Soweto Marathon a huge success
Noughty Maluleke
4 November 2008
The annual Nedbank Soweto Marathon, held at the weekend, was a resounding success, say the organisers, who aim to keep growing the event. Once again, Lesotho runners reigned supreme, with Moeketsi Mosuhli claiming victory in the men's race and Mmamorallo Tjoka taking the honours in the women's race.
Soweto's streets were filled with supporters and sports fans, who lined the pavements to applaud and cheer on the runners who numbered about 14 000, up by about 2 000 over last year's figures.
'Growing'
"The Soweto Marathon is really growing. People have shown interest in this competition and if we can get as much support [in future] as we did this year, Soweto sports will be on the map," said Athletics South Africa's general manager, Molatelo Malehopo.
"This year ... 14 000 athletes came to participate in this competition, so for us, as organisers, we are happy with everything the competition has brought so far."
Lesotho-born Moeketsi Mosuhli, of the Toyota Athletics Club, picked up the winner's purse of R100 000 in the men's race after finishing in two hours 19 minutes and 34 seconds. His teammate and fellow Lesotho citizen Teboho Sello, the defending champion, finished second, with Thabo Ntlaloe grabbing the final podium position.
'King of the Soweto Marathon'
Speaking after his victory, Mosuli said: "I have been competing in the Soweto Marathon for about four years now. Even though it took me a long time to take the first prize, I knew that one day I would be crowned king of the Soweto Marathon."
While Mosuhli dominated the men's race, Mmamorallo Tjoka defended her women's race title for the fourth year in succession.
She breasted the tape in two hours, 53minutes and 47 seconds to also earn a cheque of R100 000 cheque for her efforts. Matrinta Mota was second in two hours, 55 minutes and 14 seconds, with Charne Bosman ending third, just 10 seconds further back.
An exhausted Tjoka said: "The 2008 marathon was a tough race and the field was challenging as there were lots of runners who were also hoping to win the first prize.
'Passion'
"But with the passion I have for this title, I swore that I would never let anyone take it away from me ... I would like to thank the people of Soweto who cheered us on throughout the race. They really helped us a lot."
Malehopo added his appreciation for the enthusiasm of the spectators, who cheered on the runners and helped provide ice and refreshments to the competitors on a hot day. "On behalf of Athletics South Africa, we would like to thank all the Joburg residents for supporting the marathon. This, to us, has shown that sport in the townships is really growing," he said.
African National Congress president Jacob Zuma paid the runners a surprise visit from his rally and praised their efforts. He joked with them, saying he would be competing in 2009.
"I will do the walking in the Soweto Marathon next year," he said. "[So] you'd better go and train hard."
TOP 10 FINISHERS
MEN
- Moeketsi Mosuhli 2.19.34
- Teboho Sello 2.20.31
- Thabo Ntlaloe 2.21.19
- Charles Tjiane 2.21.39
- Lebenya Nkoka 2.21.59
- Prodigal Khumalo 2.22.22
- Mpesela Ntlotsoeu 2.22.57
- Sylvester Moleko 2.23.02
- Amos Maiyo 2.23.08
- Sergio Motsoeneng 2.23.19
WOMEN
- Mamarollo Tjoka 2.53.48
- Matrinta Mota 2.55.36
- Charne Bosman 2.55.43
- Eunice Nhlapho 2.55.58
- Chiyedza Chokore 2.58.58
- Gloria Baeba 2.59.24
- Puseletso Maema 2.59.25
- Tessa Burrell 3.01.19
- Sarah Mahlangu 3.03.22
- Muchaneta Gwata 3.03.44
