Bernard Kipsang Chumba finished strongly to win the 2017 edition in 2:19:29, more than a minute faster than his countryman, Moses Kiptoo Kurgat, who crossed the finish line in 2:21:05. This was an improvement for Kurgat as he finished 3rd last year.

Cosmos Kigen crossed the line in 2:21:27 to complete the podium for Kenya.

The woman’s race was won by another Kenyan, with 29-year-old Joan Nancy Rotich claiming the honours in 2:44:26. South Africa’s Keneilwe Sesing finished in second, some way off the pace in 2:54:44.

It was another Kenyan in the form of Jennifer Koech who rounded off the podium in 3:05:18.

The race saw three South Africans in the top six as Bloemfontein’s Anna Moeketsi crossed the line in 6th in 3:08:42. She also earned the distinction of being the first Free State runner to finish the second edition of the event. Last year she finished in 6th, but some 7 minutes faster.

*All these times still need to be finalised.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport