2018 Old Mutual Soweto Marathon: A resounding success!

JOHANNESBURG, 4 NOVEMBER 2018

Ethiopian Sintayehu Legese Yinesu of the Nedbank Running Club was the first runner to cross the finish line of the 25th edition of the 2018 Old Mutual Soweto Marathon in an impressive time of 2:19:10, scooping the men’s title. But it was South African sweetheart Irvette Van Zyl of the Nedbank Running Club who stole the show, winning the women’s 42.2km marathon for the second year running and setting a new course record of 2:33:43.

“The 25th edition of the Old Mutual Soweto Marathon was undoubtedly the best yet with 30 000 runners taking to the streets of South Africa’s most decorated township, Soweto,” smiles Soweto Marathon Chairman Sello Khunou. “Thank you to all those who made The People’s Race a resounding success – what a perfect example of how South Africans rallied together to celebrate our past and our present: And trust me when I say that our future is bright!”

Nedbank Running Club claimed a 1, 2, 3 in the men’s with Lebenya Nkoka with a time of 2:20:31 and Daba Ifa Debele in 2:21:13, filling second and third. Taking the first three in the women’s marathon as well, it was second placed Mamorallo Tjoka in 2:37:12 and Ethiopian Selam Abere Alebachew in third place with 2:44:50.

Old Mutual Chief Marketing Officer, Vuyo Lee says, “Hopes and dreams were realised today as runners from all walks of life crossed the finish line beaming with joy, relief and pride. This is what our sponsorship means to us, a way to help people fulfil their deepest aspirations and to become their exceptional best. Congratulations to our 2018 winners and all who participated in the 25th edition of the Old Mutual Soweto Marathon!”

Now in his third year as Race Director, Danny Blumberg comments that every year this event seems to make huge strides;

“I’m thrilled to see how the running community – whether it be the runners themselves or the support and services crew – pull together for such a great cause. We work on this event all year round and we believe that we’ve delivered an event that South Africans can be proud of!”

Soweto Marathon Trust (SMT) would like to thank Old Mutual, the Gauteng Provincial Government, City of Joburg, SABC, among others, for their contributions and participation.

Men’s 42.2km:

  1. Sintayehu Legese Yinesu: Nedbank Running Club – 2:19:10
  2. Lebenya Nkoka: Nedbank Running Club – 2:20:31
  3. Daba Ifa Debele: Nedbank Running Club – 2:21:13

Women’s 42.2km:

  1. Irvette Van Zyl: Nedbank Running Club – 2:33:43
  2. Mamorallo Tjoka: Nedbank International Running Club – 2: 37:12
  3. Selam Abere Alebachew: Nedbank Running Club – 2: 44:50

Men’s 21.1km:

  1. Elroy Gelant: Boxer Athletics Club – 1:07:02
  2. Philani Buthelezi: KPMG Running Club – 1:08:22
  3. Samuel Molefi: Impala Running Club – 1:08:44

Women’s 21.1km:

  1. Betha Chikanga: Maxed Elite – 1:17:16
  2. Caroline Mhandu: Maxed Elite – 1:20:49
  3. Christine Kalmer: KPMG Running Club – 1:20:57

Men’s 10km:

  1. Desmond Mokgobu: Olifants Athletic Club – 31:05
  2. Kabelo Melamu: KPMG – 31:21
  3. Sylvester Koko: Diacore Gaborone Marathon – 31:28

Women’s 10km:

  1. Glenrose Xaba: Boxer Athletics Club – 35:25
  2. Lebogang Luthuli: Boxer Athletics Club – 37:34
  3. Diana Lebo Phalula: Boxer Athletics Club – 39:07

Landmarks:

The route honours Soweto’s rich history and runners pass eight significant heritage sites on the marathon route, namely the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Walter Sisulu Square, the Regina Mundi Catholic Church, Credo Mutwa Cultural Village, Morris Isaacson High School & June 16 Memorial Acre, Vilakazi Street and the Hector Pieterson Memorial.  The organisers and sponsors of the race, Soweto Marathon Trust and Old Mutual respectively, once again promise runners and all participants a fantastic, fun-filled experience.