Seen here: Morris Gachaga claimed victory at the 4th annual Absa Cape Town 12 ONERUN in an lightning fast time of 33:42.
Photo Credit: Tobias Ginsberg
Race favourite, Morris Gachaga lived up to his billing by successfully defending his Absa Cape Town 12 ONERUN title in a controlled race on Sunday, 20 May 2018.
Gachaga crossed the finish line in Bree Street in 33:42, some 15 seconds off of his world best time from 2017.
“The field was stacked, so racing for the win was more important than chasing my time from last year,” Gachaga said after the race. “We did start out fast, for the first three kilometres we were on record pace, but then we started watching each other and the pace dropped a bit.”
Those first 3km were passed in 8:15, 5km going by in 14:02 with all the main contenders in the lead pack of twelve athletes. Gachaga, after driving the pace to the 3km mark, then slipped back into the pack with Kenya’s Victor Chumo talking up the front running. He was watched closely by Uganda’s Abdallah Mande, Mande Bushendich, Eritrean Filmon Ande and Chumo’s countrymen, Mathew Kimutai and Noah Kipkemboi. South Africa’s title hopes were represented by Joel Mmone, Stephen Mokoka, Gladwin Mzazi and Thabang Mosiako.
The South African challenge fell away just after 8km which was covered in 22:47, with only Stephen Mokoka, the 2016 Champion, still in the mix. 10km came and went in 28:25 and it was at this point that Gachaga and Chumo kicked again, dragging Mande Bushendich with them as they excited the Company Gardens. On the climb up Wale Street, Chumo surged again and as they entered the final 800m in Bree Street, Chumo and Gachaga had broken away from John Langat (Kenya), Abdallah Mande and Mande Bushendich, with Mokoka dropping off further.
Chumo and Gachaga raced down Bree Street where Gachaga’s knowledge of the route giving him the advantage as he timed his sprint to the line perfectly, passing Chumbo in the final 300m to defend his title.
The ladies race saw Kenya’s Jackline Chepngeno take control after 2km. Uganda’s Stella Chesang, who was widely tipped to win the race after winning the 10 000m title at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, hung on till 9km, before she had to give way to the relentless surging of Chepngeno. For Chepngeno the victory was the perfect start to 2018 after having taken 2017 off from racing, having given birth to her son.
“The last kilometre I was worried about Stella (Chesang) after her win in Brisbane (Commonwealth Games), so I ran really hard. I did not know where she was, so I needed to race to the line,” said Chepngeno. “Winning was really good for me. This was my first race back after my pregnancy and it is a big confidence booster for me.”
Kesa Molotsane continued her good form of 2018, by finishing 3rd in her first ever Absa Cape Town 12 ONERUN in 39:53.
“The Absa Cape Town 12 ONERUN has become one of the hallmarks of the Mother City as people from all walks of life come out in their numbers to enjoy the experience. We at Absa Business take pride in being a part of this race as it is inclusive, innovative and supports the people and business community of the Western Cape. It also helps to share the great story of South Africa with the world. A part of that great story is the high standards and competitiveness of sport in SA, and in this race in particular. As such, we would like to congratulate all the participants, especially the winners who displayed pure brilliance in finishing ahead against such a strong field,” said Stephan Claassen, Absa Business Provincial Head, Cape region.
TOP 10 MEN
1 Morris Gachaga 33:42, 2 Victor Chumo 33:45, 3 John Langat 33:47, 4 Abdallah Mande 33:53, 5 Mande Bushendich 33:55, 6 Noah Kipkemboi 34:00, 7 Mathew Kimutai 34:01, 8 Filmon Ande 34:06, 9 Stephen Mokoka 34:17, 10 Joel Mmone 34:35
TOP 10 WOMEN
1 Jackline Chepngeno 39:12, 2 Stella Chesang 39:28, 3 Kesa Molotsane 39:53, 4 Betha Chikanga 39:54, 5 Glenrose Xaba 40:03, 6 Nolene Conrad 40:09, 7 Nancy Wambua 40:15, 8 Rudo Mhonderwa 42:02, 9 Christine Kalmer 42:06, 10 Zintle Xiniwe 42:13
EVENT INFORMATION: Absa Cape Town 12 ONERUN
| Date: | Sunday, 20 May 2018 |
| Start Venue: | Woodbridge Island, c/o R27 and Loxton Road, Milnerton (Cape Town) |
| Finish Venue: | Bree Street (Cape Town, CBD) |
Charity Support: When entering online, runners could choose to support either or both the Absa Cape Town ONERUN Charities: Die Burger Kersfonds and The Cape Of Good Hope SPCA.
Facebook: Ctown12 / CapeofGoodHopeSPCA / @DBKersfonds
Twitter: @CTown12
Instagram: CapeTown_12 / CapeSPCA
Hashtag: #CT12Run
Website: www.thecapetown12.com
The Absa Cape Town 12 ONERUN forms part of the “Absa Run Your City Series” that includes the Absa Joburg 10K CITYRUN (taking place on Monday, 24 September 2018 / Heritage Day) and the Absa Durban 10K CITYSURFRUN (taking place on Sunday, 14 October 2018).
Runners taking part in all three events will be rewarded with an unrivalled event experience, a Absa Run Your City Series Performance T-shirt and medal on completion of the third race, the Absa Durban 10K CITYSURFRUN, where a special hospitality area awaits.
CLICK HERE to watch the Absa Run Your City Series Teaser Video.
For further information please visit www.runyourcityseries.com For more information on the Absa Cape Town 12 ONERUN visit www.thecapetown12.com or email entries@thecapetown12.com
About the Absa Run Your City Series:
Absa is proud to bring you the Absa Run Your City Series. The series encompasses three unique mass races namely the Absa Cape Town 12 ONERUN, Absa Joburg 10K CITYRUN and the Absa Durban 10K CITYSURFRUN. The three races are about inclusivity for all as well as encouraging business involvement, family, world class achievement and fun for all participants.
Absa’s strategy is to engage with our clients and non-clients through healthy lifestyle activities, where we sponsor selected sporting events that allow us relationship building opportunities, ensuring that we enrich the communities and the lives of those around us. Through the runs, we encourage runners to run their city their way. We invite all runners back to the city to experience the rejuvenation, revival and renewed city centres.
ENDS
ISSUED BY: Newsport Media
ON BEHALF OF: Absa Run Your City Series a Stillwater Sports Initiative