Tempers flare at PnP Marathon

Tempers flared at the Pick n Pay Marathon when some runners were disqualified for not displaying the correct race information.

While some runners understood this and accepted it, a few were outraged with the decisions made by marshals (Central Gauteng Athletics’ officials).

At the finish lines, runners who did not display the correct race information were not allowed to cross the finish line and receive their medal for completing the marathon.

The marshals’ decisions were based on the rules of the race as determined by Central Gauteng Athletics. These rules were made available on the Pick n Pay marathon’s website.

Although the race ended on a bad note for a few runners, overall the race on February 12 was enjoyed by many runners who finished the race and were proud of their achievements.

The main races were the 42.2km and 21.1km events.

The winner of the 42.2km marathon was Zongamele Dyubeni, with a time of 2:28;26.

He snatched a last minute victory from the men’s leader Puleng Maeko.

Maeko stumbled and fell in the last 100 metres of the race, giving Dyubeni the opportunity to take first position.

Maeko finished with a time of 2:28;39, while third place went to Jonas Makhele who completed the marathon with a time of 2:30;40.

The first woman to cross the finish line for the marathon was Yolande Maclean, with a time of 3:01;30.

She was followed by Mary Khourie in second place, who finished in 3:05;09. Third place went to Danka Erasmus, who finished with a time of 3:09;27.

The top three results for the half marathon (21.1 km) were:

•  Puleb Tjaoana with a time of 1:11:56.
•  Sifiso Sibandze in second position with a time of 1:15:18.
•  Vusi Nkosi who finished third with a time of 1:20:06.

In the 8km fun run, the top three runners were:

•  Tshepiso Khati who completed the run in 27:36.
•  Noko Lamola in second place, who finished with a time of 32:28.
•  Mbavhalelo Mafhungo, who finished in third place with a time of 32:58.

The top three results for the 4km fun run were:

•  Maunatlala Mashabela in first place with a time of 13:00.
•  Ashleigh Berry, who came second with a time of 18:05.
•  .Jason Bennett in third position with a time of 0:18:38.

For more results, go to https://www.championchip.co.za