RECORD participation, local winners and better times ensured that the 2018 1 City Relay & Marathon ended on a very high note last Sunday.
A strong field of 343 marathon runners and 56 relay teams competed for the generous prize purse of over R350 000.
Starting and finishing at the Port Elizabeth City Hall, both races are presented by Eastern Province Athletics in partnership with Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality.
Melikhaya Frans, of Ikhamva Athletics Club, was the first local marathon winner and was thrilled to win his first home marathon in 2.21.32.
He is recognized as one of the best half marathon runners in the world
“This is a fantastic and well-deserved win for Frans who takes home the generous winning purse of R30 000,” said his coach Mike Mbambani.
Mbongeni Ngxazozo of Central Gauteng Athletics Club was second (2.23.23) and Andile Motwana from Tinarha Athletics Club third (2.23.55).
Mbongeni also won his 35-39 age category so scooped up an additional R5 000 with his second place prize money of R17 500.
Womans category
The visiting women athletes made a clean sweep with Tabitha Tsatsa of Zimbabwe finishing first (2.57.37) and winning her age category 40-49.
She was followed home by Lineo Chaka of Lesotho (3.01.37) and Malineo Mahloko of Sita Athletics Club third (3.02.44).
The marathon is an early qualifier for the 2019 Two Oceans and Comrades races.
Local athletes, Siyabonga Kahla, Mvuyisi Gcogco, Amos Nyongo, and Eric Sigxashe made up the strong team from Motherwell Athletics Club who won the men’s club relay in 2.25.47.
Roadrunning queen Ntombesintu Mfunzi once again anchored the Nedbank team which included Vicki Oelofse, Priscilla Dyantyi and Toegeda Vyver to win the 2018 women’s relay in 3:07.59. -REPORTER
