Kenya’s Margret Jepchumba stormed to victory in the women’s race at this year’s Soweto Marathon, finishing in 2:34:33 and taking home the $14 000 prize.
Her win brings an end to South Africa’s (SA) Irvette van Zyl dominance, who had claimed four titles in six appearances at the People’s Race.
Nedbank Running Club Manager Nick Bester said the strategy had been carefully built around Jepchumba’s strengths. “Our focus was on the women’s marathon,” Bester explained. “I was on the course making sure the runners got enough nutrition. In previous races, this has been overlooked, and they’ve run out of energy.”
Bester noted that after monitoring Jepchumba’s performances in three City to City races, he knew she was in peak condition. The plan paid off; Onalenna Khonkhobe, considered the favourite, finished third, confirming that the women’s race was the team’s biggest opportunity for success.
–ChannelAfrica–
