing Bolt Tool and Africa recording the second fastest time in Johannesburg history, trailing only the 16:27 run by Hermans Pedi of Transwerk in the first race in 2004. The First female home was Catherine Skosana (20:19) representing Transnet Rail Engineering and finishing with the second fastest women’s time in Johannesburg’s 8-year history. The record of 20:18 was run by Tebogo Masehla of Transnet in 2009.
Skosana said “I am so happy to have won this for Transnet Rail Engineering. It’s a tough route with a lot of hills, but I am familiar with this route having won the Johannesburg race three times and last year’s International Championship. The pace was fast, but I knew I would be first home tonight.”
The J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge® is not only a road race, but its focus is as a philanthropic event that supports a beneficiary each year. This year, LEAP Science and Maths School benefitted from the corporate athlete participation in the race. Kirstin O’Sullivan of LEAP Science and Maths School attended the event to accept the donation and say a few words of thanks to the participants and to J.P. Morgan for the opportunity.
J.P. Morgan CEO for Sub Saharan Africa, Mr. John Coulter commented:
“Champions do not become champions by winning the race but rather victory is found in a person’s commitment in preparing for and participating in the event. Participants of the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge are an inspiration to the corporate community by providing an evening of healthy competition, camaraderie and teamwork. We hope that with our support for LEAP Science and Maths School, future corporate champions will emerge.”
The awards ceremony welcomed Global Series sponsor Rockport and Local media partners e.tv and Business Day up on stage to present the winners with their prizes and later South African band Flash Republic entertained guests by exuding a visceral blend of sonic energy. Their set was raw, Afro-organic music and an inspiring performance. Following the band’s set, participants kicked back, enjoyed the hospitality and breathed in the liquid sounds of DJ Luis who ensured that the evening ended on a rhythmic note. Good friendships, team spirit and camaraderie were shared by all.
WINNING RESULTS FOR JOHANNESBURG
J.P. MORGAN CORPORATE CHALLENGE 2011
6.30 p.m. Start / 8th Year Johannesburg / 35th Year Series / Course Distance 5.6 kilometers
MEN’S TEAM RESULTS
1. SIBUSISO NZIMA BOLT AND TOOL AFRICA 16:50
2. OLEBOGE MASIRE GOLDFIELDS 17:00
3. SAMUELSAGOABA TRANSNET RAIL ENGINEERING 17:14
4. BENEDICT MOENG TRANSNET RAIL ENGINEERING 17:25
5. ENOCH MANYANDI BOLT AND TOOL AFRICA 17:28
6. GEORGE MOFIKENG TRANSNET RAIL ENGINEERING 17:45
WOMEN’S TEAM RESULTS
1. CATHERINE SKOSANA TRANSNET RAIL ENGINEERING 20:19
2. VIOLET RASEBOYA TRANSNET RAIL ENGINEERING 20:51
3. TAKALANE NTHULANE TRANSNET RAIL ENGINEERING 22:20
4. GLORIA BAEBA TRANSNET RAIL ENGINEERING 22:23
5. ANNAH WATKINSON ABSA CAPITAL 22:13
6. CATHERINE NANNE GOLDFIELDS 24:57
ATTENDANCE
A total of 12,395 runners 348 companies
T-SHIRT CONTEST
Winning teams were Bayport Financial Services (creative category) with the award presented by Lee-Roy Wright of e.tv and First Rand (Teaming Up For A Greener Tomorrow category) Presented by Business Day’s Tshego Malinga.
Each winning company will receive a donation from JPMorgan Chase & Co. to designate to a charity of their choice.
BENEFICIARY
LEAP Science and Maths School
Visit www.jpmorgan.com/cc website for post race news and information.
Loading ...
Your worthy, well organised event came short in the cleaning up of the streets in the suburb that hosted you. The piles of water sachets were eventually cleared on Sunday night by an employee (he told me) of RAC.
On my walk along Tyrwhitt I picked up all the discarded sachet containers but more are still lying in, for example, Reform Ave.