Athletics
From Thugwane to Xaba – Cape Town Marathon’s history of racing excitement and drama
The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon (SCTM) has seen several thrilling finishes over its 32-year history and with marathon super-star, Eliud Kipchoge, heading a glittering line-up of leading marathoners in the 33rd running of race on Sunday, there’s every chance of another ‘down-to-the-wire’ finish in both categories.
With eight runners boasting faster marathon best times than Abdisa Tola’s 2:08:16 race record, set in 2024, and a record first prize of $35 000 (almost R600 000) up for grabs, competition in the men’s race is likely to be intense with seconds, rather than minutes, expected to separate the podium places.
Many will recall the last-gasp victory by Ethiopian Adane Kebede Gebre over three-times champion, South Arica’s Stephen Mokoka, three years ago with just five seconds separating the two at the finish – the marathon’s equivalent of a sprint photo-finish.
But the closest Cape Town Marathon finishes date back to the 1990s, when the race started and finished at Mutual Park in Pinelands and doubled as the national marathon championships for seven successive years.
The closest and one of the most memorable came in 1996 in the race’s third year. With Olympic selection at stake, diminutive Mpumalanga marathoner, Josiah Thugwane, held off Pretoria athlete, Nixon Nkodima, by just three seconds in 2:11:46 to book the final place on the marathon team for the Atlanta Olympics.
The rest is history, as Thugwane went on to win the treasured gold medal in Atlanta by exactly the same margin as he had enjoyed in Cape Town five months earlier, his winning 2:12:36 three seconds quicker than Korean’s Lee Bong-Ju silver medal effort.
The millennial Cape Town Marathon delivered a showstopper, with Central Gauteng athlete, Johannes Maremane, holding off his Johannesburg-based teammate, Joshua Peterson, by four seconds to win the 2000 edition in 2:11:15 – the race record at the time.
Maremane and Peterson, who went on to win the Two Oceans 56km later that year, remain the third and fourth fastest South Africans at the Cape Town Marathon, with only Stephen Mokoka (on three occasions) and Elroy Gelant having run faster.
Gauteng North’s Bethuel Netshifhefhe finished third in 2:11:44 that year, completing the podium inside 2 hrs 12 min, a feat which would not be accomplished again for another 16 years.
When it was finally achieved in 2016, 28-year-old Ethiopian, Asefa Mengistu Negewo led a competitive field home in 2:08:41 – the fastest and highest quality marathon ever in Sub-Saharan Africa.
In a thrilling finish, Negewo won in 2:08:41, with Kenyans Emmanuel Tirop (2:08:47) and Barnabas Kiptum (2:09:21) crossing the line in close formation with just 40 seconds separating the podium positions, all inside 2 hrs 10 min.
Just five seconds separated the top two past the post in the 2019 and 2023 races – the joint third closest Cape Town Marathon finishes.
Kenyans Edwin Koech (2:09:20) and Daniel Muteti (2:09:25) ruled the roost in 2019 with Moroccan Mohamed Ziani’s third place in 2:09:29 making it the tightest podium in the history of the race. Just 9 seconds separated first and third.
In 2023, Ethiopian Adane Kebede Gebre thwarted Mokoka’s bid for a fourth title, winning by five seconds in windy conditions in 2:11:28 in what might be remembered as Cape Town Marathon’s best ever in its first thirty years.
“What a fabulous race, this is incredibly exciting,” shouted television commentator, ultra-distance legend, Bruce Fordyce, as ten athletes jostled for the lead less than two kilometres from the finish.
Kebede and Mokoka were joined on the podium by Kenyan Bernard Kipkorir, 23 seconds off the winning time, just seconds ahead of his compatriot Joshua Kipkemboi Kogo and Zewudu Hailu Bekele, of Ethiopia.
Remarkably just 51 seconds separated the top seven with four Ethiopians, three Kenyans, two South Africans and a Zimbabwean bagging top ten positions in a celebration of African marathon running at its finest.
While women’s fields lacked the depth of their male counterparts in the early years, less than 20 seconds have separating the top two on four occasions.
The fourth closest finish in the women’s competition came in 2009, with Zimbabwean Sharon Tavenga outsprinting South Africa’s Tshihiwa Mundalamo in the final 500m to win by 16 seconds in the relatively pedestrian, by today’s standards, 2:47:08.
Namibian Helalia Johannes was involved in two close finishes, coming out on the losing side in the closest one in 2017. Running as the designated pacesetter, Johannes was already clear of the field through halfway on 2 hr 30 min pace as planned. Opting to complete the race, she had all but won before Ethiopian Betelhem Moges overhauled her in the final kilometre to win by just 6 seconds in 2:30:23.
The following year Johannes raced as a full competitor, winning by 32 seconds over another Ethiopian athlete, Failuna Matanga, in 2:29:28.
