Novice Bongani Mbanjwa recently claimed the “Run the Rivers” title but not without making a rookie mistake. Moral of the story? You can still make a mistake and come out on top!
Underberg, South Africa (29 January 2024) — Novice Bongani Mbanjwa has taken home the Euro Steel Run the Rivers title at the trial run after a successful stint despite a rookie mistake over the weekend.
This was not only Bongani’s very first time competing in the Run the Rivers event, but also his third race ever. As an Underberg local, it was also a satisfying home town win.
Bongani’s title grab came with an overall time of 2:40:23 over the two-day event. which saw Philip Shezi (who has won the race five times) in a new position—second place.
The 21km race has become a favourite for those who enjoy challenging conditions in the Southern Drakensberg where hills, humidity and hundreds of racers go toe-to-toe.
But Bongani’s win did not come without a little humour and a lesson (especially for the perfectionists among us). Upon reaching the front of the pack and preserving his lead, Bongani came to realise that there were no athletes around him. This led him to think he had taken a wrong turn! As such—which might make sense to anyone who has never run a specific route before—he turned around to find a marker.
A fellow runner, Andrew Erasmus who was headed the other way, reassured him that he was going the correct path. But, Bongani needed more reassurance. He followed his confusion before eventually getting back on track. Nonetheless, he still claimed the win overall thanks to his Saturday time.
“It was a good race and I enjoyed it, even though I made a mistake and finished second today,” said Mbanjwa. “This was the first time I have run this race and it is only my third competitive race overall. One of my previous runs was the Sani Stagger 42.2km, where I finished fifth.”
Bongani’s story is a shining example that you can make a mistake and still win in the long run. And that mistakes are not defining markers for success!
Here are the Full Results:
1 Bongani Mbanjwa 2:40:23
2 Phillip Shezi 2:41:24
3 Andrew Erasmus 2:46:59
4 Gareth Marquiss 2:47:46
5 Ezra Robertson 2:49:49
6 David Lamont 2:53:28
7 Peter Jacobs 2:57:36
8 Joshua Balfour 3:01:45
9 Daniel Francesconi 3:08:17
10 Chris De Beer 3:08:18
Female
1 Kerry-Ann Walton 2:52:19
2 Tarryn Lopez 3:04:06
3 Janneke Leask 3:12:20
4 Amy Mathew 3:23:30
5 Chloe Veness 3:25:28
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