16 Oct Domingo Dashes to Glory at Ommiedraai 10km
By Adnaan Mohamed
The morning air at Rosmead Sports Complex crackled with anticipation as nearly 2,000 runners lined up for the 10th edition of the Ommiedraai Friends AC 10km race on Sunday.
When the starter’s gun fired, it was 23-year-old Keanu Domingo who turned the streets of Kenilworth into his personal fast lane, storming home in a scintillating 29 minutes and 45 seconds.
The Northwest University (NWU) student, usually more accustomed to the measured laps of the track than the winding turns of the road shifted gears with ease, showing that his speed stretches well beyond 1500 to 5000 metres.
“I just ran my own race,” Domingo said modestly after breaking the tape.
“The course was tough with the changes, but I felt strong and enjoyed it.”
Due to roadworks in the area, organisers had to reroute the start from its usual spot near Kenilworth Centre, but Domingo navigated the revised course like a pro, the only runner among 1,959 finishers to dip under 30 minutes.
Hot on his heels was another 23-year-old, Edward Jack (30:08), who chased hard but couldn’t quite close the gap. Keaton Lott (31:38) of Elsies River rounded out the podium.
Top Three Men
Olympian Lungile Gongqa (32:15), the 2017 former Two Oceans Ultra Marathon champion proved that his class hasn’t faded with age. The 46-year-old veteran finishing fourth breezed through as the first master, outpacing runners half his age with his trademark effortless stride.
In the women’s race, Nicola Wills (36:09) of Boxer AC hit the gas early and never looked back, fending off a late surge from Anel Terblanche (36:17) of Nedbank Running Club. Zintle Xiniwe (39:49) claimed third after a spirited run through the scenic southern suburbs.
Nicola Wills was the first woman to cross the line. Pic: AbPhotoZA
The Ommiedraai 10K once again lived up to its reputation. For the rest of the field, it was a glorious community carnival of sweat, spirit, and speed, where veterans and newcomers alike chase the same finish-line glory under Cape Town’s crisp spring skies.
