'It was a good fitness test' - Sibisi and Ntshangase win inaugural Orcas 50km

Entsika Athletic Club top runner Sanele Sibisi delivered a top notch performance to win the inaugural Orcas Ultra Marathon 50km race in a time of 2:59:15 at the King's Park Athletics Stadium in Durban yesterday (Sunday 20 April). Sibisi was followed closely by Sbonga Magwaza in 3:00:05, while Peter Tambure managed to grab the last spot on the podium. The 37-year-old Pietermaritzburg resident who pocketed R10 000 in winnings, couldn't hide his excitement saying the run was a good indicator of his fitness. 

"I'm very happy with the way I performed. The race was tough even though the route was fast. It's one of those races that test your fitness level a lot. I think organisers staged a very good race on a good course. This was my last race before the Comrades Marathon. It was crucial to do well here to see where I'm heading," he shared.

Sibisi poses with Race Director Prodigal Khumalo. Photo Credit: SMacPix.

After thanking organisers led by Comrades Marathon gold medalist Prodigal Khumalo for putting together a good race, Sibisi who has completed nine Comrades Marathon races, revealed that he plans to go back to The Ultimate Human Race with the aim to improving his time. With a Comrades best of 5:37:13 clocked during the 2023 Down Run, he says his dream is to be counted among the top achievers on 8 June.

"I'm planning to go back to the Comrades Marathon this year as it's the main race on my calendar. I want to set a new personal best when it's comes to the Down Run. It's a race that needs you to be on top of your game in terms of preparations. I have done it in the past and I think this time around I am ready to perform at my best," he explained.

All smiles as Ntshangase crosses the finish line in first position. Photo Credit: SMacPix.

In the women's race, Black Diamond Athletics Club runner Nokuthula Ntshangase breasted the finish tape first in a time of 3:45:41. Ntshangase had no match as the second woman home Jadi Davy, finished over 10 minutes later in 3:57:25, with Zama Nzuza taking third (4:10:02). 

Speaking after the race, Ntshangase said her target was to run under 4 hours. "I'm happy with the way things happened today. My aim was to run under 4 hours so I surprised myself a little. To win came as a huge bonus considering the time I ran," she said.