LIMPOPO – The sold-out Masingita Mall 4in1 Marathon attracted more than 2 500 runners from across South Africa and the African continent, with athletes from Phalaborwa, Tzaneen and surrounding areas putting in strong performances to represent the region.

The 42.2km race, which serves as a Comrades Marathon qualifier, was largely dominated by runners from outside the Mopani region. However, local athletes featured prominently across the various categories.

Mgiba leads local charge in 42.2km race

In the men’s 42.2km race, Julient Mgiba of PMC Athletics Club delivered a strong performance, finishing 17th overall in 02:46:53 at a pace of 3:58 min/km. His performance was particularly impressive given that it was his first Masingita Marathon.

Tonnie Ngobeni of Letaba Road Runners finished 18th overall in 02:47:20.

Moshe Ndlovu of Foskor Athletics Club finished 39th in 03:07:17, while PMC’s Andrie Mabunda claimed 49th position after crossing the finish line in 03:13:54.

Nkateko Ndlala of the University of Limpopo Athletics Club rounded out the local finishers in the top 50, placing 50th in 03:06:01 at a pace of 4:25 min/km.

Mkhawana, Mamorobela lead women’s 42.2km

In the women’s 42.2km distance, Shaun Mkhawana of the University of Limpopo was the best-placed local, finishing 10th in an impressive 03:18:44 at a pace of 4:43 min/km.

Mankatji Mamorobela of Bolobedu Athletics Club finished 15th overall in 03:51:41, also earning gold as the fastest woman in the 60–69 age category.

Nyakallo Masedi of Tzaneen Marathon Club finished 24th in 04:11:43.

Britney Mmapula of Foskor Athletics Club was the only runner from a Phalaborwa club known to the Herald to finish inside the women’s top 40, placing 36th in 04:31:46.

Mgiba eyes more Comrades qualifiers

Mgiba, who recorded a personal best in the men’s 42.2km race, said he was pleased with his performance, particularly after securing an early Comrades Marathon qualifying time.

“Ahead of the race, I was hoping to finish in the top 10, but I can live with 17th position. My next race will be the Shikhumba 4-in-1 Marathon in October, and I hope to have another good race there,” he said.

Baloyi claims junior title in half marathon

In the 21.1km half-marathon, Musa Thuketana of Nedbank Limpopo Running Club finished fifth in the men’s race in 01:07:43, at a pace of 3:13 min/km.

Young Phalaborwa Road Runners athlete Sipho Baloyi crossed the finish line in 01:18:17 to finish 23rd overall and claim first place in the junior category.

Thompson Magagane of Nedbank Running Club Limpopo finished 34th in 01:22:30, while JB Maswanganyi of Nkowankowa Athletics Club finished 38th in 01:26:39.

Phalaborwa and Tzaneen women also made their mark in the half-marathon, with several local runners finishing inside the top 50.

Lucent Mavasa of Nkowankowa Athletics Club produced an impressive performance to finish sixth in 01:33:07, with teammate Thato Seshoka finishing in 01:39:58.

Nkhensani Ngobe of PMC Athletics Club finished 30th in 02:00:13, followed by Matondzi Mkhombo, also of PMC, in 35th position in 02:02:59.

Rinae Makutu of Foskor Athletics Club finished 40th in 02:13:12. Lungile Mboweni of PMC finished 45th in 02:19:44, while Moyagabo Sekhodiana of Bolobedu Athletics Club placed 46th in 02:19:56.

Sharon Malatji of Letaba Road Runners finished 47th in 02:20:44, while Matsela Kwinana of PMC rounded out the local finishers in 50th position in 02:21:57.

PMC and Nkowankowa dominate 10km field

In the men’s 10km race, PMC’s Tshepo Nekhavhambe finished 31st overall in an impressive 42:52, recording a pace of 4:18 min/km, while Commence Ngobeni of Nkowankowa Athletics Club finished 34th in 45:41.

PMC also had a strong showing in the women’s race, with Nkowankowa Athletics Club also featuring prominently.

Angelic Mkhawana of Nkowankowa finished sixth in 47:53.

Princess Mabaso of PMC finished 15th in 53:51, while Precious Manganyi placed 18th in 54:52.

Amukelani Dibakoane finished 28th in 01:01:43.

Merionette Mkhabele of Nkowankowa placed 44th in 01:08:28, while Eunice Nkuna of Phalaborwa Tigers Athletics Club crossed the finish line in 01:08:52 to finish 47th.

Kenya’s Kipsang wins men’s 42.2km title

The event also produced new winners in the 42.2km races. Kenya’s Silvester Kipkemboi Kipsang of Nedbank Running Club International won the men’s race in 02:16:27, at a pace of 3:14 min/km.

Puleng Khumalo of Legend Road Runners claimed the women’s title in 02:47:35, recording a pace of 3:59 min/km.

In the 21.1km races, Given Makgoba of Nedbank Limpopo Running Club won the men’s race in 01:06:19, while Mary Njunguna of Nedbank Running Club International claimed the women’s title in 01:21:51.

The University of Limpopo dominated the 10km races, with Jankie Molele winning the men’s race in 30:15 and Refiloe Masipa taking the women’s title in 38:58.