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NewsResults
Results 2023: Harmonie Mutuelle Semi de Paris
09 Mar, 2023 (Thu)
Roncer Kipkorir outran roughly 45372 runners to win with a time of 00:59:38. He finished 15 secondes ahead of Josphat Chumo. Finishing third was Jimmy Gressier (00:59:55).
For the women, it was Sheila Chepkurui (01:06:01) taking the top spot. Sheila Chepkurui and Betelihem Yemer end up toghether at the second place with a time of 01:06:46
Top 5 Men
1
Roncer Kipkorir
KEN
00:59:38
2
Josphat Chumo
KEN
00:59:53
3
Jimmy Gressier
00:59:55
4
Hassan Chahdi
01:01:29
5
Ali Chebures
UGA
01:02:19
Top 5 Women
1
Sheila Chepkurui
KEN
01:06:01
2
Betelihem Yemer
ETH
01:06:46
3
Marion Kibor
KEN
01:06:46
4
Nelly Jepchumba
KEN
01:07:00
5
Vivian Melly
KEN
01:07:35
Complete results
Ahotu event page:
1 min read
Press Release
Ultra-trail of Angkor 2023 - 4th February 2023
08 Mar, 2023 (Wed)
One of the most unique races in the world took place on Saturday 4th and Sunday, 5th of
February 2023…. the Ultra-Trail of Angkor in Siem Reap, Cambodia! After 2 years of
interruption following the Covid, more than 1,000 participants took part in one of its six
events set out in the heart of the Angkor remains. Organized by French Team SDPO and
by Phoenix Voyages Group technical support, this 6th edition was once again a great
success offering the trailers and walkers from 39 countries, excitements and wonderful
memories between jungle, temple, rice fields and sporting challenge!
The UTA is the only race authorized to run through this cultural jewel and it is the only
ultra trail in Cambodia approved by the Ministry of Tourism and the Cambodian National
Olympic Committee. Once again this year, more runners ran all the way through, inspired by the
thrilling and fulfilling experience, as well as the magnificent scene.
A trail among the big ones
After only 6 years of existence, the Ultra-Trail of Angkor is now one of the most amazing races
in Asia. Organized by Jean Claude LE CORNEC and his team SDPO with Phoenix Voyages for
technical support, the Ultra-Trail of Angkor is one of the major trails.
On the podiums are the famous faces and fans of this UTA. Véronique Messina, a French
expariate in Cambodia, is a scratch winner oh UTA 100 (new distance) in 12h 29’ 07”. This
athlete has won since the first edition all the UTA128 in her category. Jean Luc Puong who is
in the Cambodia team for the World Championship of trail is second. On the 64 km, Benoit
Mary, PDG of Meltonic wins the race in 7h11, Satomi Huchino, Japanese runner, finishes
5ème and is first woman in 7h34. Salvador Calvo Redondo, a Spanish runner win the
marathon trail with a time of 3h36’26”. Ling Lee Yin (Hong Kong) is the first woman and 5eme
in general on the same race. On the 32 km, Charley Bacry (France) blasted the peloton in a
record of 2h16, the first woman Kia Holm Reimer (Denmark) runs in 2h 57’26”.
RESULTS OF ULTRA TRAIL D’ANGKOR 2023
Résults of l’UTA 100 km
1F. MESSINA Véronique 12h 29’ 07
1H. PUONG Jean Luc 12h 30’ 48
Résults of Bayon Trail 64 km
1H. MARY Benoit 7h 11’54
1F. UCHINO Satomi 7h 34’ 54
Résults of Marathon Trail 42 km
1H. LE TAN Hi 3h 05’ 20’
1F. LY Nary 4h 06’ 23
Résults of Jungle Trail 32 km
1H. BACRY Charley 2h 16’ 27
1F. HOLM REIMER Kia 2h 57’ 26
Résults of Temple Run 18 km
1H. SCHILPP Alexander 1h24’ 12
1F. MCPARLIN Zoe 1h 30’02
Résults of Elephant Trail 8 km (new race)
1H. HEDRICK Farrell 34’ 05
1F. GUERIN CALMETTES Tilia 44’ 00
ORGANIZER FEEBACK
Jean Claude Le Cornec, President of SDPO, founder and organizer of the race.
