NEWS RELEASE

Middelburg, 18 April 2009. It was a day of powerful running combined with years of experience that brought a thrilling conclusion to this year’s Forever Resorts Loskop Marathon.

This 50km ultra marathon is renowned for identifying new talent, but this year’s race belonged to 2005 record holder (record: 2:44:03) – Josiah Thugwane (Nedbank AC) of Mpumalanga, finishing in a time of 2:47:53.  According to Thugwane it was his experience that saved the day. Josiah used his knowledge of the Route and years of experience to take the lead at the 48km mark up Varaday’s Hill, overtaking Zimbabwean, Gilbert Mutandiero, who held the lead from the start in Middelburg. At one point Mutandiero had built a lead of over one minute at the half way stage. Murtandiero finished in a time of 2:48:46.

Nedbank’s Mpho Mokgonami finished third in 2:53:27. Holding second place from the 10 kilometre mark was Thugwane’s training partner, Doctor Mtsweni, who finished fifth overall.

The ladies race was equally exciting with 2008 winner – Muchaneta Gwata (Mr Price) – holding the lead to the 25km mark; with team mate, Chiyedsa Chokore, hot on her heels until she sped up to build a substantial lead. Chokore finished in a time of 3:30:09. Second place went to Riana van Niekerk (Mr Price) in a time of 3:34:41. Third place went to Anita O’Brien (Alpha Centurion Runners) in 3:42:33.

Over 3 500 athletes lined up for the start of the Forever Resorts Loskop Marathon in Middelburg, Mpumalanga.

“Today’s race can go down in the 24-year history of this event as an occasion of competitive racing coupled with sportsmanship and camaraderie.  It was yet another historical moment in the Forever Resorts Loskop Marathon Series’ colourful history,” concluded Hein Koch, race director.

It was an equally exciting day for the half marathon that makes up the Forever Resorts Loskop Marathon Series - Forever Resorts Wild Challenge.  Mike Tebalo of Tuks Athletic Club broke the 2007 record in a time of 1:09:42.  Wesley Ruto of Toyota finished one minute behind Tebalo in 1:10:48.  Third position went to Lucky Mohale of Gauteng Striders in 1:11:13.

The Forever Resorts Wild Challenge ladies title went to Yaraidza Shindi of Mr Price in a time of 1:21:55.

Click here to see results..

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