South Africa’s finest long distance runner Stephen Mokoka wrote history in his hometown as he made it three pet at the 15th edition of the Cape Town Marathon held on Sunday (16) in Cape Town, South Africa.
The 37 year-old first took the honors of this race with a course record of 2:08.31 in 2018 and again went on to claim the title the second time last year in a time of 2:09.58.
Mokoka faced a stiff challenge from Ethiopians Derseh Kassie and Dagnachew Maru as well two Kenyans Raymond Choge and Samuel Moloi.
Mokoka who seemed well versed with route though it had some slight changes for this edition, surged to victory in a time of 2:09.58 and was followed by Kassie in 2:11.26 with his compatriot Maru closing the podium three finishes in 2:11.52.
“The first 10km was very tough and the last part was a little nicer, but in the middle it was also very tough. But I wanted to run under 2:10:00, so I’m happy,” said Mokoka.
Kenya’s choge and Moloi could not hold the pace of the three as they were forced to settle in fourth and fifth place in a time of 2:11.44 and 2:14.39 respectively.
The win sees a great improvement for Mokoka who has had a disappointing year with injuries which forced him to miss out on the World Athletics Championships in Oregon.
Mokoka pocketed a whopping R250 000 cheque.
LEADING RESULTS
42KM MEN
- Stephen Mokoka (RSA) 2:09.58
- Derseh Kassie (ETH) 2:11.26
- Dagnachew Maru (ETH) 2:11.52
- Raymond Choge (KEN) 2:11.44
- Samuel Moloi (KEN) 2:14.39
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