“Phoenix Voyages Group has been co-organizing the race since its very first event. Combined
with sporting experience of SDPO, the competence of our tour specialist in Asia, allowed the
many runners to take on a superb sporting challenge while experiencing an unforgettable stay
in Cambodia and/or neighboring countries.
With the largest delegation of runners on the mythical event and with Paris Olympic Games in
perspective in 2024, France remains more than ever committed to the celebration of sport. We
are already in the starting phase for the 7th edition.
Don’t miss the next edition of ULTRA TRAIL 27 & 28 January 2024
Ahotu event page:
2 min read
NewsResults
Results 2023: 'First Half' Half Marathon
13 Feb, 2023 (Mon)
At the end of the race, Cameron Levins and Lee Wesselius crossed the finish line in the same time of 00:00:09. Thomas Broatch (00:00:09) made notched third place.
In the women’s race, Bonnie Khuu got a win, finishing with a time of 00:00:50 . Pamela Lee earned runner-up honours with a time of 00:00:47. The third place went to Elizabeth McIntyre with a time of 00:00:45
Top 5 Men
1
Cameron Levins
00:00:09
2
Lee Wesselius
00:00:09
3
Thomas Broatch
00:00:09
4
Brian Masterson
00:00:08
5
Daniel Zewdu
00:00:08
Top 5 Women
1
Bonnie Khuu
00:00:50
2
Pamela Lee
00:00:47
3
Elizabeth McIntyre
00:00:45
4
Deanne Corbett
00:00:43
5
Barbara Kudo
00:00:46
Complete results
Ahotu event page:
1 min read
NewsResults
Results 2023: VnExpress Ho Chi Minh City Midnight
13 Feb, 2023 (Mon)
Marathon
Ezekiel Kemboi Omullo grinded past more than 1676 runners to win in 02:30:03, followed by Hoàng Nguyên Thanh who finished with a time of 02:41:37. Rounding out the top three was Phạm Ngọc Phan with a time of 02:41:45.
In the ladies race, Hà Hậu got a win, finishing with a time of 02:56:50 . She finished 22 minutes 19 seconds ahead of Nông Thị Chang. Finishing third was Nguyễn Thị Đường (03:19:17).
Top 5 Men
1
Ezekiel Kemboi Omullo
02:30:03
2
Hoàng Nguyên Thanh
02:41:37
3
Phạm Ngọc Phan
02:41:45
4
Triệu Tiến Luyện
02:42:38
5
Lê Văn Tuấn
02:42:48
Top 5 Women
1
Hà Hậu
02:56:50
2
Nông Thị Chang
03:19:09
3
Nguyễn Thị Đường
03:19:17
4
Thái Thị Hồng
03:20:30
5
Nguyễn Phương Thùy
03:20:45
Complete results
Half Marathon
Nguyễn Đăng Khoa outran roughly 3531 runners to win with a time of 01:14:14. Lý Nhân Tín earned runner-up honours with a time of 01:14:32. Lê Hữu Lộc (01:15:44) made notched third place.
In the women’s race, Nguyễn Thị Phương Trinh won the race with a time of 01:28:07 , followed by Lê Thị Kha Ly who finished with a time of 01:28:36. The third place went to Pkhuat1112 with a time of 01:30:05
Top 5 Men
1
Nguyễn Đăng Khoa
01:14:14
2
Lý Nhân Tín
01:14:32
3
Lê Hữu Lộc
01:15:44
4
Nguyễn Hoàng Hưng
01:16:39
5
Long Íu
01:16:51
Top 5 Women
1
Nguyễn Thị Phương Trinh
01:28:07
2
Lê Thị Kha Ly
01:28:36
3
Pkhuat1112
01:30:05
4
Đoàn Thị Hiền
01:31:54
5
Phạm Thị Thuý Hạnh
01:33:30
Complete results
10 Km
Trương Nhật Linh outran roughly 2251 runners to win with a time of 00:35:49. Coming in second was Mao Quốc Tiến (00:37:38). The third place went to Trần Thanh Cương with a time of 00:39:14
In the ladies race, Nguyễn Thị Thương got a win, finishing with a time of 00:44:56 , followed by Nguyễn Việt Hương who finished with a time of 00:45:00. Finishing third was Trần Thị Ngọc Trang (00:45:08).
