History made as Polokwane City Marathon debuts 50km race
Runners made history at the inaugural 50km race during the Polokwane City Marathon, with Remaketse Lekaka and Rosaline Isaiah claiming victory.
POLOKWANE – Polokwane came alive on Saturday as runners made history in the inaugural 50km race at the Polokwane City Marathon.
For the first time, the event extended beyond the traditional 42.2km, 21.1km and 10km distances, with athletes rising to the challenge.
The 42.2km marathon was, however, not included in this year’s programme.
Lekaka wins men’s 50km
In the men’s 50km race, Remaketse Lekaka of Folang Mokerong Athletic Club powered to victory in 02:54:50.
He was followed by Legend Road Runners’ Thulane Manana, who finished second in 02:59:02.
Musawenkosi Nene completed the podium with a time of 03:01:38.
Kenyan runners dominate women’s 50km
The women’s 50km race was dominated by Kenyan athlete Rosaline Isaiah of Uniwisp Running Club, who crossed the line in 03:42:10.
Fellow Kenyan Gladys Cheruiyot of Nedbank Running Club International took second place in 03:49:26, while Hollywood Athletic Club’s Slindile Chili secured third place in 03:58:19.
Makgoba takes half marathon title
In the half marathon, Nedbank’s Given Makgoba claimed the men’s 21.1km title in 01:05:00. Samukelo Ngobese and Justice Ngobeni finished second and third respectively.
Kamogelo Mogano of Boxer Superstores Athletics Club won the women’s 21.1km in 01:19:48, followed by Johannah Sethowa and Winfrend Njoki John.
Aphane fastest in 10km
In the 10km race, Alex Aphane of Nedbank Running Club Limpopo took top honours in 30:49.
Kamogelo Maubane and Innocent Ngobeni completed the men’s podium. In the women’s category, Sedzani Maluta of Venda Athletics Club was first in 38:08, ahead of Evidence Mudzamiri and Nyathela Mkhawana.
Large crowds at the old Peter Mokaba Stadium cheered as local and international athletes celebrated the historic event, which was officially opened by the Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, along with Mayor John Mpe and Capricorn Mayor Mamedupi Teffo.
Top 5 winners
50km men
- Dikeledi Mokgopha – 44:50.
- Remaketse Lekaka – 02:54:50.
- Thulane Manana – 02:59:02.
- Musawekosi Nene – 03:01:38.
- Robert Chelang’a – 03:03:44.
- Kgotlelelo Lekalakala – 03:06:19.
50km women
- Rosaline Isaiah – 03:42:10.
- Gladys Jepchirchir Cheruiyot – 03:49:26.
- Slindile Chili – 03:58:19.
- Shaun Mkhawana – 04:11:20.
- Kwena Mathekga – 04:27:21.
21.1km men
- Given Makgoba – 01:05:00.
- Samukelo Ngobese – 01:06:03.
- Justice Ngobeni – 01:09:35.
- Petrus Mogolana – 01:09:39.
- Ananius Masila – 01:11:00.
21.1km women
- Kamogelo Mogano – 01:19:48.
- Johannah Sethowa – 01:31:19.
- Winfrend Njoki John – 01:31:48.
- Karin Van Amstel – 01:40:55.
- Jolene Swanepoel – 01:42:52.
10km men
- Alex Aphane – 30:49.
- Kamogelo Maubane – 30:53.
- Innocent Ngobeni – 30:55.
- Jankie Molele – 31:11.
- Koketso Lekaka – 31:20.
10km women
- Sedzani Maluta – 38:08.
- Evidence Mudzamiri – 42:24.
- Nyathela Mkhawana – 42:58.
- Refiloe Masipa – 43:11.
