Barefoot brilliance as Khayelitsha's Seti triumphs in ARD 3 Vlei race with grit and grace

Mark Ward

Nomvuyisi  Seti delivered a commanding display of resilience on Sunday when she raced barefoot to win the annual ARD 3 Vlei Race in Grassy Park.

The 44-year-old Khayelitsha Running Club athlete, who previously claimed this women’s title, discarded her running shoes just two kilometres into the race and never looked back as she powered to victory along the scenic but demanding route.

The race, now in its 13th year, hosted by the ARD Club, is known for its distinctive course, which winds along the banks of Zeekoevlei, Rondevlei and Princess Vlei. The three wetlands form a natural backdrop that makes the event one of Cape Town’s most recognisable community road races, which this year drew 2264 participants, from recreational joggers, walkers and serious athletes.

Seti completed the route in 41 minutes, maintaining a strong pace from early on and extending her lead in the closing kilometres. Her decision to run barefoot was spontaneous, she explained afterwards, but proved decisive.

“Oh no, the shoes were holding me back today. I just decided to take them off and once I did, I felt lighter. I like this race because it’s fast. I know the route well, and I knew I could push.  I run because I love it. Today just showed me again that sometimes you have to trust decisions,” she said after the race.

Seti, who is currently unemployed, has become a popular figure in local running circles for her perseverance and consistent performances. Her victory drew loud applause from spectators, many of whom recognised her from previous podium finishes. Lee-Shasy Willemse of Velocity Club came second, seven (7) seconds later. Orbertina Kanyongo of Edgemead slipped over the finishing line  in 41.50 minutes in third place.

In the men’s race, Edward Jack who is still searching for club, ran in a temporary number to reaffirmed his dominance of this event by securing his fourth consecutive title. Jack crossed the line in 29 minutes and 45 seconds, controlling the pace from the outset and never facing a serious challenge to his lead to reinforce his position among the province’s leading distance runners. Keaton Taylor of Elsies River came second in 30.38.

The ARD 3 Vlei Race forms part of the Western Cape’s early summer road running calendar and continues to highlight the strength of grassroots road running events.

In other news,

Sabien Europa, a rising football player with Cape Town City, turned heads at the annual ARD 3 Vlei Race in Grassy Park when he completed the 5km fun run in a pair of grey slippers.

Europa, a learner at Fairmount High School, overslept on the morning of the race and hurried to the starting line without his running shoes. Instead of withdrawing, he opted to take part in whatever he had on his feet.

He was among thousands of participants who filled the streets for the popular community run, but it was his unconventional footwear that drew attention. Despite the obvious disadvantage, Europa crossed the finish line in just over 20 minutes, earning his finisher’s medal and plenty of admiration along the way.

“It was a rush this morning and I quickly had to get here, leaving my running at home in the process. But I just ran like I do every morning. I enjoyed it,” he said.

Europa, who is already being spoken of as a future professional footballer, earned praise for his performance, slippers and all, highlighting his natural athleticism.