Matsepe retains title, Kruger wins first marathon

Samuel Matsepe delivered a commanding performance to successfully defend his Benoni Northerns Marathon men’s 42.2km title.

The marathon, sponsored by BES Empowerment College, took place at Benoni Northerns Sports Club on April 21.

After an injury-ravaged year and with no mileage in his legs, the Impala Plats top runner retained his title in a running masterclass after clocking 02:31 for his second win in Benoni.

“It was a tough race. I’ve just recovered from an injury. I only trained for two weeks leading up to this race. It’s part of my preparations for the Comrades Marathon,” he said.

Matsepe explained he was elated to defend the title, adding it has boosted his confidence going into the Comrades. This is especially after he struggled with injury during last year’s down run.

“I’m happy to win it again. My confidence is back. Last year, I had a bad season. I didn’t go to the Two Oceans Marathon and didn’t run well at the Comrades due to a hamstring injury. This year, my goal is to take it easy. It will be my first up-run so I don’t know what to expect.”

Behind Matsepe was Retshepile Khotle, who crossed the line in 02:36:09, and Jeremia Moshweti completed the top three in 02:37:34.

Women’s race

Run Zone Athletics Club’s Elrize Kruger won the women’s marathon in 03:09:28 while Ramadimetja Lizzy Babili was second in 03:10:50. Jaimee Mills got the bronze in 03:35:09.

After assessing the course, Kruger wanted to chase a PB. She started slowly but picked up her stride and overtook the leading ladies with 4km to the finish.

“I’m happy. I normally stick with the front bunch at the start but today I stayed in the middle. I ran and was feeling good. I realised I was third. Around the 38km mark, I passed the second lady and at 39km, I overtook the leader.

“I kept telling myself to keep it up because every single time, I finish in second place. I asked if there will ever be a time I would win. I’m ecstatic,” she said.

Mgwendu and Barber win the ultra

Mziwonke Mgwendu dominated the men’s 48km with a superb performance to claim his second ultramarathon win. Nancy Barber won the women’s race.

Mgwendu praised the organisers for a “well-organised event”. He said he was happy with his win, adding he wanted to test his fitness level.

“It was a tough race because I’ve just recovered from an injury. I’m preparing myself for the Comrades. I wanted to check my fitness level. That’s why I maintained a pace of 03:45mins/km,” he said.

Siphamandla Magwaza grabbed the second spot in 03:09:44 and Michael Mashiane rounded off the podium in 03:12:30.

Barber clocked 04:00:23 while her Ubora teammate, Jennifer Lines came in at second place in 04:01:20. Elizabeth Douglas was third in 04:02:36.

“I’m glad to be finished. It was a good run, picturesque route, especially in the estate. It was well-supported and the stations were amazing. I’m happy to be the first lady,” said Barber.

Shorter distances and racewalk

Earlier, Bennet Seloyi and Lebogang Phalula-Luthuli won the men’s and women’s 21.1km race.

Seloyi clocked 01:07:03 for the title, beating second-placed Lucky Mohale by 40 seconds. Rirhandzu Rhangani was third in 01:08:52.

Phalula-Luthuli won the women’s race in 01:19:48. Farida Zwane came second in 01:20:20 and Catherine Hamman finished third 01:24:43.

Cian Oldknow, who broke the Johnson Crane Marathon women’s race record, as well as the Springs Striders 32km race in January, won the women’s 10km in 35:04, while Farrarmere resident, Keaton Stansfeld claimed the men’s title in a time of 34:17.

Luke Spencer and Holly Thomas won the 5km run.

Casius Ngwenya and Nthabiseng Matseba won the 10km racewalk. Ngwenya clocked 54:30 for the men’s gold while Matseba won the women’s race in 49:54.

The full results are available at https://results.finishtime.co.za/results.aspx?CId=35&RId=4542&EId=5&dt=2

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