Professionals win the top spots in Selati Marathon
The 30th Selati Marathon had its most entries to date, with professional athletes taking most of the podium positions.
Several professional athletes took the top spots at the Selati Marathon in Malalane on Saturday.
Folavio Sehohle of LowMed defended his title with a winning time of 1:07:46 in the 21 kilometres and qualified for the SA Championships in June.
Abednico Mashaba of Born 2 Win finished in second, with a time of 1:09,11. Nedbank’s Ntuthuko Maseko followed 24 seconds later for a third-place win.
Winile Mnisi was the first woman to cross the finish line in 1:28,58. Nomvula Sithole, a learner from Sincobile Senior Secondary Tonga, was the first female in the 19 and under category at the finish line. Her time was 1:35,57.
William Mothosola made a great comeback to the running scene with a win in the 10 kilometres in a time of 31:33. He was followed by Samuel Mathabatha (31,35) and Sikhumbuzo Sihlomgonyane of Swazi Slojos in 31,47.
The women winners in the 10 kilometres were Thandeka Masinga with 36,13, Thandi Motloung (Nelspruit Running Club) with 41,10 and Nombulelo Tshabalala (Eskom) with 44,38.
The event was held for the 30th consecutive year and had the most pre-entries and entrants since its establishment in 1989. A total of 1 717 people finished the main races, an increase of 267 runners compared with last year.
READ: Nearly 3 000 tackle Selati Marathon and fun run
Runners ranged from professionals, including a wheelchair-bound participant, to parents with prams and veterans with many kilometres behind them.
Laerskool Malelane organised the fun run and runners were delighted to find a marimba band and “spaza shop” at the halfway point. An astonishing 1 600 runners, with the majority being locals, competed.
PHOTO GALLERY: Over 3 300 people conquer the 2018 Selati Marathon and fun run
At the finish line, all competitors were handed goody bags and treats, courtesy of RCL Foods and its partners.
Throughout the morning, a handful of stalls selling food and drinks were packed with hungry runners and supporters, and kids stood in long queues to enjoy the various inflatable attractions at the fun park.
Winners were cheered on at the prize-giving, with those at the winning watering point singing and dancing in high spirits, despite several hours’ work and the heat as they accepted trophies up for grabs. For the fifth year running, the agriculture section won an award, and this year they excelled, impressing both runners and officials.
Next year’s race will be held on May 11. Runners are urged to diarise it to ensure they don’t miss this amazing event.
