Elite athletes praise Fortress Running Series for backing rural and township athletics as Mzazi and Joubert emerge victorious at Fortress Evaton Run

The Fortress Running Series received glowing praise from elite runners Gladwin Mzazi and Cornelia Joubert after the pair claimed the men's and women's half-marathon titles at the Fortress Evaton Run on Sunday 2 August, describing the initiative as a major boost for athletics development in South Africa's rural areas and townships.

Representing Boxer Athletics Club, Mzazi produced a calculated performance to surge from behind and claim victory in 1:10:30, while Joubert led from the gun to secure the women's crown in 1:23:39.

Mzazo celebrates victory in the half marathon at the Fortress Evaton Run. Photo Credit: Lebogang Pita.

Founded by 1992 Two Oceans Marathon champion Israel Morake and backed by Fortress Real Estate Investments which owns 41 convenience and commuter-oriented retail shopping centres across South Africa, the Fortress Running Series, which also visits Sterkspruit, Thohoyandou and Vryheid, was launched to bring professionally organised road races to communities that have traditionally had limited access to competitive athletics, while encouraging young and old to adopt healthy lifestyles.

Mzazi believes that is exactly what makes the series so valuable.

As she did in 2023, Joubert won the women's 21km race. Photo Credit: Lebogang Pita.

"Most children in rural areas are not privileged to go into the big cities to participate in races. In some provinces you'll find there's only one race every three months. This series gives them opportunities, especially because it attracts elite runners, which motivates the youngsters," he explained.

Reflecting on his performance, the Comrades Marathon Wally Hayward medallist and former SA 5000m champion admitted the freezing early morning conditions forced him to adopt a patient approach.

After trailing early leaders Sakhile Sangweni (Inkamana AC) and Kabelo Mwahla (Qhubeka AC) during the first half of the race, Mzazi increased the pace over the closing stages to reel them in and storm to victory.

The 10km race atrracted a number of junior participants including these two young ladies from Athletics Vaal Triangle (AVT) Top Runners Athletic Club. Photo Credit: Lebogang Pita.

"The guys were 45 seconds ahead in the first 10km. I knew I had to run faster in the second half to win," he said.

Running in the colours of the Nedbank Running Club, Two Oceans gold medalist Pule Sibeko finished second in 1:10:53, just 24 seconds behind the winner, while Sangweni completed the podium in 1:11:08.

Joubert, competing in the Evaton race for the second time, said she enjoys supporting township and rural events because they inspire the next generation while giving back to communities that have supported her throughout her career.

Athletes gathered at the start of the 21km race. Photo Credit: Oratilwe Mngwevu.

“I love supporting township and rural races because I've received so much support from township residents over the years. I want to show youngsters that athletics can take them far. I want them to start running, live healthy lives and stay away from bad influences,” said the former SA Marathon champion.

Maxed Elite Lesotho's Moleboheng Matlakeng finished second in 1:25:05, with Vaal native and former Banyana Banyana player Rose Jijana of Actom AC taking third in 1:25:56.

Hosted by the ISMO Athletic Club in partnership with the local Athletics Vaal Triangle’s Evaton-based Future Champs AC, the event attracted more than 300 participants in the 21.1km, 10km and 5km fun run; with 2004 Comrades Marathon champion Fusi Nhlapo and this year's Comrades third-place finisher Mbuti Mollo among the spectators.

Organisers provided a lot in the way of post-race entertainment. There was an aerobics session and a jumping castle for the kids. Photo Credit: Lebogang Pita.

Future Champs AC chairman Masike Abram Tladi said the event's impact extended far beyond race day.

"It's the only race we have in Evaton. It's going to promote athletics because we saw how it inspired many people who were watching. It's important for the growth of the sport and we hope to host it here for many years."

Race director Dorah Mngwevu said the vision behind the Fortress Running Series is to create decent racing experiences in communities that have long been overlooked.

"We identified areas where we could bring a properly organised event into rural areas and townships. We want people to run in their own communities, encourage motorists to embrace the sport and give children the opportunity to participate for free. Areas like Evaton have enormous talent but very few opportunities."