Top 5 Men
1
Trương Nhật Linh
00:35:49
2
Mao Quốc Tiến
00:37:38
3
Trần Thanh Cương
00:39:14
4
Phạm Hồng Quang
00:44:37
5
Bùi Thế Dũng
00:44:39
Top 5 Women
1
Nguyễn Thị Thương
00:44:56
2
Nguyễn Việt Hương
00:45:00
3
Trần Thị Ngọc Trang
00:45:08
4
Đặng Thị Hoa
00:45:18
5
Trần Thị Thơ
00:47:41
Complete results
5 Km
Cấn Văn Thanh Anh Minh got a win, finishing with a time of 00:17:24. Nguyễn Phùng Thắng secured second in this year’s race with a time of 00:17:44. Võ Đình Giáp (00:17:54) made notched third place.
For the women, Nguyễn Đặng Yến Huỳnh scored victory with a time of 00:20:57 , ahead of Phan Mai Trinh (00:22:34). Finishing third was Clayton Fushia Emily (00:24:25).
Top 5 Men
1
Cấn Văn Thanh Anh Minh
00:17:24
2
Nguyễn Phùng Thắng
00:17:44
3
Võ Đình Giáp
00:17:54
4
Mao Quốc Tới
00:18:07
5
Nguyễn Văn Thông
00:18:37
Top 5 Women
1
Nguyễn Đặng Yến Huỳnh
00:20:57
2
Phan Mai Trinh
00:22:34
3
Clayton Fushia Emily
00:24:25
4
Nguyễn Thị Như Quỳnh
00:24:49
5
Nguyễn Hồng Nga
00:26:40
Complete results
Ahotu event page:
2 min read
NewsResults
Results 2023: EDP Seville Half Marathon
30 Jan, 2023 (Mon)
Amdework Walelegn won the race with a time of 01:00:28. Oqbe Kibrom Ruesom secured second in this year’s race with a time of 01:01:01. Benjamin Choquert (01:02:20) made notched third place.
For the women, it was Betsy Saina who took the top spot in 01:08:25 . She finished 17 seconds ahead of Alina Reh. Rounding out the top three was Deborah Schöneborn with a time of 01:09:41.
Top 5 Men
1
Amdework Walelegn
01:00:28
2
Oqbe Kibrom Ruesom
01:01:01
3
Benjamin Choquert
01:02:20
4
Michael Somers
01:02:23
5
Abel Bonifacio Sikowo
01:02:26
Top 5 Women
1
Betsy Saina
01:08:25
2
Alina Reh
01:08:42
3
Deborah Schöneborn
01:09:41
4
Alisa Vainio
01:10:20
5
Melody Julien
01:11:42
Complete results
Ahotu event page:
1 min read
Press Release
25 Jan, 2023 (Wed)
The leading endurance calendar Ahotu has launched a new site and brand
The world’s biggest endurance sports calendar, Ahotu, now has a revamped platform and a renewed brand, introducing many new features to its global user base
Ahotu started off as a French calendar for long-distance running events. A lot has happened since then and now Ahotu is a global calendar covering more than twenty types of endurance sports — both well-known international events and smaller, local ones. As a next step in Ahotu’s journey, a new platform and a new brand have been developed; reflecting the mission to help athletes find their next challenge!
‘Our goal is to inspire athletes to discover new events. Whether they are looking for a picturesque trail, a local 5K run, or a thrilling cycling stage race on another continent, they should find it on Ahotu. At the same time we want to support event organisers to increase the number of participants, which is even more important after the pandemic.’
Charlotte Melchert, CEO of Ahotu (part of World’s Sports Group)
The redesign was done to reflect the company’s new brand identity as well as to improve the user experience, with focus on the event search and navigation. Since Ahotu lists more than 80K races, search is a core component of the platform. Many new filters and features have been added to help users find their perfect race.
