Marks tumble for Mokoka

Wesley Bo on

– Competing on home soil for the first time over the classic 42.2km distance, a delighted Stephen Mokoka (above) said he was grateful for the support on Sunday, after he was carried across the line by a jubilant crowd alongside the route at the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon.

Mokoka stormed to a commanding victory, eclipsing the race record and lifting the national title in 2:08:31.

Despite running into a headwind for parts of the race, the 33-year-old athlete from Pretoria clocked the third fastest time ever run in South Africa, and the quickest on a non-aided course. He also became the first local athlete to win the Cape Town Marathon since Gert Thys back in 2010.

“It was different not having to travel a long distance to race (a marathon) and not having to worry about time differences and that sort of thing,” said Mokoka, a four-time Shanghai Marathon winner.

Kenyan Albert Korir took second place in 2:09:02 after losing touch in the latter stages.

Benedict Moeng was the second local athlete home, finishing sixth overall in 2:12:53 to secure the silver medal in the SA Marathon Championships, and Desmond Mokgobu was 10th overall in 2:14:13, earning bronze.

In the women’s race, Commonwealth Games champion Helalia Johannes of Namibia took the win in 2:29:28, setting the fastest ever time in SA on a standard course, while Nolene Conrad finished eighth overall to take the SA title in a career best of 2:34:39.

Precious Mashele won the men’s 10km contest in 29:11 and Irvette van Zyl scorched to victory in the women’s battle in 32:48.

Cape Town