Mapaseka in bid for top five

Wesley Bo on

While she admits she is not in her best shape, Mapaseka Makhanya is hoping for a top-five finish at tomorrow’s Soweto Marathon.

Makhanya had expected to compete at the Shanghai Marathon in China next week, but was forced to withdraw after her younger brother was involved in a serious car accident in September.

Her sibling spent four days in intensive care, and though he had since been released from hospital, Makhanya was still taking care of him at home.

“My training hasn’t been up to standard,” she said this week.

“I jog in the mornings for the mileage, so I’m not targeting a time in Soweto. I’m targeting top five.”

The 32-year-old former track specialist made a successful transition to the road in 2013 and went on to set her marathon personal best of 2:31:02 in Hannover two years later.

She battled to find her best form over the last couple of seasons, but Makhanya bounced back to earn the silver medal at the SA Half-Marathon Championships in Port Elizabeth in June, clocking a career best of 1:12:43.

She also qualified to compete in the World Championships marathon in London in August but settled for 40th position in 2:40:15.

After pulling out of the Shanghai race, Makhanya decided to skip the SA 10km Championships in Mbombela today in order to make her Soweto Marathon debut, taking the opportunity to compete over the classic distance in her home town.

“My heart is willing and I hope my legs will take me throughout,” Makhanya said.

Foreign athletes spearheaded the elite entry lists for the event.

In the men’s race, Sintayehu Legese of Ethiopia is aiming for his fourth straight victory.