Kenyan marathon debutant, Lydia Simiyu, won in 2021 in one of the best contests, with the top four women within touching distance just 3km from the finish.
After Gerda Steyn had taken the pace for much of the race, Simiyu took over at the business end to race to victory in record time in 2 hrs 25 min 44 sec, 12 seconds clear of her compatriot and past winner, Lucy Karimi.
Ethiopian Aynalem Teferi nudged Steyn off the podium, taking third 16 seconds later with Steyn completing SCTM’s most competitive quartet just 41 seconds after the winner.
Twelve months later and South Africa again had a Cape Town Marathon champion. Glenrose ‘Supercharge’ Xaba was simply unstoppable in her marathon debut in one of the best athletics performances on South Africa soil and against the strongest women’s field ever assembled in Cape Town.
Xaba raced home 14 seconds ahead of former world champion, Ethiopia’s Mare Dibaba, in 2:22:22 with Kenyan Pascalia Chepkogei completing the sub-2 hr 23 min podium with a 2:22:49 third place.
The post From Thugwane to Xaba – Cape Town Marathon’s history of racing excitement and drama appeared first on Sports Network Africa.
Athletics
AFN President Tonobok Okowa Lauds Introduction Of Ben Aghazu Cash Prizes Ahead Of National Athletics Trials
The president of Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Chief Tonobok Okowa has lauded the introduction of Ben Aghazu Prize for Excellence ahead of the forthcoming national trisls in Lagos.
Sports247 reports that Okowa also showered encomiums on AFN’s second vice-president, Akuchukwu Chineze Aghazu for floating the elaborate cash prizes in honour of her late father, Ben Aghazu.
It was further gathered that, under the scheme, outstanding athletes will get N100,000 each for achieving performance standards in 14 events during the natuonal trials holding from June 20th to 22th at Yaba College ofTechnology, Lagos.
Aghazu also announced that two exceptional coaches, one male and a female, have already been selected to receive the athletics excellence award for tacticians in various track and field events.
In reaction to the development, Okowa expressed delight with the initiative, which he described as a commendable gesture that will inspire athletes to put in extra efforts towards getting better results during the trials.
Okowa declared, “I am excited by this thoughtful initiative from our second vice-president, Aku Aghazu. This is the kind of support that motivates our home-based athletes to give their very best during these all-important Commonwealth Games Trials.”
Okowa, who is also the senior vice-president of Confederation of African Athletics (CAA), used the opportunity to call on corporate organisations and philanthropists to support athletics and invest in the country’s sporting talents.
“We appeal to individuals, corporate bodies and stakeholders in the private sector to throw their weight behind athletics and our athletes. There is enormous talent in Nigeria and with the right support, our athletes can continue to make the nation proud on the global stage,” Okowa solicited.
AFN’s media committee chairman, Maxwell Kumoye added in a press statement, “The Ben Aghazu Prize for Excellence in Athletics covers the men’s and women’s 100m, 200m, 400m, 1500m and 5000m, as well as the long jump and javelin events.
“To earn the N100,000 reward in the men’s 100m, an athlete must clock 10.10 seconds, while the women’s benchmark is 11.20 seconds.
“In the 200m, male athletes must run 20.60 seconds, while female athletes are required to achieve 22.70 seconds. The qualifying standards for the 400m are 45.30 seconds for men and 51.00 seconds for women.
“For the 1500m, athletes must run 3:50.00 for men and 4:20.00 for women to claim the prize, while the 5000m standards have been fixed at 14:00.00 for men and 17:50.00 for women.
“Field event athletes have also been included in the incentive package. Male long jumpers must soar to 7.90 metres, while female athletes are expected to reach 6.50 metres. In the javelin throw, the targets are 81 metres for men and 55 metres for women.
“Should athletes meet the required marks across all 14 events, a total of N1.6 million could be disbursed during the three-day competition, (ahead of which) the scheme sends a powerful message that outstanding performances will be recognised and celebrated.”
Sports247 gathered further that, with the Commonwealth Games trials fast approaching, athletes now have an added incentive to produce world-class performances with Aghazu’s gesture, which honours the legacy of her late father.
The post AFN President Tonobok Okowa Lauds Introduction Of Ben Aghazu Cash Prizes Ahead Of National Athletics Trials first appeared on Sports247 Nigeria.
The post AFN President Tonobok Okowa Lauds Introduction Of Ben Aghazu Cash Prizes Ahead Of National Athletics Trials appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.
Athletics
Bukola Olopade Prioritises Athlete Welfare While Targeting 20 Medals At Commonwealth Games
Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, has stressed that athlete welfare and proper preparation will remain central to Team Nigeria’s ambitions ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
READ ALSO: NLO: Coach Richard Nwosu Reveals Secrets Behind Chekas FC’s Impressive Run, Eyes NNL Promotion
Speaking during a strategic meeting with sports federation executives and technical officials in Abuja, Olopade revealed that the Commission is determined to provide athletes with the right environment and support needed to compete successfully.
“Athlete welfare remains a top priority for us,” Olopade said.
According to the NSC boss, the Commission’s preparation plans will focus heavily on discipline, improved support systems, and performance standards across all sports federations.
“We want our athletes to compete under the best possible conditions,” he implied.
Olopade also challenged Team Nigeria to aim for at least 20 medals at the Games, insisting the target remains ambitious but achievable.
“We are targeting a minimum of 20 medals,” he noted.
The sports administrator explained that current projections suggest Nigeria could secure around 16 medals, but the Commission wants athletes to push beyond expectations.
“The idea is to motivate the athletes to achieve more,” he added.
Olopade stressed that athlete welfare, discipline, and strong preparation would remain major benchmarks in the Commission’s roadmap ahead of the Games.
“Every federation must raise its standards,” he stressed.
The NSC remains optimistic that the groundwork currently being laid will help Nigeria produce one of its strongest Commonwealth Games performances in recent years.
“Good preparation and proper welfare can improve performances significantly,” many sports observers believe.
Team Nigeria is expected to compete across several sporting events as preparations continue intensifying ahead of Glasgow 2026.
For Bukola Olopade, the message is clear.
Athlete welfare is important.
Nigeria must aim for at least 20 medals.
And strong preparation remains essential for international success.
Because athletes perform best when they are motivated, supported, and properly prepared to compete at the highest level.
The post Bukola Olopade Prioritises Athlete Welfare While Targeting 20 Medals At Commonwealth Games first appeared on Sports247 Nigeria.
The post Bukola Olopade Prioritises Athlete Welfare While Targeting 20 Medals At Commonwealth Games appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.
- Event: Olympic Day Tooke Run 2026
- Categories: Half Marathon (21KM), 10KM (Fun Run), 5KM (Walk for Fitness Inclusivity)
- Prize money: Ug.Shs 120,000,000
- Date: Saturday, 20th June 2026
- Start & finish: Bushenyi sports ground
- Theme: Move, Learn & Discover for Nutrition-Care
- Chief Runner: His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni
The Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC), in partnership with Presidential Initiative on Banana Industrial Development (PIBIC) and Banana Industrial Research and Development Centre (BIRDC), officially unveiled a UGX 120,000,000 (One hundred and twenty million) prize cash for the 2026 Olympic Day Tooke Run set for 20th June in Bushenyi District.
The event to unveil this hefty prize money took place at the BIRDC head offices in Kampala on Tuesday, 2nd June 2026.
Rev. Professor Florence Muranga Isabirye, the Nutrition Ambassador at Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) graced the event flanked by UOC’s administrator Elijah Njawuzi and the route director Timothy Masaba.
“The prize monies across the different categories are meant to appreciate the effort of the runners and motivate them as we grow the sport of running in Uganda” Rev. Prof Muranga stated.
The prize money will be awarded across the 21KM Half Marathon, 10KM Road Race, and 5KM Fun Run/Walk categories, including a dedicated Under-16 Youth Race aimed at nurturing and rewarding emerging talent.
A lion’s share of this money will go to the 21KM runners who will pocket Ug.Shs 72,000,000 in total for the total five across both gender.
Ug.Shs 24,000,000 will be rewarded to the 10KM runners and the rest will be shared among the 5KM recreational runners.
Besides the money for the top runners, there will be a ceremonial medal for everyone who participates as well as a gift hamper.
Held under the theme “Move, Learn and Discover for Nutrition Care,” the Run seeks to raise support for Uganda’s team to the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026, promote healthy lifestyles, and champion nutrition awareness through the power of sport.
Registration is ongoing at register.olympictookerun.com. Secure your kit today for only UGX 35,000 and be part of a movement that is transforming lives through sport and nutrition.
His Excellency president Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is expected to be the chief guest.
The post Olympic Day Tooke Run 2026: Hefty Ug.Shs 120,000,000 prize money kitty unveiled appeared first on Kawowo Sports.
-
News4 months agoCamilla Lamina shows calm leadership even off the bench
-
Football4 months ago
2026 Uganda Cup: The confirmed fixtures, venues & kick off times at round of 32
-
DLSU4 months agoShan Nunag shows composure beyond year in La Salle debut
-
Cricket News4 months agoT20 World Cup 2026: 'We've got to stay positive' – Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott remains hopeful of reaching Super 8 despite back-to-back losses
-
Foreign Pros4 months ago
‘Eric Chelle must pay compensation to quit Super Eagles post’
-
Football4 months ago
Divine Mukasa plays full time as Leicester City bows out of FA Cup to Southampton
-
Others4 months ago
Sarah Babirye Kityo: The majestic return to 12th Parliament, to front sports talent development
-
CAF4 months agoAFCON, Host Country Decisions, and Why African Football Needs an “Imbizo”