TWO Lesotho runners finished among the top 10 in the famous African Bank Soweto Marathon, as South Africa’s Ntsindiso Mphakathi won the 42-kilometre race on Sunday.
sports
Nov. 8, 2023
LEBOELA MOTOPI
1 min read
Lesotho runners finish in top 10 at Soweto Marathon
Lesotho's marathon specialist, Lebenya Nkoka
Story highlights
Lebenya Nkoka and Jobo Khatoane, finished fourth and fifth
Tebello Ramakongoana, set a new SA record when he finished 10km event in 0.29.21
Lebenya Nkoka and his compatriot Jobo Khatoane, who both run under the Maxed Elite club, finished fourth and fifth, clocking in 2:21:11 and 2:21:17, respectively.
Their countryman, Namakoe Nkhasi, who runs under the Nedbank Lesotho club, finished the race in position nine in 2:24.09.
According to SA media, Mphakathi’s win was a welcome relief for the country, as no male local had won since 2011. Mphakathi finished the race in 2:19.13, ahead of last year’s winner, Ethiopian Daba Debele, and Tonny Skink of Zimbabwe.
Another Lesotho athlete who also runs under Maxed Elite, Kamohelo Mofolo, won the 10.5km event in 1:08.04.
Enjoy our daily newsletter from today
Access exclusive newsletters, along with previews of new media releases.
His countryman, Tebello Ramakongoana, who is part of the Excel Running Club, set a new South African record when he finished the 10km event in 0.29.21.
Ramakongoana has already qualified for the Paris Olympic Games next year.
The African Bank Soweto Marathon runs past iconic landmarks of Soweto, including the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Walter Sisulu Square, the Regina Mundi Catholic Church, and the Hector Pieterson Memorial, among others.
Tailored for you
