The Fast, the Flat and the Furious

Chilly conditions and light showers could not keep away close to 2,000 runners and walkers – about three times more than last year’s 700 participants – when the University of the Western Cape (UWC) hosted yet another successful Fast ‘n Flat 10km road race on 31 May 2014.

Runners, young and old – one runner was 80 years old – came out in big numbers to enjoy the 10km road race, 10km fun run and 5km fun walk. The event is fast becoming increasingly popular on the South African athletic calendar.

For many it was all fun and games, but for Unathi Nteta of Atlantic Athletic Running Club, it was all business. The young man finished the race in an astonishing 30 minutes and 10 seconds, beating second place runner Akhona Makila of the K-WAY VOB Running Club by just one second. Nkosinathi Madyo of the Nedbank WP Running Club finished third, crossing the finishing line in 30 minutes and 29 seconds.

The ladies were hot on the heels of the gentlemen, with Pamela Moyikwa from K-WAY VOB Running Club finishing the 10km race in 35 minutes and 6 seconds. While Bulelwa Simae from the Nedbank WP Running Club finished in 35 minutes and 22 seconds, with Danette Smith from the New Balance Running Club in third place with a time of 37 minutes and 50 seconds.

UWC’s Director of Sport, Ilhaam Groenewald, said this race was very important for UWC and that it grows larger each year. “I want to thank every club and runner for their participation and finishing the race today,” she said.