The Motherwell Freedom run will celebrate it’s eleventh edition on Saturday, 22 April.
The event is the initiative of Michael Mbambani, coach and founder of Ikhamva athletics club, who with the support of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, organised the first Freedom Run on 2 April, 2011. The 11 th edition will incorporate the EPA 10km championships.
“The race will start and finish at the Raymond Mhlaba Sport Centre in Motherwell, Gqeberha with a strong winner’s purse of R7000, free T-shirts for the first 300 entrants and medals for all finishers within the cut-off time,” said Mbambani.
“We are looking forward to a fantastic race and expect a fast and exciting finish,” he added.
Melikhaya Frans successfully defended his title at the 10th edition of the Nelson Mandela Bay Freedom Run last year, crossing the finish line in 28.39, improving on his 2019 time of 29.08.
Mayoral committee member, Bassie Kamana, responsible for Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts & Culture, has endorsed the event.
“Achieving a ten-year track record is no mean feat, we applaud this accomplishment of the Freedom run.
“What is remarkable is that this race represents the inclusive oneness that running creates, uniting people of all races, ages and levels of fitness, in the Motherwell township.
“We are proud to be associated with professional events like the Freedom Run,” added Kamana.
The Freedom Run has a rich history of winners over its ten editions:
2011: Male winner: George Ntshiliza 30.12, Female winner: Ntombesintu Mfunzi 35.32
2012: Male winner: Lungisa Mdeldela 29.01, Female winner: Nomvuyisi Seti 34.26
2013: Male winner: Lungile Gongqa 29.50, Female winner: Zintle Xiniwe 35.40
2014: Male winner: Anthony Godongwana 29.18, Female winner: Zintle Xiniwe 34.20
2015: Male winner: Xolisa Tyali 29.21, Female winner: Zintle Xiniwe 34.45
2016: Male winner: Elroy Gelant 28.50, Female winner: Zintle Xiniwe 34.42
2017: Male winner: Namakoe Nkhasi 28.40, Female winner: Lebogang Phalula 33.51
2018: Male winner: Namakoe Nkhasi 28.32, Female winner: Glenrose Xaba 33.21
2019: Male winner: Melikhaya Frans 29.08, Female winner: Mkhonderw Rudo 34.20
Due to covid 19 limitations the race was not held in 2020 or 2021
2022: Male winner: Melikhaya Frans 28.39, Female winner: Nwabisa Mjoli 35.16
The Freedom Run has grown each year from 176 entries in 2011, and organisers are expecting a strong turnout of runners to start at 07h00 from the Raymond Mhlaba Sport Centre in Motherwell.
The 10km is an EPA participation league event which will attract many local clubs and a number of high-profile national athletes who are keen to compete on this fast route.
Athletes can enter at Brian Bands, The Footballer, Sportsmans Warehouse and UD Sports until pre-entries close at 14h00 on Wednesday, 19 April 2022.
Online entries on www.webtickets.co.za will be accepted until Tuesday, 18 April.
Entry fees are R100 for 10km, and athletes over 60 years will receive a 50% discount. Temporary licenses will cost R40.
Collection of race numbers (pre-entries) and late entries will be accepted from 14h00 until 18h00 on Friday, 21 April 2023 at the EP Athletics office, Westbourne Oval, Westbourne Road. Late entries and race number collection will be received on race day from 06h00 to 06h15.
The cut off time for the 10km is 100 minutes, at 08h40.
For more information, contact Michael Mbambani 079 149 6796.
Melikhaya Frans, running for Ikhamva Club, is looking forward to defend his 10km champion title at the 11 th Motherwell Freedom run on Saturday, 22 April.. Photo: TaniaZ Photography
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Video: Motherwell Freedom Run
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