Records tumble at the 2012 Bestmed Tuks Race

The records tumbled as an overwhelming 13 000 runners took to the field at the 2012 Bestmed Tuks Race today (Saturday, 18th February).

It was a fight to the end as the top three runners in the 21.1km distance all finished within the record time but it was last year’s 10km Champion, Stephen Mokoka, who grabbed the title with a record breaking time of 1:04.35, followed by Desmond Mokgobu in 1:04.42 and Lucky Mohale in 1:04.59.

Rene Kalmer, who has already qualified for the 2012 Olympic Games, set a new best mark as she won the Women’s 21.1km category. She came home in a time of 1:13.09, shaving a full 1.16 off the previous record, to cap a sensational day of running in the Bestmed Tuks Race.
Taking the silver was Louisa Leballo in 1:19.58 with the bronze going to Kim Laxton in 1:22.50.

Zimbabwe’s Rutendo Nyahora successfully defended her title and broke her own record in the 10km category. Nyahora crossed the finish line in a phenomenal 34.34, beating her 2011 time of 35.02.

Irvette van Blerk was close behind with a time of 35.12 while Maxine Heine-Wacker finished third in 36.04.

Gladwin Mzazi was the fastest on the day as he claimed the 10km race with a new record time of 29.18 ahead of Sibusiso Nzima in 30.08 and Thamano Setone in 30.37.

The 10km wheelchair race winner was Gideon Myburgh in 1:00.10, followed by Frans Rossouw in 1:01.20 and Henrich Rossouw in 1:12.13.
“I would like to congratulate all those who took part in the 2012 Bestmed Tuks Race, and especially the winners. The quality of the field today was outstanding, as evidenced by the fact that four new record marks have been set.

“As we strive to promote sporting excellence, Bestmed is proud to once again enhance its contribution towards the caring for the communities in which we conduct our business, standing by our vision of promoting healthy societies, family wellness as well as promoting a healthy lifestyle,” said Bestmed CEO, Dries la Grange.

The University of Pretoria’s Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Cheryl de la Rey was expressed her delights in the high number of athletes who
participated in the 2012 Bestmed Tuks Race today.

“It is gratifying to see how this race has grown in stature and numbers, attracting a high level of athletes, families and students. This year’s field exceeded our expectation.

“The Wellness Programme which we launched last year between Bestmed and Tuks has been our main message here today as we do our best to promote a healthy body, healthy mind and an overall holistic lifestyle,” concluded Prof De la Rey.