THOUSANDS of runners participated in the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon yesterday as world record holder Kenyan Willy Kibor crossed the finish line first in just over two hours.
Participants started the race next to the Cape Town Stadium and ran through the city centre, Woodstock and Mowbray before turning around in Newlands and finishing at the Green Point A track.
The marathon was part of a three-day event. Over the three days there have been six races, including a 10km run and a five-time 4.2km relay race that took place on Saturday.
Kibor finished the marathon in 2hr 10min 45sec. He was also the winner of the 2013 Sydney Marathon and the 2010 Shanghai Marathon.
He was followed by fellow Kenyans Henry Chirchir in 2hr 12min 36sec and Josphat Kamzee Jepkopol in 2hr 13min 01sec. The first South African home was Desmond Mokgobu, who came in seventh in 2hr 16min 14sec.
The first woman across the line was Ethiopian long-distance runner Meseret Biru, in 2hr 30min 56sec and the first South African woman was Zintle Xiniwe (2hr 41min 52sec).
The marathon was a qualifying race for 2015 Old Mutual Two Oceans and the Comrades Marathon between Pietermaritzburg and Durban.
Kibor received R265 000 in prize money as the winner of the marathon.
In the 10km race South African long-distance runner Stephen Mokoka won R10 000 for crossing the finish line first.
Mokoka represented the country in the marathon section of the 2012 London Olympics.
Recently he won the 2013 Great South Run 10-miler in the UK and was fourth in the Shanghai Marathon.
“I’m very happy with my time, although it was tough, but I am okay” Mokoka said.
“My body is taking strain, but (I’m) still very happy with my time.” – Staff Writer