JOHANNESBURG - There is no doubt that Tanith Maxwell is one of the top contenders for the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon this year.
The Boxer Athletics Club athlete finished second twice in 2015 and 2016 to winner Caroline Wöstmann. She was third last year.
Maxwell's manager Rhyn Swanepoel believes that her runner has a good chance of finally ridding herself of the bridesmaid's tag she has come to won by being the first woman to cross the finish line at the University of Cape Town on Saturday.
“Of course we'd love to win. But we cannot saying she is going to the race to win it. It all depends on the race on the day. But where she has got a great chance. She has been in the top three for the past three years, she knows what to expect,” said the man whose club has produced elite athletes such as Elroy Gelant, Gladwin Mzazi and Lucky Mohale.
Swanepoel said Maxwell's preparation for the race has been going well.
“She is down in Cape Town. She has been training on that Two Oceans route since January. She knows that road very well,” he added.
The good news for Maxwell is that Belarusian Maryna Damantsevich, who started the race on a fast pace and won with a 10 minute lead last year will not be participating.
Damantsevich will not be in Cape Town to defend the title as she is preparing to run a marathon in Europe. But Comrades Marathon winner Charne Bosman will be in the line-up for the race, as will last year's runner-up Jenna Challenor.
Wöstmann is also expected to be back in action this year after she missed the race due to a hamstring injury last year.
Other exciting additions to the women's line-up include Dominika Stelmach from Poland (2017 Wings for Life World Run Winner), USA runner Lindsey Scherf (indoor marathon world record holder) and SA’s Gerda Steyn, who is looking for a top three position.
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