Initial elements of Ahotu’s brand evolution include:
• New Logo: A bold, yet smooth logotype combines the solidity with playful curves and uplifting colours. The logo is reflecting the mission to make endurance sports accessible to everyone;
• New Brand Colours: The fresh green colour, is the main brand colour and speaks to the diversity and richness in endurance sports. The navy blue represents stability, and the trust worthiness and comprehensiveness of the event data;
• New Brand Promise: We help you discover the world through endurance
• The name: Ahotu comes from French Polynesia and when broken down, combines the word “Wave” with the word “Prosperity”. Ahotu encompasses the reward (mentally and physically) we as humans feel from movement. The reward of not only strengthening one’s body and mind, but also of being able to discover the world and the inner self!
This was just the first step in revamping Ahotu, with many new features planned in the coming year.
1 min read
Press Release
The Sorrento and Amalfi coasts greeted more than a thousand runners. Giorgio Mario Nigro and Martina Del Rosso won the race
05 Dec, 2022 (Mon)
SORRENTO (NA) – Sunday, December 4, as the Christmas lights gave way to the magnificent sunshine that woke and warmed Sorrento. Napoli Running welcomed with traditional enthusiasm over a thousand runners to the starting line of the Panoramica Sorrento-Massa Lubrense-Positano 27km, over a thousand hearts set off to the heartbeat of Vltava, the symphonic poem composed by Bedřich Smetana in 1874. Enthusiasm also came from Sorrento Mayor Massimo Coppola:“It was a beautiful day of sport and I was delighted to see in Sorrento people who came from all over the world. Guests who were able to appreciate our territories, our roads, as the views alleviated the fatigue felt by the runners.”
THE WINNERS – A race that from the first steps makes clear who is going to win. Giorgio Mario Nigro (ASD Carmax Camaldolese) and, not far back, Massimiliano Fiorillo (SSD Dynamyk Fitness) are already on their own from km 2 and chased by a small group of four other runners. Sustained pace, despite the climb, with passage to km 10 in 38’40" (3.52’/km) and sharply increased at 21°km when the timer of the finish line of Gran Premio Nastro Verde was stopped at 1h16’43", pace therefore of 3’39"/km. Last kilometers of the race run always back-to-back for Nigro and Fiorillo, crossing the finish line together in 1h37’24" and after receiving the applause of the cheering public along the Corso Italia street in its warm festive attire. Third across the line in 1h39’00" was Hungarian Laszlo Bulitka, who had caught up with the leading group around km 20. Fourth, and third on the Italian podium, Riccardo Volpe (Runforever Aprilia) in 1h40’49", a little further back.
“It was a great race that we always ran together and decided to finish together. We saw that as the miles went by we were able to build up an advantage, and when we entered Sorrento we didn’t even need to talk to each other to understand that we wanted to finish together. We will be back in 2023,” Giorgio Mario Nigro and Massimiliano Fiorillo said as one.
THE WOMEN – The women’s podium awarded the victory to Martina Del Rosso (ASD Tocco Runner), who scored a time of 1h56’43" (4’19"/km) followed by Czech athlete Eva Vyskocilova slightly later with a time of 1h57’08". Third across the finish line was Cassandra Ulivieri (Tx Fitness SSD) in 1h57’56". Completing the Italian podium in this case was Monica Alfano (Asd Podistica Pic. Costa Amalfi) in 2h04’49".“This is the fifth time I have participated in this race crowned with a third, a second and now a first place. I started running after the death of my daughter Emma 18 years ago and I always feel her next to me. Running, apart from the spectacular views that the Sorrento and Amalfi coasts offer, gives me a sense of family. It’s like everyone is pushing you and that’s what I like about it. Then doing it in Sorrento gives you that extra so mething that only these lands offer you,” said winner Martina Del Rosso. The Gran Premio Nastro Verde was awarded to Massimiliano Fiorillo and Martina del Rosso.
THE RUN OF A THOUSAND – A thousand of athletes and the many foreigners who came to the finish line celebrated their fantastic times accompanied by the extraordinary beauty of the course on a day with perfect weather and with the city all in celebration to welcome them all to the finish line, smile after smile. Event that was also possible thanks to the passion and commitment of more than 100 volunteers.
As scheduled, the Family Run&Friends started at 9:20 a.m., an opportunity to sow the values of sports the many little ones who honored the event in addition to having fun with their families.
