Runners came out in their thousands on Sunday morning for the country’s friendliest race, the Balwin Sport Dolphin Coast Marathon.

Competing across distances of 42.2km (full marathon), 21km or 10km, some 3 917 runners crossed their respective finish lines in beautiful early morning conditions.

The marathon was also able to return to its traditional start point of Ballito since the reopening of the M4 Tongaat River bridge last year.

It was a good day for international entrants, as both the men’s and women’s marathon titles were claimed by non-South Africans.

Lesotho’s Litlhokoa Khoete (Maxed Elite) won an exciting men’s race, crossing the finish line in 2:26.52, just three seconds ahead of silver medalist Phumlani Dlamini.

In the women’s event, Gladys Jepchirchir (Nedbank Running Club) showed why Kenya is widely regarded as the best producer of quality marathon runners, claiming the title in 2:59.52.

Lungelo Khumalo (Xcel Running Club) absolutely dominated the men’s 21km race, winning by almost four minutes in a blistering 1:05.55.

Nokuthula Ntshangase (Phantane AC) claimed the women’s race in 1:24 flat, over a minute ahead of Jenna Challenor.

The 10km golds were won by Kenya’s Benjamin Nyongesa (30.33) and Gillian Farquharson (38.57).

North Coast top runners

Tongaat’s Elston Naicker (Nedbank) was the best local marathon finisher, confirming his Comrades marathon qualification in a time of 2:35.53.

Naicker has been the best North Coast Comrades finisher in both of the past two races and is hoping to finish in under six hours this year.

“The race on Sunday was good. It was perfect weather and it went as planned, not pushing too hard and just trying to run comfortably,” said Naicker.

“I sat at around 3.40 per kilometre, which might seem fast, but that’s a good level for me now after working hard on my speed this past year.”

“The marathon was so well organised and everything ran like clockwork, it was great. It was my first time at the event but definitely won’t be my last.”

Naicker said his body is feeling good ahead of the intense training schedule for the Comrades which starts this week.

Six of Naicker’s former Tongaat Panthers colleagues finished the marathon, all within the Comrades qualifying time of 4:49.59.

Mandeni’s Jabulani Mabaso (Mandeni Harriers) ran a fantastic race, finishing 22nd overall in a time of 2:44.30.

He cruised to the men’s over-50 category victory, winning by almost eight minutes.

Fifteen more Mandeni Harriers completed the marathon, 13 of which were within Comrades pace.

When looking through the race results, you will likely notice a smaller group of Dolphin Coast Striders than usual as many volunteered to help for the race.

Nevertheless, there were still 16 Dolphins who ran the full distance, all of which qualified for the Comrades.

Calvin Cloete was the fastest of the bunch, crossing the line in 3:41.12.

The last local club represented on Sunday was Ndwedwe’s Thandolwethu Athletics Club, which focuses on promoting junior runners.

They had four U18 10km finishers, headlined by Amahle Dlephu whose time of 43.16 was good for fourth in the women’s standings overall and first in her category.

Sifiso Nzama finished third in his U18 21km category in a time of 1:26.54.

“I am extremely happy with the impressive performance of all the athletes in the race,” said Thandolwethu founder and 10km finisher, Cebolenkosi Maphumulo.

“We took them to the event to assess their progress after their outstanding performance last year in the track races. Seeing them come back with great results, especially Amahle, was truly encouraging.”

To find a full list of results, visit live.ultimate.dk and search for the Dolphin Coast Marathon.

By way of Balwin Sport’s sponsorship, runners are also able to download their photos for free from news.balwin.co.za/news-events/balwin-marathon-series-photos.

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