'Race to be one of a kind' - Gallopers AC ready to host 15km race

Revered as one of Ekurhuleni's fastest and most fun road races, the eighth annual ASF Gallopers AC 15km and 5km race is set to light up the streets of Leondale, Germiston, on Sunday, July 6. Gallopers media liaison, Rethabile Qekisi told #TheTopRunner that all is in order and are just waiting for race day. He has urged runners to come out in their numbers to support the race, saying the event promises to be nothing short of amazing. 

Kgomotso Eugene Diphoko having fun at the 2024 Gallopers 15km and 5km road race. Photo Credit: SMacPix.

"The Blue Train (Gallopers AC nickname) is ready to set off. Like the old runners cliché, ‘fast at the front and fun and the back.' This year's race will serve as a one of a kind experience for all the runners who will be part of it," said Qekisi who recently returned from his first Comrades Marathon with a Bill Rowan medal.

Last year, Olympian Cian Oldknow stopped the clock in 55:02 to set a new course record in the women's race. She beat former Nedbank Running Club's Gillian Farquharson, who crossed the line in 01:01:33 for second place, while Nedbank youngster, Kelly-Lynn Barkley finished third, nine seconds behind Farquharson.

Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon gold medalist and former SA Half Marathon champion Lucky Mohale won the men's race last year. Photo Credit: Lebogang Pita.

In the men's race, the top three finished inside 48 minutes as the Green Machine's Lucky Mohale beat a packed field that included Boikanyo Motlhamme of the University of Johannesburg, Entsika's Jonas Makhele and Mr Price's Pule Sibeko. Mohale clocked 47:27 for his victory. He was followed six seconds later by former Gallopers athlete, Sakhile Sangweni - now with Inkamana AC - while veteran Rhirhandzu Rhangani completed the top three in 47:58.

"Not only was last year's event successful, it was iconic. We had close to 1 000 athletes, the majority being junior athletes who aspire to be the country's best road runners in the future," explained Qekisi as he emphasized the club's passion for development having produced the likes of Chris Mhlanga.

Members of Gallopers AC during their Helpers' Run testing the route before July 6. Photo Credit: Gallopers AC.

Qekisi said they are expecting even more participants this time around after last year's success. "The first 350 entries will receive a free pair of the club's socks.  So don't be left out. Go to peaktiming.co.za and register online now. Manual entries are also accepted at Alston Primary School and Laerskool Leondale during school hours. Later entries will also be taken at the above mentioned venue on the July 4, 5 and on race day."