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Locals tipped to take Two Oceans

Caroline Wostman hits the tape to win the 2015 Two Oceans Marathon./ANTONIO MUCHAVE
Caroline Wostman hits the tape to win the 2015 Two Oceans Marathon./ANTONIO MUCHAVE

Ultra-marathon champion David Gatebe has placed his bet on South Africa reclaiming the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon men's title on Saturday.

No local has come close to emulating Gatebe's 2013 feat when the Rustenburg-based athlete broke the foreign runners' stranglehold on the Easter weekend flagship 56km marathon.

"I'm looking at our training partner Edward Mothibi as the one to bring the title home. He might not be popular but he has been showing the signs that he's got a strong mind to tackle that course," said Gatebe, who will miss the race in Cape Town on Saturday as he's in camp preparing for the Comrades Marathon instead.

Mothibi, 31, came seventh at the Soweto Marathon last year and he has three Two Oceans under his name.

Gatebe also tipped fellow ultra stars Ludwick Mamabolo, Bong'musa Mthembu and Charles Tjiane as the men to watch.

Mike Fokoroni of Zimbabwe is the defending champion.

He succeeded Lesotho nationals Motlokoa Nkhabutlane (2015) and Lebenya Nkoko (2014) after Gatebe won it in 3:08:54 in his maiden Two Oceans

The 56km has attracted 11 000 runners, while 16 000 will line up in the 21km race.

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