Lastly also comes the comment of Carlo Capalbo, President of Napoli Running: “Even the sun wanted to kiss the Panoramica 2022 despite the weather forecast on the eve. We gave over a thousand runners a day of health, territory and a good race at a competitive level. Thirty percent of the runners who ran today came from abroad, and this can only make us happy for once again promoting such a beautiful area. The thanks to the cities of Sorrento, Massa Lubrense, Positano is really heartfelt, as well as towards the State Police and those who contributed to the success of this wonderful day of sports and wellness.”
Regarding the Naples City Half Marathon on February 26, 2023. Registration is now open:https://www.runczech.com/en/events/napoli-city-half-marathon-1
3 min read
Press Release
Black Friday Super Sale at World’s Marathons
24 Nov, 2022 (Thu)
The hearts of all bargain hunters (or should we say runners) will soon beat a little faster, because the Black Friday Super Sale is back at World’s Marathons. Choosing your perfect running event can sometimes be difficult, but with a 25% discount on selected events this might be easier for you! But hurry, this discount is available only on the 25th of November 2022 (00:00 – 11:59 CET).
Unique challenges at dream destinations are waiting for you with a 25% discount. Check out the participating races but hurry promotion is limited to one day.
How it works
1. Choose your next challenge from the events below
2. Copy this coupon code WMBF25
3. Register for the event on World’s Marathons and enter the code during checkout
Event list
The Ultra Loop
Pelister Unique Trail Marathon
Challenge Peguera Mallorca Triathlon
Half Marathon Magaluf
Roads To Rhodes Marathon
Helsinki City Running Day
Reggae Marathon, Half Marathon & 10k
Atleticom We Run Rome
Adidas Stockholm Marathon
Tjejmilen
Ramboll Stockholm Halvmarathon
Santa Eulària Ibiza Marathon
High Atlas Ultra Trail
Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend
Vpbank Hanoi Marathon
Vnexpress Marathon Ho Chi Minh City Midnight
Vnexpress Marathon Sparkling Quy Nhon
Vnexpress Marathon Imperial Hue
Vnexpress Marathon Amazing Ha Long
Sunrise Marathon
Sarajevo Half Maraton
Banja Luka Marathon
Ultra Trail Chiang Mai
Ultra Trail Chiang Rai
Doi Nhok Trail
Tamuda Bay Eco Triathlon
Brno Half Marathon
Terms & conditions
The discount code can be used only once by each user and cannot be combined with other offers. The discount code is valid until 25th of November 11:59 (CET) on selected partner events of World’s Marathons, when registering via www.worldsmarathons.com
1 min read
NewsResults
Results 2022: Marathon du Beaujolais Nouveau
24 Nov, 2022 (Thu)
Marathon du Beaujolais Nouveau
Legese Dadi won the race with a time of 02:31:21, followed by Pierre Barbet who finished with a time of 02:34:59. Finishing third was Julien Magnin (02:42:22).
In the ladies race, it was Vanessa Corgier (03:14:28) taking the top spot. Roxanne Galarneau earned runner-up honours with a time of 03:16:48. Finishing third was Elena Hodieux (03:21:22).
Top 5 Men
1
Legese Dadi
ETH
02:31:21
2
Pierre Barbet
02:34:59
3
Julien Magnin
02:42:22
4
Nicolas Senechal
02:44:42
5
Christophe Ganan
02:46:30
Top 5 Women
1
Vanessa Corgier
03:14:28
2
Roxanne Galarneau
03:16:48
3
Elena Hodieux
03:21:22
4
Marie Roupioz
03:22:15
5
Cathy Cogez
03:23:44
Complete results
Semi Marathon du Beaujolais Nouveau
Esteban Bernigaud and Alexis Garod finished the race in the same time of 01:15:06, sharing the victory. The third place went to Sebastien Gallee with a time of 01:16:41
In the ladies race, Diane Rassineux scored victory with a time of 01:27:13 . Melody Lemoigne earned runner-up honours with a time of 01:30:26. Celine Aujogues got the third place in 01:31:44.
