Mokoka at the top of the podium again
Cornelia Joubert takes honours in women’s race
Stephen Mokoka successfully defended his title while Cornelia Joubert secured gold in the women’s race at the ASA Half-Marathon Championships in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.
Mokoka, representing Gauteng North, outclassed a quality line-up in the men’s contest, covering the 21.1km distance in 1:01:21, with versatile track specialist Elroy Gelant (Central North West) earning second place in a close 1:01:30.
“This year started very rough for me [due to injury],” said Mokoka. “The pace was good and I didn’t want to race too hard, [I’m] taking it easy in my build ups so that I don’t risk another injury at this time of the year.”
Precious Mashele finished third in the open race in 1:01:56.
He was competing as an individual and was ineligible for championship medals, with bronze going to local Eastern Province star Melikhaya Frans, who finished fourth in 1:01:58. Mashele and Frans both dipped under 1:02:00 for the first time in their careers.
Gelant said: “From now on I’m starting to pick up myself again. I’m … looking to Europe to work towards the world champs, so I’m going back to the track now – probably starting with a 10 000m.”
In the women’s division, Joubert was promoted to first place after Ethiopian athletes Genet Abdurkadi (1:11:45) and Elisabeth Arsedo (1:12:20) were disqualified for race number violations.
Joubert crossed the line in 1:12:31, while compatriot Mapaseka Makhanya earned the silver medal in 1:12:43, improving her personal best of 1:14:06.
Lebo Phalula claimed the bronze in 1:14:25.