Seen here: Van Zyl claiming gold at the 2016 Absa Cape Town 12 ONERUN.
Photo Credit: Sarah Keogh
In 2016 Irvette van Zyl was the out and out favourite at the Absa Cape Town 12 ONERUN and she did not disappoint, demolishing the best South Africa had to offer. This year she will have her work cut out for her, but should still start as the favourite after the withdrawal of Kesa Molotsane and Louisa Leballo – the only two women to defeat her this year.
Van Zyl and Molotsane have had some big duels this year with the Free State Athlete coming up trumps on the four occasions they have met. Molotsane, however, will no longer be lining up on Race Day. This paves the way for Van Zyl to make it two from two in Cape Town.
“I am looking forward to the race. I had a really good run here in 2016 and would like to defend my title,” says Van Zyl. “It is sad that Kesa is not here, we have had some great races this year, but that doesn’t mean that I can relax. There is Nolene Conrad and Cornelia Joubert to name but two who will be tough to beat.”
Conrad has seen a resurgence to her running after being injury free for a while and having spent some time training in Ethiopia. The season got off to a good start with Conrad placing 3rd in the 5000m at the National Championships in April (behind Molotsane and Van Zyl), 7th and 4th at recent 10km Ladies races and a solid second at the Two Oceans Half Marathon (behind Van Zyl).
Cornelia Joubert is also coming into form at the right time after running a Personal Best in the 10km (33:46 – Cape Town, 02 April) and finishing 4th in the Two Oceans Half Marathon.
Only one of the formidable duo of the Phalula twins will line up on Sunday, 21 May. Lebogang will fly the flag as sister Lebo is pregnant. Lebogang has not had the start she may have wanted, but she is a dangerous contender nevertheless, always ready to tackle a race head on.
Unfortunately Ethiopia’s Walelign Belachew Bizuneh has had to withdraw from the men’s race.
EVENT INFORMATION: Absa Cape Town 12 ONERUN
| Date: | Sunday, 21 May 2017 |
| Start Venue: | Woodbridge Island, c/o R27 and Loxton Road, Milnerton (Cape Town) |
| Finish Venue: | Portside Building, c/o Mechau and Bree Streets (Cape Town, CBD) |
Prize Purse: The 2017 Absa Cape Town 12 ONERUN boasts a Prize Purse to the value of R200 000. CLICK HERE to view the 2017 Prize Purse Breakdown.
Charity Support: When entering online, runners could choose to support either or both the Absa Cape Town ONERUN Charities: The Cape Of Good Hope SPCA and Die Burger Kersfonds.
Facebook: Ctown12 / CapeofGoodHopeSPCA
Twitter: @CTown12 / @SPCACape
For more information on the Absa Cape Town 12 ONERUN email entries@thecapetown12.com or visit www.thecapetown12.com
About the Absa Cape Town 12 ONERUN sponsorship:
Absa Business is proud to be the title sponsor of the Absa Cape Town 12 ONERUN. This sponsorship forms part of our ongoing strategy to support local and community events that focus on healthy lifestyle and family involvement, and impact the environment they operate in positively. Road running is an inclusive sport that allows us to engage with a larger audience and support sporting disciplines that advance our commitment to building, enduring and rewarding relationships across communities in which we operate. The fresh and unique nature of the Absa Cape Town 12 ONERUN is aligned to our belief in innovation; a belief that celebrates new ideas, fresh thinking and creating unique experiences.
ENDS
ISSUED BY: Newsport Media
ON BEHALF OF: Absa Cape Town 12 ONERUN a Stillwater Sports Event