Frans, Solomons set hot pace in icy weather to claim 21.1km titles
The trio, along with Motwana, stayed together until the 5km mark when Poti surged ahead to solo to victory.
'Once I reached the halfway turning point, the wind was behind me and I was able to push for a sub-66-minute finish,' Frans said.
The Ikhamva ace now turns his attention to Saturday's Bay West 10km, where he is the defending champion.
'I'm hoping to clock a fast time there. That's the challenge I choose to set for myself,' he said.
In the women's race, Solomons was equally unfazed by the weather and delighted to notch up another title.
'I came into this race determined to win it again,' the slightly built Nedbank athlete said.
'I don't have much resistance against the wind due to my size and I just focused on giving my best.'
Starting alongside the 10km runners allowed her to establish a strong early rhythm.
'I ran with some of the men I train with — Melikhaya Keep, Abdul Wicomb and Jermain Wilson — and my cross-country training really helped.'
She led the women's field after 4km and, though slightly concerned about the slippery surface, was able to hold her pace throughout.
Solomons paid tribute to her coach, Luvuyo Stephen, whom she said did 'so much behind the scenes' and played a 'big role in helping me stay competitive'.
Madibaz Sport athletics manager Bernard Petersen said the elements affected the turnout but he was happy with the outcome.
'There was growth in the 10km, and the 5km fun run attracted a good number of runners, probably as a result of the park runs.'
The Personal Best Bell was a popular innovation.
'It was a big hit,' Petersen said.
'Runners were queuing up to ring the bell after obtaining their PBs.'
He said the feedback had been extremely positive, which augured well for 2026.
Leading results:
Half-marathon:
Men: 1 Melikhaya Frans (Ikhamva) 1:05:34, 2 Andile Motwana (Nedbank) 1:07:26, 3 Sicelo Mashaba (Madibaz) 1:10:04.
Women: Refeloe Solomons (Nedbank) 1:22:39, 2 Bianca Meistre (32GI) 1:26:27, 3 Kaitlyn Wolff (Achilles) 1:33:55.
10km:
Men: Sinawo Poti (Ikhamva) 30:42, 2 Lithobe Menzeleleli (Ikhamva) 31:04, 3 Mxoleleni Tabata (Achilles) 32:00.
Women: 1 Amanda Detshe (Madibaz) 38:54, Kayla van Rensburg (Charlo) 39:09, 3 Desnay O'Grady 41:18. — Full Stop Communications
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