Botha makes it two in three with win at Iron Girl South Africa in East London
21 January 2013
The race has grown in stature since it started in 2011. This year the race drew 1035 entrants up from 847 entrants last year. With overcast and humid weather conditions the esplanade atmosphere was filled with excitement as entrants gathered at the start line.
In taking the title, Hanlie Botha broke her own record set in 2011 by 45 seconds with an impressive time of 30:47. Zola Pieterse, more commonly known as Zola Budd, grabbed second with 32:55. Pieterse was the winner of the first Iron Girl South Africa in Port Elizabeth in 2011. Cindy Schwulst made up 3rd place with a time of 36:18.
Local mother and daughter team Sam and Terri-Lee Boucher said, “We always look forward to the race. This is our second time participating and it’s always a good race.” The team added that they are fuelled by the charity behind the event and will continue to enter in the future. Of the 1035 entrants the race saw 33 mother and daughter teams take part this year.
First time entrants and friends Zintle Makalima, Lisa Badi and Anda Sanda eagerly said, “We’re so excited. The weather is great and we’ve always wanted to enter. We’re hoping to finish the race in less than an hour.”
For some it’s all about being part of the fun, not getting to the finish line first. Mother-daughter team, Lisa Herman and Schyler Roberts were hoping to have an enjoyable brisk stroll and take in the captivating beach view along the race course. It was clear by the big smiles and enthusiasm that the race has certainly made its mark in Buffalo City and will continue to draw eager participants in the future.
Provisional Results (Top 3)
- Hanlie Botha - 00:30:47
- Zola Pieterse - 00:32:55
- Cindy Schwultse - 00:36:18
Top 3 Teams
- Team Spark – Eslabe Owen and Elne Owen
- G Force – Maria Ghisleni and Bianca Morias
- Lovely Lands – Karen Land and Candice Land
Please wait!
