President joins marathon runners

President Cyril Ramaphosa took part in the 2018 Old Mutual Soweto Marathon at FNB Stadium but pulled out after a few kilometres as he had to attend to other engagements.

The president graced the race as part of his Thuma Mina campaign, which encourages South Africans to live healthy lifestyles.

He was ushered on to the FNB Stadium pitch flanked by sports minister Tokozile Xasa‚ Gauteng premier David Makhura and MEC for sport in Gauteng Faith “Mama Action” Mazibuko and ran the shortest race – the 10km.

The president arrived a few minutes late with little fanfare for the start of the 10km at 7am and ran a few kilometres before he was whisked away by his official convoy.

Race organisers said Ramaphosa had to cut his run short as he had other engagements to attend to.

The president had made time in his hectic schedule to line up alongside a field of some 30‚000 athletes‚ who pounded through the streets of the historic township.

Ethiopian Sintayehu Legese Yinesu, of the Nedbank Running Club, was the first runner to cross the finish line of the 25th edition of the race in an impressive time of 2:19:10‚ scooping the men’s title and the R250,000 prize money.

But it was South African sweetheart Irvette Van Zyl‚ also of the Nedbank Running Club‚ who stole the show‚ winning the women’s 42.2km marathon for the second year running and setting a new course record of 2:33:43.