Ellina Mhlanga in Pretoria, South Africa
SOUTH AFRICA’S Bennet Seloyi and Namibia’s Lavinia Haitope were yesterday crowned champions at the African union Sports Council Region 5 Marathon held at the union Buildings in Pretoria, South Africa.
Seloyi was the first to cross the finish line in the men’s 21.1km race, clocking one hour, four minutes and 39 seconds.
Having recently competed in another marathon and struggled somewhat this season, Seloyi was delighted to win gold for his country, although he admitted that the race was far from easy.
“For me, it was hot conditions because I was running a marathon last week. So, here I just came to pick up the speed because I knew I had the power for a marathon. So, it was a little bit tough,” he said.
Kenya’s Stephen Kangethe finished second in one hour, four minutes and 59 seconds, while Namibia’s Simon Matias completed the podium in one hour, five minutes and 25 seconds.
In the women’s category, Haitope produced an impressive performance to claim the title in one hour, 14 minutes and 41 seconds, improving on her third-place finish last year when she clocked one hour, 15 minutes and 31 seconds.
The Namibian runner was pleased with her performance but acknowledged the challenging course and weather conditions.
“I am happy with my performance but the course, it was not easy because there is too much hills, and it was hot.
“I only came here to see how fast I can go. The competition was not easy; it was tough. I was just doing my best.
“I decided to make a move from 18km because I know the course, it is not an easy course, it’s a tough course,” said Haitope.
Last year’s winner, South Africa’s Irvette van Zyl, finished second in one hour, 15 minutes and 16 seconds, followed by compatriot Karabo Mailula in third place in one hour, 15 minutes and 46 seconds.
Both Seloyi and Haitope received R50 000 for their victories.
South Africa also dominated the 10km races, claiming both the men’s and women’s titles.
Chris Mhlanga won the men’s race in 29 minutes and 48 seconds, while Glenrose Xaba secured the women’s title in 33 minutes and 48 seconds.
It was a similar story in the 5km races, with Modupi Tladi crossing the finish line in 13 minutes and 53 seconds to win the men’s title, while Carina Swiegers claimed the women’s crown in 17 minutes and 19 seconds.
The event also featured a one-mile race for athletes with disabilities, with Namibia completing a clean sweep as Roodly Gowaseb successfully defended the title he won at the same venue last year in five minutes and 37 seconds.
Having participated in last year’s competition, Gowaseb said his familiarity with the course worked to his advantage.
“The race was much better than last year. The only problem is, this year there is too much heat. I think it’s too hot this time around.
“Knowing the route is always the best,” Gowaseb said.
Nico Kharuxab finished second in five minutes and 41 seconds, while Angula Mateus came third in six minutes and 42 seconds.
