Richard Nkosi

Richard Nkosi

Harmony Gold Club athlete Sipho Ngomane defended his 42,2km Sappi Elands Valley Marathon title at the weekend.

Ngomane had earlier said he was unfit to take part in the race.

"I wasn't lying when I said I would not take part in the race," he said afterwards. "I was unfit and I only trained for a few days before the race.

"I went to the race to jog. But when I reached the 20km [mark], I felt fit and there was no one following me. That's when I decided to continue and I even surprised myself by winning."

Ngomane won the race in 2hrs: 21min:03sec. He was followed by clubmate Lovers Hlatshwayo in 2:21:09, while Nelspruit Marathon Club athlete Samuel Makamo came third in 2:23:20.

Ngomane said he was looking forward to the Two Oceans marathon in Cape Town next month.

Results: 42,2km(women)

Sara Mahlangu (Raiders) - 3:02:13, Anita O'Brien (Harmony) - 3:05:34, Norma Crampton (Nelspruit Marathon Club) - 3:14:24.

21km (men)

Josia Thugwane (Harmony) - 1:05:07; Graham Maringa (Harmony) - 1:05;19, Jabulani Khoza (Adidas) - 1:06;37.

21km (women)

Eunice Nhlapo (Eskom) - 1:20:22,

Mafalane Veronica (Harmony) - 1:28:26, Sibongile Rathuka (Harmony) - 1:28:45.

10km (men)

Enos Matalane (Transwerk) - 29:08, Moses Mashiane (Ikhaya) - 29:17, Ntuthuko Maseko (Harmony) - 30:02.

10km (women)

Nontokoza Dlamini (Nelspruit MC) - 39:14, Karen Brookes (Irene) - 40:03, Goodness Masilela (Nelspruit MC) - 40:44.