"I only see this race growing" - Organisers celebrate sold out event at inaugural Fortress Vryheid Run

Organisers of the Fortress Running Series have hailed the inaugural edition of the Fortress Vryheid Run as a resounding success after over 300 runners braved the cold conditions yesterday morning (25 July) to take part in the very first Fortress sponsored event to be hosted in the province of KwaZulu-Natal.

Hundreds of runners hit the streets of Vryheid for the inaugural Fortress Vryheid Run. Photo Credit: Fortress Running Series.

"I'm happy with what I saw today," said series founder Israel Morake. The 1992 Two Oceans champion and Comrades Marathon gold medalist who also founded the ISMO Athletic Club, says the encouraging turnout at the AbaQulusi Plaza is evidence that their plan to develop athletics by staging well-organised road running events in South Africa's rural and peri-urban areas is beginning to bear fruit.

"I'm a firm believer of building slowly in order to achieve specific goals. I think today surely indicates that we are heading in the right direction. Since the focus is on development, I think it's better to stick to the 10km and 5km events. I only see this race growing in future,” said Morake who has assembled a multi- disciplinary team including Olympic 800m silver medalist Hezekiel Sepeng and veteran athletics administrator Dorah Mngwevu to bring life to this passion project.

Sikhakhane was the surprise package in the women's race. Photo Credit: Fortress Running Series.

Morake's words were echoed by Thami Sukazi of Inkamana Athletics Club, the local KZN Athletics affiliated host club for the event.

"We had set ourselves a target of 300 entrants but we got close to 400 runners. This is good, I'm happy with how runners came to the party and from what I saw today, I believe next year's event will be huge," he said.

With the 5km event dominated by local school kids after organisers waived the entry fee for children under the age of 12 years old, it was the 10km race that brought together some of Zululand's most talented competitors. In the end, Bellas Athletics Club's Samukelo Ngobese was first across the finish line. He was followed home by Sizwe Ngobese and Ntando Ximba as Biggersberg AC took two of the three podium positions.

Runners and walkers took part in a post-race aerobics session at the AbaQulusi Plaza. Photo Credit: Fortress Running Series.

24-year-old Ngobese who hails from Nquthu in Northern KZN, tore away from the lead bunch just after the 3km mark and maintained his lead until the finish line. The full-time athlete, who also won the Zululand District 10km race in Nongoma in April, told media moments after breasting the tape that he had set his mind on winning because of the dearth of racing opportunities in the Zululand District.

"I want to appreciate Fortress for bringing a race like this to our area as we are forced to travel long distances to find events to participate in. I knew I was in great shape because I have been training hard for this race. I'm not working or studying so I make money through running. Without races, I won't be able to feed myself. That's why the prize money I won means so much to me. I'm happy to have won and I wish organisers keep this race on the calendar next year," he explained.

For his efforts Ngobese pocketed R2000 as did Kwanele Sikhakhane of the Maxed Elite Running Club who emerged as the surprise package in the women's race. Sikhakhane bested three-time Comrades Marathon silver medalist Msawenkosi Nsibande into second, while Minenhle Mathe ended in a spirited third place.

The post-race entertainment included a traditional dance performance. Photo Credit: Fortress Running Series.

The gratitude expressed by the elite performers was shared by the hundreds of social runners, children especially, who thoroughly enjoyed the jumping castle and kids’ entertainment on offer at the AbaQulusi Plaza. Centre Manager Sibusiso Mabaso couldn't hide his satisfaction saying they inaugural Fortress Vryheid Run underscores Fortress Real Estates’ commitment to the people of the AbaQulusi Local Municipality. 

"We have been planning for the event since 2023, so to see it happening excites me. We know that running is an easily accessible sport so the community will benefit a lot from this race. It wouldn't have happened without a sponsor like Fortress, or without the buy-in of the local municipality. I thank them for coming together to make this day a success."