Peter Muthubi and Renata Vosloo took the honours at the 26th Sasol Marathon in Sasolburg on Saturday as they both cruised to convincing victories.
Muthubi (Nedbank AC) ran a superbly controlled race to burn off his rivals over the second half of the 42,2km race and record a time of 2:25:09 in warm conditions in the northern Free State town. Ramokone Godfrey (Eskom) overtook Mohan Masoenyane (Top Runner AC) in the closing kilometres to claim second, almost five minutes behind the winner with a time of 2:29:47, while Masoenyane faded to 2.32.05. SJ Soke and Itumeleng Phala (Run Walk for Life) rounded out the top five in 2.32.55 and 2.33.30 respectively.
A group of five went through the 13km mark in a bunch just behind Mazibko Muhue. The early pacemaker soon faded from the picture as Muthubi upped the pressure and only Masoenyane was able to stay in contention over the middle third of the fast and flat course.
With eight kilometres to go, even Masoenyane could not hold the pace and the eventual winner opened a small but significant gap. That advantage quickly began to grow as Muthubi powered away, incredibly running each kilometre almost a minute faster than a struggling Masoenyane as they raced for the line.
Press Release 1: The quick and the qualifiers at Sasol Marathon
Press Release 2: Last chance for online entry to fast qualifier
Press release 3 (preview): Titles (& qualifying times) up for grabs
In the women’s event the winner was virtually settled within the opening few kilometres as Vosloo eased away from all her potential challengers and ran a lonely race out front.
The Massmart runner had already opened a three-minute lead within the opening 13km and her lead had ballooned to 19 minutes when she crossed the line ahead of teammate Katy van Mete with Lesley Austin third, another six minutes further back.
In the 21,1km Pule Sibeko won in a 1.07.09 with Puselefso Mofokeng (1.08.46) and Pleuha Victor (1.09.25) completing the podium. In the women’s half marathon Lebo Mofokeng took the honours (1.30.28) ahead of Holly Thomas (1.32.55) and Lorette Pretorius (1.34.18).
The 10km race provided the closest finishes with Thabang Mosiako’s time of 29.23 putting him 20 seconds ahead of runner up Simon Sibeko with Prince Jali third in a time of 31.03. The women’s 10km was not as close with Sarah Silber claiming victory in a time of 40:21 with Sebabole Zandi claiming second in 43.28 while Veronica Swart was third in 45:57.
A total of just under 3 700 athletes entered the event in the marathon, half marathon, 10km and five kilometre distances, with almost 800 runners achieving a qualifying time for the Comrades or Two Oceans Marathons in the 42,2km race.
RESULTS
Full results: http://bit.ly/Sasol2020Results
Men’s 42,2km
1 Peter Muthubi 2.25.09
2 Ramokone Godfrey 2.29.47
3 Mohan Masoenyane 2.32.05
4 SJ Soke 2.32.55
5 Itumeleng Phala 2.33.30
6 Karabo Nkachela 2.36.33
7 Joseph Mphuthi 2.37.54
8 Shadrach Mzizi 2.40.33
9 Richard Mavuso 2.41.02
10 Anastacius Ontong 2.42.22
Women’s 42,2km
1 Renata Vosloo 2.53.38
2 Katy Van Mete 3.12.52
3 Lesley Austin 3.18.08
4 Daniel Mosesi 3.21.43
5 Amon Theko 3.21.59
6 Pule Mokoena 3.28.31
7 Benita Kritzinger 3.30.32
8 Sian Bonney 3.32.45
9 Maphuti Phaka 3.35.17
10 Mocbeta Monama 3:35:28
Men’s 21,1km
1 Pule Sibeko 1.07.09
2 Puselefso Mofokeng 1.08.46
3 Pleuha Victor 1.09.25
4 Tankiso Radebe 1.11.30
5 Thabo Motaung 1.12.42
6 Sampie Mokgatla 1.14.45
7 Xaba Mavnso 1.14.51
8 James Mgcina 1.16.25
9 Lucky Zim 1.17.08
10 Never Matiya 1.18.14
Women’s 21,1km
1 Lebo Mofokeng 1.30.28
2 Holly Thomas 1.32.55
3 Lorette Pretorius 1.34.18
4 Mantombi Mathe 1.34.58
5 Marianne Semmelink 1.36.46
6 Duty Mampa 1.38.23
7 Michelle Koch 1.38.38
8 Nthatisi Selatela 1.41.45
9 Juanee Cilliers 1.41.47
10 Jobo Potsane 1.41.59
Men’s 10km
1 Thabang Mosiako 0.29.23
2 Simon Sibeko 0.29.43
3 Prince Jali 0.31.03
4 Makhebesela Mv 0.31.15
5 Paseka Mokubung 0.31.24
6 Tmsetso Ramokheseng 0.31.50
7 Lebohang Tsotetsi 0.32.37
8 Simon Mpmolo 0.32.51
9 Thabo Khomo 0.33.06
10 Andile Hlobo 0.33.20
Women’s 10km
1 Sarah Silber 0.40.21
2 Sebabole Zandi 0.43.28
3 Veronica Swart 0.45.57
4 Kim Meyer 0.46.54
5 Lydia Kubheka 0.47.07
6 Salome Coetzee 48:25
7 Morakane Tsepetsi 0.48.32
8 Nthabiseng Mabuza 0.48.40
9 Marian Pretorius 49:38
10 Zanele Makunye 50:10