Rhodes student Natalie Ross led a more than 1 000-strong field home to win the Iron Girls South Africa 10km fun run in Port Elizabeth on Friday. Ross won the annual event, which kicked off the 2012 Ironman South Africa weekend, in a time of 40 minutes and 23 seconds.
Rhodes student Natalie Ross led a more than 1 000-strong field home to win the Iron Girls South Africa 10km fun run in Port Elizabeth on Friday. Ross won the annual event, which kicked off the 2012 Ironman South Africa weekend, in a time of 40 minutes and 23 seconds.
As the horn signalled the start of the race, a sea of pink flowed from Hobie Beach along the beachfront, as the runners made their way towards the 5km turning point at Port Elizabeth's Marine Rehabilitation and Education Centre. Girls, and women of all ages, ran together as men stood on the sidelines, supporting their wives, daughters, girlfriends, sisters and friends. Slightly windy conditions met the runners, but the spirit remained cheerful.
Ross was also the winner of the 20 to 24 age category.
Terri-Lynn Penney, who finished fourth overall in 43:16, was second in the 35 to 39 age category. Julie Walker was third in the 40 to 44 category with a time of 50 minute. Taryn-Maie Wille, who finished in 57:35 was third in the 14 to 19 category.
Also finishing the Iron Girl event was Karen Meyer (56:46) and Suzanne Wille (1:11:20) and Elizabeth Meyer (no time details).
Ironman media officer, Michael Flanagan, said, “The race is all about fun and encouraging women of all fitness levels towards a healthy, active lifestyle, while participating in a professionally organised event.”
Former Grahamstonian and SABC 3 Expresso presenter, Liezel van der Westhuizen, also added her touch to the event as the Iron Girl co-announcer.
Saturday's events included the Vodacom Corporate Triathlon, which saw participants cover 10% of the full Ironman distance. This was followed by the Pritt IronKids triathlon.
The gruelling Ironman South Africa took place on Sunday, with athletes battling the rough seas during the swim and hectic winds on the bike leg, before battling along in the run.
