Over 300 brave runners took to the trails around Umhlanga in Sunday’s Umhlanga Winter Carnival 18km Trail Run/12km Trail Run and Walk with Victor Ngubelanga charging to victory in 1.18.14 in the 18km.
Late entry Ngubelanga demolished the trails with an impressive run, with over a minute lead on second placed Steve Cohn. A newcomer to this event, Ngubelanga made his break at the river crossing, leaving Cohn and third place Derek Wasserfull in his wake.
A proud Ngubelanga said, “What a race! I had to dig deep on the final stretch along the sand. I really had to concentrate on each step as the tracks were a bit slippery in places, which made my run more intense. You couldn’t settle with the trails always changing underfoot from tar to farm roads to beach but it is wonderful to be surrounded by nature.”
Ngubelanga, who completed this year’s Comrade Marathon in 5:33 complimented trail running: “This is my third trail run, previously I have run off-road in Pietermaritburg and I find that this is extremely good strengthening for my road running.”
The sunrise challenge was run in wet conditions with a spattering of light rain keeping the competitors cool but making the trails damp, slippery and challenging. The entire field of runners trekked through the sugar cane for the first 9km and then the two distances split.
The 12km race was led by four runners until the 8km mark when Eric Ngubane kicked up a gear and dropped the others, forging ahead and finishing the 12km in a time of 57.29. The experienced trail runner took a bit of a scenic route, taking a wrong turn but quickly corrected his mistake and miraculously still managed to keep his lead.
At Ngubane’s wanderings, second placed Lucky Zuma managed to catch up to Ngubane and kept on his shoulder for the remainder of the race.
“This was the first time since the Comrades that I have run over 40 minutes and I was impressed with my legs. This race is all about fun and today certainly was a wonderful race,” The victorious Ngubane enthused after his run.
The first lady home in the shorter route was 13-year-old Nicole Van Der Merwe from Alberton, the passionate young runner annihilated her competition, coming in third overall. The tourist is the reigning SA 1,500m champion in the U15 age group. This was her first ever trail run and she had no idea what it was all about. “It was tough but I really enjoyed it.”
Her older brother Dylan (15 years old) competed bare foot in the 18km race and crossing the line stated “I think I am going to stick to running on the roads, this race is gruelling especially on the legs!”
Umhlanga Tourism Chairman, Peter Rose commented, “I am astounded by the amount of brave participants who ventured out in this cold wet weather. It is so heartening seeing how many fit active people we have in our surrounds and that we can cater for them with this adventure sport. The lead runners have my ultimate admiration; they rocket powered through the course, so fast.”
The next trail run will be held in December. To find out more, email Catherine on durbantrails@gmail.com.
Results:
18km Trail Run – Men
1 Victor Ngubelanga 1.18.14, 2 Steve Cohn 1.19.18, 3 Derek Wasserfull 1.19.57
Women
1 Mandy Walters 1.42.44, 2 Emarie Erxleben 1.45.39, 3 Natasha Papini 1.45.39
Walker
1 Dave Flood 1.36.59
12km Trail Run & Walk – Men
1 Eric Ngubane 57.29; 2 Lucky Zuma 58.00, 3 Wesley Van Biljon 1.10.13
Women
1 Nicole Van Der Merwe 1.09.38, 2 Bronwyn Welman 1.15.20, Janine Van Duyn 1.22.10