MULTI-TALENTED distance runner Mapaseka Makhanya is gunning for a second successive Gauteng Marathon title on September 7.
Makhanya won the event on debut last year, pocketing a whopping R250000 first prize.
The marathon will start outside Mogale City civic centre and finish at Johannesburg Stadium.
A total of R1.4-million has been set aside as prize money for the marathon, which attracts runners from as far afield as Namibia, Kenya and Ethiopia.
Speaking at a media briefing in Johannesburg yesterday, Makhanya said she was preparing well for the event.
"I have decided to come back and defend my title. I'm in good shape and hoping for another successful marathon. I won't put myself under pressure again like I did last year because I'm still a novice when it comes to standard marathons [42.2km]," she said.
"The bigger picture for me is the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, which is why I have decided not to compete in a lot of marathons. It's a gradual process."
Makhanya also participates in track events like the 800m, 1500m, 5000m and cross country, where she is doing equally well.
On Sunday, Makhanya - the South African Sportswoman of the Year - will compete in the Spar women's 10km race in Durban.
"I'm going to Durban for a win, the plan is to do the same in Pretoria and Johannesburg like it happened last year," said the Boxer Athletics Club member, who is trained by former athlete Lungile Bikwani.
The Gauteng Marathon also features a half marathon and 10km road race. The registration fee for the marathon is R125, R85 for the half marathon and R50 for the 10km.
Makhanya eyes title defence
MULTI-TALENTED distance runner Mapaseka Makhanya is gunning for a second successive Gauteng Marathon title on September 7.
Makhanya won the event on debut last year, pocketing a whopping R250000 first prize.
The marathon will start outside Mogale City civic centre and finish at Johannesburg Stadium.
A total of R1.4-million has been set aside as prize money for the marathon, which attracts runners from as far afield as Namibia, Kenya and Ethiopia.
Speaking at a media briefing in Johannesburg yesterday, Makhanya said she was preparing well for the event.
"I have decided to come back and defend my title. I'm in good shape and hoping for another successful marathon. I won't put myself under pressure again like I did last year because I'm still a novice when it comes to standard marathons [42.2km]," she said.
"The bigger picture for me is the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, which is why I have decided not to compete in a lot of marathons. It's a gradual process."
Makhanya also participates in track events like the 800m, 1500m, 5000m and cross country, where she is doing equally well.
On Sunday, Makhanya - the South African Sportswoman of the Year - will compete in the Spar women's 10km race in Durban.
"I'm going to Durban for a win, the plan is to do the same in Pretoria and Johannesburg like it happened last year," said the Boxer Athletics Club member, who is trained by former athlete Lungile Bikwani.
The Gauteng Marathon also features a half marathon and 10km road race. The registration fee for the marathon is R125, R85 for the half marathon and R50 for the 10km.
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