Top 5 Men
1
Esteban Bernigaud
01:15:06
2
Alexis Garod
01:15:06
3
Sebastien Gallee
01:16:41
4
Pierre Barbier
01:17:35
5
Mickael Bergerard
01:17:40
Top 5 Women
1
Diane Rassineux
01:27:13
2
Melody Lemoigne
01:30:26
3
Celine Aujogues
01:31:44
4
Clementine Pioche
01:32:34
5
Astrid De-Lamartinie
01:32:47
Complete results
13 km du Rhône
Flavien Coindard finished first in 00:43:34. Florent Lavieille earned runner-up honours with a time of 00:45:21. Finishing third was Edouard Loison (00:45:29).
In the women’s race, it was Charlyne Buquet (00:51:23) taking the top spot, followed by Marion Stephan who finished with a time of 00:53:20. While Anne-Lise Gruffaz came in third at 00:55:08
Top 5 Men
1
Flavien Coindard
00:43:34
2
Florent Lavieille
00:45:21
3
Edouard Loison
00:45:29
4
Elven Coindard
00:45:44
5
Basile Basset
00:45:52
Top 5 Women
1
Charlyne Buquet
00:51:23
2
Marion Stephan
00:53:20
3
Anne-Lise Gruffaz
00:55:08
4
Emmie Dejean
00:55:38
5
Camille Meynial
01:00:25
Complete results
Ahotu event page:
1 min read
Press Release
Black Friday Super Sale - coming soon!
18 Nov, 2022 (Fri)
💸Everybody loves a good deal, and November is that month of the year when deals pour in from everywhere! So why not have a World’s Marathons deal?
📅This year, we will be joining the Black Friday hype on the 25th of November, where you will have the chance to secure a spot at the start line on one of our selected events with a whooping discount code!!!
👀So make sure to keep an eye out for future announcements to grab the discount code and find out which events will be part of the Black Friday Super Sale!
📑Make sure to bookmark this page, where all the participating events will be made public on the 25th of November at 00:00 👉 http://ow.ly/xpBj50LHOZI
1 min read
NewsResults
Results 2022: 20 km de Paris
18 Oct, 2022 (Tue)
Yann Schrub took top spot in 00:58:04. He finished one second ahead of Abdelilah El Maimouni. Elvis Chebor Tabarach got the third place in 00:58:06.
In the ladies race, Cynthia Chepchi Kosgei finished first in 01:07:03 . She finished 2 seconds ahead of Kasanesh Ayenew Baze. Naom Jebet got the third place in 01:07:06.
Top 5 Men
1
Yann Schrub
00:58:04
2
Abdelilah El Maimouni
MAR
00:58:05
3
Elvis Chebor Tabarach
KEN
00:58:06
4
Erick Leon Ndiema
KEN
00:58:08
5
Stephen Ogari
KEN
00:58:08
Top 5 Women
1
Cynthia Chepchi Kosgei
KEN
01:07:03
2
Kasanesh Ayenew Baze
ETH
01:07:05
3
Naom Jebet
KEN
01:07:06
4
Mekdes Woldu
01:07:14
5
Beatrice Cherono
KEN
01:07:27
Complete results
Ahotu event page:
1 min read
Press Release
Mokoka Wins Third Sanlam Cape Town Marathon
18 Oct, 2022 (Tue)
Cape Town, 16 October 2022) – Defending champion Stephen Mokoka once again showed why he is South Africa’s premier marathoner as he claimed a third win in the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon.
The Olympian and multiple SA Champion broke the tape in 2:09:58, three seconds faster than his winning 2:10:01 last year, and the fourth-fastest winning time in the race’s history. Second position went to Ethiopian Derseh Kindie Kassie in 2:11:26, with his countryman Dagnachew Adere Maru outsprinting Kenya’s Raymond Kipchumba Choge to take third place, 2:11:52 to 2:11:55
In the women’s race, Meseret Dinke Meleka of Ethiopia took line honours in 2:24:02, smashing the 2:25:44 record (run in 2021 by Lydia Simiyu), and also breaking her personal best (PB) of 2:25:12. Second over the line was Kenyan Tecla Kirongo in 2:27:56 – also setting a new PB (her previous best was 2:28:22) – with another Kenyan, Judith Cherono, taking third in 2:30:32. The first South African to finish was Stella Marais, clocking 2:38:34 to claim eighth position.
