Competing in challenging conditions which included rain and strong winds, KwaZulu-Natal Athletics (KZNA) stars Nkosikhona Mhlakwana and Makhosi Mhlongo won the men's and women's titles at the ASA 50km Championships in Gqeberha on Sunday, which was incorporated in the Nelson Mandela Bay Runified City 50km race.

While a South African athlete won the overall title in the open men's race, with Pule Sibeko chasing down French athlete Guilliame Ruel to clock 2:47:09, Sibeko was competing as an individual in club colours and did not qualify for the national title.

As such, 30 year-old Mhlakwana, who was representing KZNA, earned the ASA title from ýthird position overall. He crossed the line in 2:50:12.

His KZNA teammate, Sithembiso Mqhele, grabbed the silver medal in the ASA Championships in 2:51:25, and Kalideni Malixole took bronze in 2:51:51 in the colours of Border Athletics (BORA).

In the women's contest, South African athletes Silindile Chili (3:32:14) and Galaletsang Mekgoe (3:35:57) finished second and third overall, behind race winner Loveness Madziva of Zimbabwe (3:22:49).

Chili and Mekgoe were competing as individuals, however, and veteran athlete Mhlongo secured the gold medal in the national championships. She was fourth overall in 3:39:06.

Local favourite Kelly van Vliet, competing for hosts Eastern Province Athletics (EPA), held on to take the silver medal by finishing fifth overall in the open race in 3:42:07.

Lethokuhle Letsoalo bagged the ASA Championships' bronze medal for KZNA in 3:45:42.

"It was an exciting two-in-one race which was well organised by EPA and Nelson Mandela Bay.  The competition was at a  great level and best run at the coast for that matter.

"On behalf of the Board of ASA, I congratulate the various winners and title holders and their coaches," said James Moloi, the President of Athletics South Africa.

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About Athletics South Africa:
Athletics South Africa (ASA) is the national governing body for the sport of athletics (including Track and Field, Cross Country, Road Running and Race Walking) in South Africa, is a member of World Athletics  and the Confederation of African Athletics.  The association was formed in 1995 and is based in Johannesburg. 

ENDS