Seen here: Lebo and Lebogang Phalula in action.
Photo Credit: Tyrone Arthur
Twins Lebo and Lebogang Phalula have a point to prove this Sunday, 15 May when they take on Irvette van Zyl at the Absa Cape Town 12 ONERUN. More than wanting to beat Van Zyl is at stake at this year’s event as by finishing third and fourth in the inaugural event last year, the twins were the first South Africans across the line and this is not a ‘title’ they wish to relinquish.
The twins failed to beat the inform Irvette Van Zyl at the Spar Ladies race in Port Elizabeth this past weekend.
Lebo Phalula was crowned the 2016 SA 10km Champion in February this year. However, when she met Van Zyl for the first time this year over 3 000m at the ASA Nite Series on 8 March, Lebo was not able to stay with Van Zyl who clocked 9:11.51 for a personal best to the 9:19:05 of Lebo Phalula.
Lebo Phalula made sure of her candidature for the Olympic Marathon team after finishing 5th at the Enschede Marathon on 17 April (2:33.48) on the same weekend that sister Lebogang faced Van Zyl again in the first of the Spar series in Cape Town. Again it was Van Zyl who won with Lebogang finishing 3rd.
There is nothing the fiercely competitive Phalula twins dislike more than not winning and after sweeping all before them in 2015, having to currently play second fiddle to a rampant Van Zyl is not part of their plan. This means that both Lebo and Lebogang will want to make sure that they are the Queen of the Road for the Absa Cape Town 12 ONERUN on May 15.
“We were the best South Africans at the Absa Cape Town 12 ONERUN in 2015 and we want to retain that status. We know that Irvette is in really great shape and it will take a lot to beat her, but we look forward to the challenge and as ever will give our best on race day,” said Lebo and Lebogang in a joint statement.
They will have their work cut out for them as Van Zyl holds the fastest times in South Africa over 3 000m (9:11.51), 5 000m (16:02.63), 10km (33:24), the half marathon (72:08) and the marathon (2:32.20). Come Sunday May 15, South Africa will know if Van Zyl can be dethroned.
EVENT INFORMATION: Absa Cape Town 12 ONERUN
| Date: | Sunday, 15 May 2016 |
| Time: | 09:00 |
| Start Venue: | Woodbridge Island, c/o R27 and Loxton Road, Milnerton (Cape Town) |
| Finish Venue: | Absa Building, Portside c/o Mechau and Bree Streets (Cape Town, CBD) |
Charity Support: When entering online, runners can choose to support either or both of the Absa Cape Town ONERUN Charities: The Cape Of Good Hope SPCA and Die Burger Kersfonds.
Facebook: Ctown12 / CapeofGoodHopeSPCA
Twitter: @CTown12
For more information on: Die Burger Kersfonds email azelia.morkel@media24.com, Cape Of Good Hope SPCA visit www.spca-ct.co.za, Absa Cape Town 12 ONERUN visit www.thecapetown12.com
About the Absa Cape Town 12 ONERUN sponsorship:
The Absa Cape Town 12 ONERUN race is sponsored by Absa Business. The sponsorship forms part of the Bank’s ongoing strategy to support national and community events that have the potential to grow and inspire. The Absa Cape Town 12 ONERUN affirms our dedication to providing an experience that is beyond expectation, through sporting disciplines that advance our commitment to building, enduring and rewarding relationships across communities in which we operate.
ENDS
ISSUED BY: Newsport Media
ON BEHALF OF: Absa Cape Town 12 ONERUN a Stillwater Sports Event