Residents cheer on runners

THOUSANDS of runners took part in the Soweto Marathon, which was won by Free State’s Michael Mazibuko. Mamarollo Tjoka won the women’s race for the fourth time.Read More
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Thousands of runners took part in the Soweto Marathon, which was won by Free State’s Michael Mazibuko. Mamarollo Tjoka won the women’s race for the fourth time.
THE streets of Soweto were hyped up at the crack of dawn yesterday as tens of thousands of athletes took to the tar in the annual Soweto Marathon.

Up for grabsRunners compete in the 2011 Soweto MarathonThe marathon keeps growing year by year, and once again lived up to expectations by attracting runners from around the country and from other African states, including Lesotho, Zimbabwe and Ethiopia.

Events in the race included a 5km fun run, a 10km walk, a 10km run, and the main event, the 42,2km marathon. The race started at FNB Stadium in Nasrec; as always, the route passed some of the historic Soweto landmarks, as well as some new developments in the township.

There were participants from all age groups, including grannies, children and youth. Also running were the council Speaker, Connie Bapela; the sport MEC, Lebogang Maile; and the president of Athletics South Africa, James Evans.

For residents, the event was not only about running but also about having a great outdoor experience. Families came out to braai, relax in the sun and enjoy the festivities. Back on the track, it was all about national pride as athletes from various countries jockeyed for first position.

But in the end, bragging rights were grabbed by 25-year-old Michael Mazibuko from Frankfort in Free State Province. He was the first to arrive home in an astonishing time of 2:19:04 in the men’s open marathon, ending the long-standing dominance of Lesotho athletes.

Mamorolla TjokaMamarollo Tjoka, winner of the women's marathonMazibuko, originally a short-distance runner, said he was satisfied that finally a South African had won the title. “I am not a long-distance runner, but this time I had to make sure that the Soweto Marathon title remained in the country. This is our race and we have to win it.”

Mazibuko is sponsored by Toyota.

Not to be outdone was the Lesotho born Mamarollo Tjoka, who claimed the number one spot in the women’s open in 2:43:40. Tjoka, another Toyota runner, has now won the Soweto Marathon title four times in a row.

“I was unsure if I would win the race,” she said afterwards. “Towards the one-hour mark in the race another athlete was too close to me, but I kept my focus and my speed and I managed to win again.”

Prize money
Tjoka and Mazibuko walked away with R100 000 each.

Second in the men’s open was Moses Mosuhli, sponsored by Mr Price, followed by team-mate Lebenya Nkoka. In the women’s open, Emma Gooderham under Formula 1 came second and Nina Podnesbesnove under Nedbank was third.

The men's race winnersWinners of the men's raceSouth Africa dominated in the 10km men’s run. Frik Guys from Nedbank was the first to cross the finishing line in the time of 30:28. Compatriots Jeffrey Gwebu and Ngaxzozzo Mbongeni took second and third positions, respectively.

South African athletes came out top again in the women’s 10km run. Rene Kalmer from Nedbank finished first in a time of 34:16, leaving second position for Diana Phalula of Gauteng Striders. In third position was the Zimbabwean, Rutendo Nyahora, in Nedbank colours.

Speaking on behalf of Joburg as one of the sponsors, Bapela said the Soweto Marathon had become part of Joburg’s culture. “We are proud of the Joburgers who came out here today to participate in this event. This is a great event; let us support it so that it continues to grow.”

Bapela, Evans and other dignitaries handed medals to the winners. Other sponsors included Nedbank, Athletics South Africa, Energise and the National Lottery.