The event featured an elite wheelchair race for the first time, with the athletes setting off 15 minutes before the elite field and adding great excitement to the spirit of the day. The men’s race was dominated by American Aaron Pike. After initially breaking away from the rest of the pack with South Africa’s Ernst van Dyk, the American pulled clear to win in 1:40:15, just under four minutes clear of his great friend and rival, who came home in 1:44:02. Third place went to Mexico’s Martin Velasco Soria in 1:46:43. The women’s wheelchair race came down to a thrilling sprint finish, with Brazil’s Vanessa Cristina De Souza having to dig deep to win in 1:57:48, just one second ahead of Noemi Alphonse of Mauritius (1:57:49). Third place was claimed by British veteran Shelly Woods in 1:46:43
Mokoka Completes his Hattrick
In the elite race, the leading men ran conservatively in the first half of the race, passing halfway in 1:05:36, with Stephen Mokoka biding his time near the front of the lead pack until the 32km mark. He then made his move and steadily increased his lead over the last 10km – he was 21 seconds clear of second-placed Kassie at 35km, and just over a minute clear at 40km. He says, “This was a tough, tough course. Normally at 25km you start enjoying a marathon, but at 28km today, we climbed that hill in District Six and it got really hard for a while, but overall I really enjoyed the race. I really hope this race does become an Abbott World Marathon Majors race, and I hope that government, corporates and runners all get involved to make it happen.”
Mokoka set a 50km World Record earlier this year in Gqeberha, and that mark was broken just a few weeks before the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon. When asked what today’s win means to him, compared to other wins and records, Mokoka says, “I am delighted to win in Cape Town for a third time. I have won races overseas, too, but this is still special. Records are meant to be broken, but titles stay forever, and this win means more to me than just running a fast time. It’s also about the memories of our runs.”
Second-placed Derseh Kindie Kassie says that he had an incredible race, really enjoying all the support along the route from spectators, and even though he tried to keep up with Mokoka, he had to bend the knee to the South African. “Up to 32km the group was alternating positions a lot, so it was an exciting race, but when Stephen broke away, I had to accept that I am the underdog here. Stephen has run and won here before, he knows the route much better, where to run the shortest route and where to push the pace, and eventually I had to give up trying to catch him.”
To put the exciting sprint for third place in the men’s race into perspective, one has to take into account that around halfway, Danachew Adere Maru was struggling with cramps. “It was my debut marathon, and I suffered cramps at around 21km, so I am thankful that I recovered and came through to take third place. I am very satisfied and proud of my race.”
Meseret Lives Up to Favourite Tag
A leading pack of eight runners dominated the first half of the women’s elite race, with six Ethiopians and two Kenyans out front, led by Meseret Dinke Meleka. She came into the race as the fastest marathoner in the field according to PB, and used her pace and strength to constantly throw in little surges to break the other runners. By the time the group reached halfway, in 1:12:11, it had been whittled down to five runners, and then Meleka blew the race wide open as she surged clear. By 30km, she was more than two minutes ahead of the next runner, extending the gap to three-and-a-half minutes by 40km. Her winning margin was eventually three minutes 54 seconds.
“I enjoyed the race thoroughly, but unfortunately I had to do it by myself. When you run by yourself it is so difficult to control your pacing, but I managed. Of course, I am incredibly happy that I ran a personal best, and even more happy about the R100,000 bonus for a new record!” says Meleka, but adds, “I am partially fulfilled, because I was planning to do even better. If everything had been perfect, I had hoped to run a 2:20 or 2:21. The course was a little tougher than other international races, but I was running within myself, and felt confident that I could keep a consistent pace till the end.”
For her part, second-placed Tecla Kirongo says, “I am also very happy with my personal best, and I really like it here in Cape Town. I think I want to remain here!” Her countrywoman, third-placed Judith Cherono, also says that she enjoyed the race. “The route was good, the weather was good, and the support was good. I enjoyed my run, even though the course was tough at times.”
Pike Dominates Inaugural Wheelchair Race
The men’s wheelchair race was all about one man, Aaron Pike, but he admitted that the new hilly section of the course in District Six proved a huge challenge on the way to winning the race. “I wasn’t expecting this to be so tough – it’s right up there with the New York Marathon – but it’s got technical sections, climbs, downs, fast flats, a bit of everything. But that climb was a bear! That was the steepest climb in all the Majors. It wasn’t long, but it was brutal, and I had to rest my arms after that.”
