Runners brave chilly conditions

The Nedbank Citi Run lived up to its promise of providing great fun as family and social athletes joined the elite runners in taking part in the competition, which was held in the capital yesterday.
With temperatures reaching near freezing conditions it was expected that the turnout might be low.
Instead people from all walks of life may their way to the starting point for the 5km, 10km, 21km and 42km races.
So great was the interest that the organisers actually ran out of numbers to give the runners.
With the runners also getting the option of walking the distances, even more competitors took part.
In the main 42km men’s race, it was Aaron Tjivambi who took first place after finishing in an unofficial time of 2 hours 32 minutes.
The Namibia Defense Force runner was ecstatic at having finished in first place despite the tough conditions.
“The race was proper even though it was cold and there were too many hills but it was okay,” he said.
Asked what tactic he used in conquering the hills, Tjivambi said he had to thank his competitors.
“I tried to run behind the group and later made my move when I saw the group was becoming tighter.
“And then it was just me to push myself to the finish.”
This is the third time that Tjivambi has won the Citi Run, two of which came while the event was offered under a different sponsor.
He said that he hopes his success yesterday will propel him to do even better in the near future.
“I’m actually preparing for the Husab Marathon, which will take place on 13 August [in Arandis]. I want to take first place there too,” he warned his rivals.
Veteran runner Eric Goeieman showed he still has some kick left as he claimed second place over while taking first place in his age group in the 42km race.
Sophia Nambambi won the women’s 42km race while Kenya’s Sammy Tum won the 21km.
Leena Ndeshimona Ekandjo won the women’s 21km race.








HECTOR MAWONGA