Tumelo Motlagale dominated a strong field to clinch the men’s marathon at a sold-out 43rd Johnson Crane Marathon at Willowmoore Park on January 26, while Kenyan Gladys Jepchirchir clinched the women’s race.
Motlagale clocked the fastest time in the race since the Covid19 pandemic after crossing the line in 02:21:24, beating a field that included 2023 winner Tonny Skink, Nedbank Running Club duo Puseletso Mofokeng, Msawenkosi Mthalane and Charles Tjiane of Maxed Elite.
“I spoke to last year’s winner, Sikhumbuzo Seme, who finished the race in 02:24:42. I wanted to attempt anything under that. I’m very happy with my 02:21:24,” Motlagele said.
The Phantane AC athlete started the race conservatively and only launched his attack in the latter stages. Running at 03:14min/km, the 39-year old covered the first 10km in 35:30, arriving at the halfway mark in 01:09:21.
He reached the 30km point in 01:40:09, before covering the remaining 12km in 41:15 to complete the race in 02:21:24, the fastest time since Eliud Biwott’s 02:21:21 in the 2020.
“The competition was tight. My plan was to push after 30km. I ran the first and second 15km relaxed and pushed afterwards. My plan was to start at the back and then push to the front in the latter stages of the race.”
Omuhle Kubheka was third in the women’s marathon.
Women’s raceJepchirchir, second in the 2024 race when Cian Oldknow broke the women’s course record, clinched the line honours in 02:58:49, beating her Nedbank Running Club teammate, Adele Broodryk by 31 seconds.
“In 2024, I completed the race in 03:07:20. I’m very happy with this one. The last time I ran this race, I was ill. But today I felt okay. I’m happy with my performance. I love this race so much,” said Jepchirchir.
Broodryk got her Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon and Comrades Marathon preparations off to a flying start. Averaging 04:15min/km, she covered the first 21km in 01:27:15, before covering the next 9km in 39:11 to reach the 30km point in 02:06:26.
She ran the remaining 12km in 52:55 to arrive at the finish in 02:59:20.
“I used this as a tempo run long run. I’m busy with my mileage and build up for the Two Oceans and Comrades. I’m running every race to gain experience and get back the form I was in,” said Broodryk.
New Pan African Resources AC recruit, Omuhle Kubheka completed the top three in 02:59:58. According to the organisers, Benoni Harriers, the race attracted a sold-out crowd of over 13 500 runners.
Tumelo Motlagale clinched the men’s race in 02:21:24.
According to the organisers, the race attracted over 13 500 runners.
The men’s 42.2km top three Tonny Skink (runer-up), winner Tumelo Motlagale and Puseletso Mofokeng. They are with Bruce Fordyce.
The women’s 42.2km podium. Adele Broodryk (runner-up), winner Gladys Jepchirchir and Omuhle Kubheka. They are with Johnson Crane Hire MD Lalith Senarathne and Brucy Fordycce.
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