RABAT – Stephen Mokoka produced a historic performance on Sunday, charging through the 60-minute barrier at the Buenos Aires Half-Marathon in Argentina.
Mokoka took fourth position in 59:51, becoming the first South African to crack the hour mark over the 21.1km distance. Mokoka took 16 seconds off the SA mark of 1:00:07 set by Hendrick Ramaala in Kosice in 1997.
Kenya's Bedan Karoki won the race in 59:07.
Stretching is part of my preparation! #Injuryprevention# #Flexiblebiltong #marathontraining #Boxerathlete pic.twitter.com/T5nX6ngstF
— Stephen Mokoka (@tlotlomoko) August 22, 2019
Another South African runner, Glenrose Xaba, delivered a spectacular performance of her own in only her second attempt at the half-marathon distance.
Xaba ended fifth in the women's race in 1:09:44, climbing to third place in the all-time SA rankings behind Elana Meyer (1:06:44) and Colleen de Reuck (1:08:38).
Unity is strength, unity is power. When there is teamwork and collaboration a lot can be achieved. #Spongegroup #Onedirection #Onemission #Teamwork pic.twitter.com/ynea6qWqjn
— Stephen Mokoka (@tlotlomoko) August 19, 2019