Papo and Maisa victorious at Lesedi Half-Marathon
Papo won the men's 21.1km in 01:09:05, while Maisa clocked 01:21:23 to win the women's race.
Lesetja Papo and Zanele Maisa clinched the men’s and women’s Lesedi Reconciliation Day Half Marathon titles at Vosloorus Stadium on December 16.
Maxed Elite’s Papo, from Tsakane, clocked 01:09:05 to win the men’s race, beating teammate Mbuti Mollo, who was 35 seconds off the pace after finishing the race in 01:09:40.
Former Benoni Northerns Athletic Club (BNAC) runner Bright Mikolongwe, now with Nedbank Running Club, completed the top three in 01:10:42.
Despite his dominant victory, Papo was not happy with his performance, saying no one in the men’s field posed any challenge for him.
“I was expecting to finish below 01:09. I didn’t have anyone challenging me. I ran alone half of the course,” he said.
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Maisa, the winner of the women’s half-marathon at the Benoni Northerns Marathon in April, dominated the women’s race, winning by over 10 minutes.
The Waterfall AC top runner, who will represent South Africa at the World Athletics Cross Country Championships in the USA this month, cut the tape in 01:21:23 for her victory. Boksburg AC’s Christina Silale finished second in 01:31:37, while Nedbank’s Slindile Chili finished third in 01:37:24.
“It was a good race. I’m happy with my performance,” said Maisa, a Kwa-Thema resident.
In the 10km race, Simon Sibeko of Maxed Elite crossed the line in 31:44 to win the men’s race. Rirhandzu Rhangani was second in 32:01, while Waterfall’s Sandile Lawuthi completed the podium in 32:22.
Tshepang Mazibuko won the women’s race in 41:06. Dineo Mmusi of Running with Tumi Sole grabbed the runner-up spot in 42:04 and Simphiwe Mabuza of Gallopers finished third 48 seconds after Mmusi.
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Katlehong AC youngster Indiphile Myeki won the men’s 5km in 17:21, beating his teammate Menzi Ncapai by a second after crossing the line in 17:22. Lesedi AC’s Khayelihle Ndlovu was third in 17:31.
East Athletic Club’s (EAC) Mahlatse Mamonyane beat teammate Lesedi Dhladhla on the line to win the women’s race. Both runners clocked 21:03, but Mamonyane clinched victory by one thousandth of a second. Asavela Silingile of Katlehong AC was third in 21:22.
