By Thathe Msimango
The third Runified Breaking Barriers 50 km race is expected to produce fireworks.
For the past few years, the race has seen two world records being set. Irvette Van Zyl produced a sensational run of 3:04:58 on her way to victory in 2021. And last year, South African multiple national champion Stephen Mokoka produced a scintillating run of 2:40:13 in his debut over the distance to outclass a quality field.
With perfect weather expected, plus a flat route, this year’s race, which takes place at Pollock Beach in Gqeberha on 26 February, promises that another record will tumble on the day.
The field of confirmed athletes includes four former Comrades Marathon champions, Tete Morena Dijana, Edward Mothibi, Ludwick Mamabolo and Claude Moshiywa.
Even prominent US runner CJ Anderson, who came inside the top 10 of the 2022 Boston Marathon, has indicated his intentions of chasing down Mokoka’s record.
In the women’s race, 2022 Swedish Marathon champion Hanna Lindholm spearheads the field and Dominika Stelmach, who finished second in the 2022 Comrades, are among the big names on the list.
“The race has grown to be a global event since we started it,” said race director Nick Bester, the 1991 Comrades Marathon winner.
“It has been a popular choice for runners who want to break the records. The quality runners who have confirmed their entry this year makes anyone look forward to race day. I have no doubt that the race will be exceptional and that the good times will come.”
After finishing second last year, Dijana wants to taste victory this year.
“Last year, I ran the race of my life, so I intend to improve. The training has gone well and I feel positive that I can do better. The athletes who are coming to the race will bring more competition, but my focus is to run my own race. To win it will be very exciting,” said Dijana.
In an attempt to break the world record, organisers have deployed Melikhaya Frans, who has a best time of 2:09:22, to be a pacemaker in the male race.
The race offers over R1 million in prize money.
Picture above: Tete Dijana
Image source: @Nedbank
