Tlou Peu crowned champion at 2016 Birchwood half-marathon
Limpopo runner Tlou Peu received top honours at this year’s Birchwood half marathon race after winning the ultimate 21km distance on Sunday, April 17.
The victory capped a significant personal improvement for Peu as he went from finishing the 10km leg of the marathon in second place last year to being crowned champion of the marathon this year.
His winning time of 1:07:54 also matched that of 2014 winner, Gert Thys from Reiger Park, who won the 21km in 1:07:54.
“I’m feeling good,” said Peu, 30, following his win.
“The one disappointing thing is my finishing time, I would’ve liked to do better. It was like I was running alone, there was no pressure whatsoever – maybe I would have done better if I had tough competition pushing me,” said the Bedfordview Country Club athlete.
His twin brother, Lesiba finished in 1:10:41 to settle for third position, sandwiching Phumlani Nkosi on the podium who finished ahead of Lesiba with just three seconds.
Adele Broodryk won the women’s race by a canter, finishing six minutes ahead of Maphuai Phaka in her winning time of 1:24:12. Alison de Bruyn completed the podium after crossing the line in 1:31:41.
Tlou and Adele pocketed R1 000 each for their heroics while the runners-up and bronze medal finishers in both the men’s and women’s races left the race with R500 and R300 respectively.
The year 2016 marked the sixth edition of the marathon.
Other results:
Men’s 10km:
1. Moeletsi Moletsane – 00:32:37
2. Mkhuhlane Mgcina – 00:33:50
3. Lucky Mabuza – 00:35:01
Women’s 10km:
1. Lyndi Roelofse – 00:42:07
2. Michelle Meyer – 00:45:19
3. Roelien Henry – 00:47:15 – @SabeloBoksburg
