adminEllina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
IT was a tale of mixed fortunes for Zimbabwean athletes who took part at this year’s edition of the Two Oceans marathon with the best result coming from Lyno Muchena who came eighth in the main race in 3hours 14minutes 14seconds. Zimbabwe had several runners taking part in the 56km ultra-marathon race on Saturday including veteran runner Mike Fokorani, who finished on position 10 in 3hours 16minutes 57seconds.
The Bindura-based athlete had hoped for top five at this year’s edition, having won the race in 2016, but things did not work out the way he expected and it was Muchena who posted the best performance on Saturday.
Fokorani said although he was not impressed by his overall position, he is happy with the time he posted.
“The race was very tough, it was unbearable from the start. However, everyone was pushing although it was hot. It usually happens especially at the 33km peg and to make the situation worse the pace suddenly increases.
‘’But I kept on pushing with the leading pack at a distance analysing the best way to survive.
“The time was a bit okay since I still have another race coming up, the Comrades ultra-marathon in June. So I am now focusing on that.
I feel I can challenge for the Comrades,” said Fokorani.
Another seasoned long distance runner, Collen Makaza, settled for position 12 in 3hours 18minutes 6seconds and also said he is now shifting his focus to the upcoming Comrades marathon.
The men’s race was won by Justin Kemboi in 3hours 9minutes 21seconds, followed by Lesotho’s Lebenya Nkoka in 3hours 10minutes 45seconds and David Gatebe of South Africa was third in 3hours 11minutes 12seconds.
In the women’s section, South Africa’s Gerda Steyn romped to victory in 3hours 39minutes 31seconds. On second place was Dominika Stelmach in 3hours 41minutes 56seconds and another South African Charne Bosman was third in 3hours 45minutes 20seconds.
Apart from the 56km race, Zimbabwe also had some athletes in the 21km race.
In the women’s event, Bertha Chikanga put up a good show to finish second in 1hour 16minutes 42seconds and Patience Murowe, who was just coming for the IAAF World Half marathon in Spain managed fourth place in 1hour 17minutes 32seconds.
Rudo Mhonderwa was also in the top 10 at position seven in 1hour 19minutes27seconds. Fortunate Chidzivo settled for position 16 while Rutendo Nyahora was number 17.
The race was won by Nolene Conrad of South Africa in 1hour 16minutes 17seconds and on third place was Kenya’s Susy Chamaimak with a time of 1hour 17minutes 1second.
Online Reporter