Mall of the North Marathon shows major growth

This year’s Mall of the North Marathon was once again proof of the popularity of the event with well over 2 000 athletes competing in the 42,2 km, 21,1 km and 10 km categories on Saturday.
This excludes the hundreds of runners who competed in the 5 km fun run.
According to Mall of the North Marketing Manager Mari Delport 560 athletes finished the 42,2 km compared to 380 last year. In the 21,1 km a total of 680 (500) athletes completed the race while 800 (530) crossed the finish line in the 10 km.
The marathon was won by Lutendo Maphoto in a time of 2:26.22 followed by Johannes Kekana claiming second place almost five minutes later.
The first woman in the marathon is Tabitha Tsatsa (3:16.31) followed by Polokwane runner Pearl Hughes in second place.
In the 21,1 km Collen Mulaudzi entered the finish area first with a time of 1:09.10 with Catherine Skosana claiming victory as the first woman with a time of 1:24.31.
Phuti Sethowa who showed some talent after claiming victory in the 10 km of the recent Capricorn District Municipality 4-in-1 Race, once again top scored with a time of 32:24 on Saturday.
Farida Zwane was the first woman in the 10 km with a time of 38:49.
See full results elsewhere.
Delport extended her gratitude towards all sponsors and especially the athletes who ensured for a successful fifth Mall of the North Marathon.

Story and photos: RC Myburgh
>>rc.observ1er@gmail.com