The Balwin Sport Dolphin Coast Marathon once again proved a highlight on the provincial athletics calendar with 6 000 runners putting in strong performances on Sunday.

The 10th edition of the event, organised by the Dolphin Coast Striders running club, delivered endurance and community spirit across the 42.2km, 21.1km and 10km races. Runners competing in the full marathon took off from the Ballito Lifestyle Centre, charging down the M4 before crossing the line at the finish at the Amphitheatre on the Durban Promenade.

Adam Lipschitz of Social Runners Club led from the front to win the marathon in 2:18:47, improving on last year’s time of 2:20:25.

The 32-year-old from Umhlanga said he was pleased to defend his title and hopes to do so again.

“It fits perfectly into my training plan as I prepare for the London Marathon, where I am aiming for a top-eight finish. I really enjoy this race. It is one of the biggest in the province,” he said.

He was followed by Thabang Mathebula of Hollywood AC KZN, with Proud Chauke of Pan African Resources Club in third.

READ: Local runners impress at Dolphin Coast Marathon as SA athletes dominate | North Coast Courier

The women’s marathon title went to Melissa Gelling of Faku Chiefs AC in 2:53:07, ahead of Carla van Huyssteen (Hilton Harriers) and Gabrielle Webber (Social Runners Club).

Twenty runners from the Dolphin Coast Striders, 13 from the Mandeni Harriers, two from the Tongaat Panthers and one from Ndwedwe’s Thandolwethu AC completed the marathon.

In the half marathon, Samuel Cijimpi Moloi of Phantane AC stormed to victory in 1:05:38.

“I will definitely come back next year, maybe for the 42km. I really enjoyed myself,” he said.

Lindokuhle Zakhele Chiliza (eThekwini AC) and Sipho Gift Mbanjwa (Phantane AC) completed the podium.

Busisiwe Chamane of Hollywood AC KZN won the women’s half marathon in 01:18:57, with Janie Grundling and Jodi Naidu (both Peak AC KZN) finishing behind her.

Mknonzi Monwabisi Cele (Peak AC KZN) claimed the men’s 10km title in 00:32:19, while Bathobile Mkhize (Entsika AC) won the women’s race in 00:36:05.

Race director Barry Holland described the event as a major success, praising strong support from local businesses, emergency services, police and sponsors, with a 10-year partnership ensuring the race’s future.

“It got a bit hot later in the morning, but our excellent water points, supported by local businesses, ensured runners were well looked after,” he said.