Potch Track Club Mid-July Recap: New Peaks and Unwavering Progress

Karen Scheepers
Jul 16
3 min read

Let’s take a look at what unfolded at Potch Track Club between 1 and 14 July. A packed two weeks featuring personal bests, cross-border wins, and unshakable form on European and African tracks. From youth brilliance to senior consistency, PTC’s footprint remains unmistakably strong.

July 1: Dino Nako Breaks the 65-Minute Barrier

In a defining moment at the 2025 Nelson Mandela Bay Half Marathon, Dino Nako clocked a personal best of 1:04:58 over 21.1km. The performance marked a significant leap for the PTC distance runner, showcasing his endurance and maturity on the national road running circuit.

July 2: Tumisang Monnatlala Claims 2nd in Botswana

In Serowe, Botswana, Tumisang Monnatlala ran a season’s best of 2:23:50 to take 2nd place in the Sir Seretse Khama Day Marathon. This marathon result arrives just in time as Tumisang builds form for the National Road Half Marathon Championships later this month, a clear sign of strong foundational fitness.

July 4–7: European Track Tour Continues

Luan Munnik

At the Folksam Grand Prix in Sweden, Luan claimed 2nd in the men’s 1500m with a time of 3:41.35, a steady run amidst a tactical field.

Christopher Swart

Swart was also in action, running 2:19.86 in the 1000m, just a whisper off his PB of 2:18.97, and placing 4th in a tightly contested race. His consistency in the mid-distance events remains a hallmark of his season.

July 11: Golden Glory for Stephane Hook

Youth talent Stephane Hook took home gold in javelin at the Region 5 Youth Games in Namibia with a throw of 45.67m.

Despite still competing in the U17 category, she faced older U20s and overcame a challenge with the heavier 600g javelin, even though her prep had been with the standard 500g implement.

July 14: A Day of Highlights Across 3 Countries

Strong Finishes in Durban (South Africa)

Elroy Gelant secured 5th place at the ABSA Run Your City Durban 10km, clocking a season’s best 27:58, just 11 seconds shy of his PB.
Dino Nako backed up his 1 July half marathon PB with a new 10km personal best of 29:47, improving on his previous 29:48.
Alri Verster claimed 1st in the junior women’s category and ran a PB of 37:31 in a fiercely competitive race.

Luan and Christopher Stay Competitive in Belgium

At the 28th Guldensporen Meeting:

Luan Munnik clocked 3:38.29 for 5th place, marking his fourth sub-3:40 time of the season, a strong testament to his form and consistency.
Christopher Swart placed 5th in the 800m, finishing in 1:47.85, not a top mark for him, but another valuable race in European conditions.

Domingo Grits it Out in Italy

At the Continental Tour Bronze in Italy, Keanu Domingo placed 10th in the 1500m with a time of 3:40.43.While not the outcome he hoped for, it adds another race to his European campaign and keeps his trajectory forward.

Onward and Upward

Whether on African roads, European tracks, or junior podiums, Potch Track Club athletes are proving their depth, resilience, and drive. This mid-July recap reflects a squad that isn’t just chasing podiums, they’re building legacies, one race at a time.