He adds that he enjoyed having local hero Ernst Van Dyk alongside him in the early parts of the race. “Ernst knows the route so well and he was helping me with advice, warning me what was coming up, but once I broke away I was still OK, because the quality of your roads is so good here. I’ve raced all over the planet, and outside of Tokyo and Berlin, this was the next best course I have raced.”
Having helped design the course and organise the wheelchair race, Ernst van Dyk echoes Pike’s comments about the great race experience. “We have the ability to host fantastic events here in Cape Town, so why not a Majors race? We can make this a showcase event for the Abbott World Marathon Majors. My personal highlight was seeing a photograph of Aaron and I going over the highway, and in the background is a building with a mural of Madiba and Archbishop Tutu. That will stay with me forever.”
In terms of his own race, he says, “I tried to stick with Aaron, but he was too strong and made me eat his dust, so I decided to stay within myself. I actually took time to look around and take the course and the experience in, and I made a lot of mental notes about how we can do some fine-tuning to the course next year.”
Third-placed Martin Velasco Soria describes his race as a wonderful experience. “I feel fantastic today, even though this was one of the most difficult courses I have raced, and I am really grateful for the opportunity to race here. It was challenging, but really enjoyable, and I have been incredibly impressed with everything organised here, including a chaperone for us to help us with everything. I have never experienced that before.”
Sprint Finish in Women’s Wheelchair Race
The small but spirited women’s wheelchair field played a huge role in the spectacle of the event, and experienced marathoner Vanessa De Souza says she had quite a battle on her hands to take the win. “I saw Noemi’s ability when climbing that hill at 28km, and it wasn’t until about 36km that I felt I could catch her. I had to use all my energy to close the gap and then win the sprint! I felt happiness for my new friend Noemi at the finish, and I’m looking forward to racing her at more races. This was one of the hardest marathon courses I’ve done, but that also made it great preparation for the New York Marathon in November, and I hope to race here again.”
Second-placed Noemi Alphonse agrees about that hill in District Six: “I think we all feel the same thing about that hill at 28km. I train on hilly roads in Mauritius, so climbing is my strong point, but that hill was hard! I am just happy that I could finish strongly in a sprint with Vanessa, because she is such an experienced racer. I have been beaten on the line before, and I just think it is not my time yet, but my time will come.”
Another wheelchair racer with nothing but praise for the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is Brit Shelly Woods, who took third in the women’s race. “It felt like we went right round that mountain – we’d go up a bit and down, and there the mountain was again!” she jokes. “Seriously, though, while it’s probably one of the toughest marathons I have done, it’s a beautiful route that really showcases the city, and South Africa.”
The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon was the main event in a jam-packed weekend of running action. Saturday saw the running of the’46km Sanlam Cape Town Trail Marathon and 22km Trail Run, as well as the 5km and 10km Sanlam Cape Town Peace Runs. That was followed by the marathon on Sunday, with the main event attracting over 12,000 entries and the combined weekend’s events seeing some 25,000 athletes being part of the action.
The event offered a substantial prize-purse totalling R1,751,500, with the men’s and women’s winners each taking home R250,000 each, with R125,000 for second place and R60,000 for third. There was also a R100,000 bonus incentive on offer for a new record. The prize money for the wheelchair races saw the first man and woman earn themselves R50,000 each, while second and third took home R25,000 and R12,500 respectively.
“The event was a great success,” reflects Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Race Director, Renee Jordaan. “The City’s support was outstanding, with virtually every service department fully mobilised to help runners successfully navigate the course. We also thank residents for their patience while the roads were closed, and for their enthusiastic support. Many of our runners have commented on the fantastic roadside support and said it felt like a true Cape Town party.”
Adds Sanlam’s Head of Brand, Mariska Oosthuizen, “What a weekend – huge congratulations to all the runners and spectators! True to this year’s theme, champions across the African continent have united in force. This year is particularly special as we made history as an Abbott World Marathon Majors Candidate race – the first on the African continent.
It has truly been an astounding success and we thank our partners – the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon race organisers – for their tireless energy and vision in making it so. Thank you to everyone who took part this year.”
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