Stephen Mokoka announced his intentions for the season in emphatic fashion, producing a sensational performance to win the men’s half-marathon at the Johnson Crane Marathon at Willowmoore Park on January 25.

Mokoka held the national 21.1km record since 2020 before Adriaan Wildschutt smashed it by 23 seconds when he clocked 59:13 at last year’s Valencia half-marathon.

His victory came after he fended off a strong challenge from Lesetja Papo, Totalsport Two Oceans Marathon runner-up Lucky Mohale – a six-time winner of this race – and Sboniso Sikhakhane, third at last year’s Two Oceans.

Averaging 03:12min/km, the Hollywood AC athlete took the line honours in a blistering 01:07:17, finishing five seconds ahead of Papo. Sikhakhane completed the podium in 01:07:33.

“It’s a season starter to see when I am. I’m happy. I wanted to finish under 66 minutes, but I’m grateful that Lucky, Lesetja, Sboniso and Gladwin Mzazi pushed the pace. I just stayed behind them to maintain the splits,” said Mokoka.

The 40-year-old said the race gave him a clear indication of where his fitness is at as he builds up to the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in May.

“I’m happy with how the body felt. I’m going to go back to training and push as hard as I can to be ready when my season officially starts in March.”

Women’s race

Meyerton AC teenager Minki Lotter produced a sensational performance to stun a field packed with strong contenders, including Kate van Jaarsveld, Kaitlyn Bubb and Shanice Peens.

The 19-year-old clocked a PB 01:26:31 for her victory.

“It was a good run on a nice course. It’s definitely one of my favourite courses. It’s a nice course to set a PB. I’m very happy with this run,” Lotter said.

Local lass Bubb, of Benoni Northerns Athletic Club, claimed the runner-up spot by a second, after beating Peens on the line after both runners produced a thrilling sprint to the finish.

She crossed the line in 01:26:57 for her second consecutive second place in the race. Nedbank Running Club’s Peens third in 01:26:58.

“This was tough compared to last year. I was nervous to run this. I never planned for it. I’m training for the half-ironman. I’m leaning more towards cross-training. I was in two minds about this. But it was a good confidence booster and a good start to the season to gauge where I am at the moment. From here, it’s only up,” said Bubb.

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