An impressive field of approximately 2,500 runners lined up across all categories at Hoërskool Sentraal for the iconic event, hosted by the Pentagon Pistols for the very first time. The new start-and-finish venue, a revamped route, and the sheer number of participants combined to create a true festival atmosphere, one that catered to the entire family and runners of all fitness levels, shapes, sizes, and ages. 

Interest in the event was sky-high in the build-up to race day, with both the 10km road race and the 5km fun run selling out days in advance. 

A particularly large field also took on the 21.1km half-marathon, underlining the growing popularity of road running in Bloemfontein, the Free State, and Central South Africa.

Marlene Geldenhuys. Photo: Morgan Piek

Maine, a multiple Kloppers Marathon champion, added yet another gold medal to his glittering collection by storming to victory in the 42.2km race in a quick time of 2:32:00, well inside the qualifying standards for both the Comrades and Two Oceans marathons. 

The Lesotho ace described the route as relatively manageable, crediting his altitude training back home in the Mountain Kingdom.

Local runner Ernest Khalata, who set the early pace by leading for the first 15km, claimed silver in 2:41:00, the first South African home, while talented junior Ronan Mackay rounded off the men’s podium in third place with a time of 2:43:00.

In the women’s marathon, Geldenhuys delivered a standout performance, taking the honours in 3:16:10 to secure qualification for South Africa’s two major ultra-marathons. The victory carried extra significance, as it marked her first race representing the host club, Pentagon Pistols. 

Twalane Thomas finished a close second in 3:16:59, with Inacia Maguire claiming bronze in 3:17:30.

The men’s 21.1km half-marathon saw a Lesotho one-two, with Thabo Lebakeng powering to gold in 1:05:05. His friend and compatriot, Toka Badboy, followed in second place in 1:06:30, nearly a minute and a half adrift, and Tshepo Mathibelle completed the podium in 1:06:47.

The women’s half-marathon title was claimed by Bloemfontein running legend Anna Moeketsi, who once again showed her class with a commanding win in 1:28:44. 

Bloemfontein’s own Paralympic Games silver and bronze medallist, Louzanne Coetzee of Striders, impressed by taking silver in her second race of the season. Moleboheng Matabane finished third in 1:29:37.

The men’s 10km road race was settled at a blistering pace, with Omphile Letshabo claiming victory in 31:11 to edge out his teammate Thabang Mathosa, who finished second in 31:36. Retshidisitswe Shai of Eskom rounded off the podium in third place in 33:00.

In the women’s 10km, it was a clean sweep for Nedbank at the top, with Este van Tonder securing the win in 37:00. 

Her teammate Zahme Terblanche followed in second in 45:00, while Yolanda Claasens of the SANDF claimed bronze in 45:19.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh