EVOTEL MEMEL-NEWCASTLE HERITAGE RACE!
Johannes Paseka Motaung produced the run of his life when he stormed to victory in the 31st edition of the Evotel Memel to Newcastle Walk/Run on Heritage Day, claiming the winners’ prize money and gold medal in a highly competitive field of about 250 athletes.
Motaung exploded off the starting line at the Dutch Reformed Church in Memel following the starter’s gun and never surrendered his lead, eventually crossing the finish line at Pines Conference and Wedding Venue in Newcastle in an impressive 4:06:16.
The 51.7km ultra-marathon is renowned as one of the most demanding races on the calendar, with the route sanctioned by SANRAL for the use of the R34 road.
GOING THE DISTANCE
The event also serves as a Comrades Marathon qualifier, adding further significance for athletes chasing qualifying times.
For Motaung, however, the grueling distance was conquered through determination and faith and will undoubtedly be remembered as the day he conquered one of the toughest races of his running career, and announced himself as a name to watch on the ultra-marathon circuit.
“I kept on praying on the route,” Motaung told Evotel after his victory.
CROSSING THE FINISH
The champion, who was competing in the race for the first time, praised the organisers and title sponsor Evotel for putting together a successful event.
“This is my first time taking part in this race. The organisation was good, and for that, I would like to applaud the organisers and the title sponsors. I’ve always wanted to be part of this race, and I struck it lucky in my first attempt,” he told Evotel.
Motaung finished more than 17 minutes ahead of runner-up Sakhile Nkosi, who completed the challenging route in 4:23:33.
Aubrey Ngwenya claimed third position after crossing the line approximately eight minutes behind Nkosi.
Motaung pocketed R1,500 for his victory, while Nkosi received R750 for second place and Ngwenya took home R350 for finishing third
GIRL POWER
The women’s race provided its own thrilling contest, with Annelie Hiscock claiming honors in 5:55:51.
Hiscock narrowly held off Jo Claassen, who finished just three seconds behind her in 5:55:54. Yolandi Appel completed the women’s podium in 6:04:48.
According to the race organisers, the Champ Group of Companies, the event has come a long way since its humble beginnings.
The organisers said the race initially attracted just 12 schoolboys and three teachers but has grown into a major fixture attracting more than 250 runners.
Champ Group’s Johan Pieters said organisers were delighted with this year’s turnout and had already started planning for the 2027 edition.
He said next year’s race would feature new elements and fresh ideas as organisers continue working to grow the event.
“We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all of our sponsors and partners for their invaluable support, which ensured a successful day. We are already working on plans for the 2027 edition,” Pieters said in a statement.
