The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon has a new champion and a new record in both the men’s and women’s races.
Hometown favourite, Stephen Mokoka broke away from the quality field at 33km and controlled the race to the line, finishing in a blistering 2:08.31 to take 10 seconds off the previous record of Asefa Negewu, once again asserting the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon’s pedigree as Africa’s only IAAF Gold Label Marathon.
#CTmarathon funky outfits | 🐷 @CTMarathon #CapeTimes elite water station #run4change pic.twitter.com/G016C91sSM
— Cape Times (@CapeTimesSA) September 23, 2018
Mokoka had too much in the tank for Albert Korir who had to settle for second in 2:09.02 with Philemon Kacherian rounding out the top three some 11 seconds behind. Mokoka also claimed the title of SA Marathon Champion.
Nolene Conrad also got in on the action bagging her self a record at the race. Photo: Supplied
Namibia’s Helalia Johannes went one better than in 2017 to win the women’s race, breaking the previous record of Isabella Ochichi of 2:30.20 to cross the line in 2:29.28 with Failuna Mantanga of Tanzania also breaking the previous record, clocking 2:30.00.
South Africa’s Nolene Conrad finished 8th to take the South African title and broke her personal best of 2:35.21. Conrad clocked 2:34.39.
MUST WATCH: Unstoppable force | woman in wheelchair joins @CTMarathon. What's stopping you? #Run4Change #CTmarathon #CapeTimes elite water station pic.twitter.com/IyCr2EGiMb
— Cape Times (@CapeTimesSA) September 23, 2018
With close on 22 000 runners, and as Africa’s only IAAF Gold Label Marathon, the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is growing every year. It has now established itself as the premier marathon on the continent.