Robeltius Matthys races through the finish line to secure first place for Gamble Pharmacy at Thursday evening’s Investec Night Relay at the North End Lake in Port Elizabeth. Photo: Ian Wiese
It was another evening of record breaking at the second leg of the Investec Night Relay on Thursday, with participants in the running and walking categories registering improved performances under the stars.
Not only were records shattered on the 21km course around the North End Lake in Port Elizabeth, but event organiser Mike Zoetmulder of Zports recorded the most entries in the three-race series so far.
Current leaders and defending champions, Gamble Pharmacy, managed to push even harder this time around after breaking the 2012 course record at last month’s series opener.
Their five-man team crossed the finish line another 14 seconds faster to record a winning time of 1 hour 4 minutes and 42 seconds.
“They managed to pull this off despite one of their star team members still recovering from the Two Oceans Half Marathon which took place in Cape Town last weekend,” said Zoetmulder.
Gamble Pharmacy’s Uitenhage-born Olympic marathon runner Lusapho April did not only take part in the Two Oceans, he managed to clinch second place behind winner Stephen Mokoka. “I took it easy on Thursday after some serious training for the Two Oceans,” said April.
He added that the Investec Night Relay was a nice change of pace from his rigorous marathon training. “I really enjoy it. It is just nice to have fun with running from time to time.”
April, who will be in Germany competing in the Hannover Marathon, will miss the final race of the series on May 2.
“Gamble Pharmacy are more than two minutes ahead of their closest rivals (the NMMU Young Guns who finished second on Thursday), so it will be difficult to close the gap, even without April,” said Zoetmulder.
Gamble Pharmacy team member Mariano Eesou was not worried about having to compete without April, as he had confidence in his team.
“We have someone lined up to take his place. We might not break a record again, but I’m sure we will be first across the finish line.”
Eesou was also thrilled about their latest performance.
“None of us went into the race expecting to break another record. Most of us were still recovering from races over the Easter weekend, so we didn’t expect anything.”
The Rawstron family team proved yet again that they are a force to be reckoned with in the walking category, increasing their series lead to more than 12 minutes. They shaved 46 seconds off their previous record to win in 1 hour 27 minutes and 6 seconds.
“They are way ahead of the competition and are set to become this year’s champions in their category,” said Zoetmulder.
For the Rawstrons the event is just about having fun and bonding as a family. “We don’t train at all,” said daughter Tammy.
“My parents take part in the odd race from time to time, but none of us train. We just really enjoy participating and the event is spectacular, so we will keep on coming back.
“My mom, Rose, use to be a South African walker, so she has that crazy rhythm.”
Zoetmulder said he was very impressed with the turnout of the second race.
“We had more than 80 teams competing. Only 50 participated in the first race, so this is a considerable improvement.
“The word is spreading and I believe as the winter months approach, people are less busy and have more time to do other things.”
Zoetmulder added he was confident that the final race would attract even more teams.
“This is such a wonderful event, giving the businessmen and women of Nelson Mandela Bay the opportunity to let their hair down, have fun and build some team spirit. This is also a great way for networking in a fun environment.”
Participants also stand a chance of winning lucky draw prizes and have an opportunity to sample live entertainment, food stalls and the beer garden.
For full results and event details visit www.investecnightrelay.co.za. Alternatively, stay up to date at www.facebook.com/businessrelay.
