The organiser of the 32nd marathon, Wayne Beelders, said they had different categories in which people could participate. The 42.2km race started at 05:30, while the 21km race began at 05:45.

At 06:00, the 10km run started along with the 5km race for pupils.  

The marathon also attracted runners from Lesotho. 

The winner of each category received prizes. Those who took part in the marathon had to pay, and Beelders explained that this was to cover some of the expenses of the marathon. 

Winners had exciting things to share with OFM this morning.

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The 5km winner, Ore Morakile, from Bloemfontein, who is turning 13, said he is not from any club. He added that he decided to run by himself and said to those behind him, “they should practise harder next time”.

Innocent Mnyakeni, the winner of the 10km race, who is from the Kovsies Athletic Club, said he finished within 29 minutes. “Today was my long run so I decided to come whether it was raining or not – and I won.”

The 21km winner, Mxenecelwa Miya from Lesotho, said if the Kloppers marathon would still be a thing next year, he is planning to participate in the 42km category. 

The women's 21km winner, Mohanuoa Lekhelebane from Botshabelo, said she ran by herself instead of running in a group. She is from the Botshabelo Eagles Club.

Furthermore, the men's 42.2km winner, Pule Hlabahlaba from Theunissen, said he ran individually because he did not have enough group members to start an actual marathon club. 

This is his fourth time running the marathon since its existence, and this is his third win. “I am focusing on running faster, my job just takes most of my time so there isn’t really much time to practise.”

Rozanne Marais from Bloemfontein took the honours in the 42.2km race.

The times given by the runners are just an estimation and the actual times were expected to be announced at the prizegiving later today.

OFM News