WATCH: Bosman and Mohale make history at Johnson Crane Marathon
Bosman won her fourth women's title and Mohale won his sixth men's 21.1km event.
Laughter, tears, costumes and jubilation. From Caroline Poonan’s post-race vomit to a runner who claimed to have won the women’s 21.1km while she had only covered half the distance, the 40th Johnson Crane Hire Marathon at Willowmoore Park on January 29 had it all.
The old and young showed up. Some ran, others walked. Debutants made history. Some claimed their first wins. But it was veterans Charnè Bosman and Lucky Mohale’s day.
Bosman claimed her fourth 42.2km women’s title after cutting the ribbon in 02:55:58, while Mohale won his sixth men’s half-marathon.
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Behind Musa Maluleke for most of the race, Bosman’s strategy and experience on the course were a vital cog in her arsenal as she passed the exhausted Maluleke toward the end.
The 47-year-old 2016 Comrades Marathon winner was followed 16 minutes later by Renata Vosloo, who crossed the line in 03:12:18. Standard Bank Athletics’ Tracyann Chabeli completed the podium.
Tonny Skink won the men’s marathon and finished in an impressive 02:22:37.
Running at 3:08min/km at the start, the Maxed Elite athlete completed the first 11km in 34:26 and arrived at the halfway mark in 01:09:04.
The flat route allowed the Zimbabwean to run an almost perfect race. However, his momentum was halted by the inclines and declines toward the end, dropping his pace to 3:23min/km.
“The race was good. After 31km, there was a bit of an uphill which held me back, but I’m happy with the result,” he said.
Although a difficult race, Skink said it was good preparation for the Nedbank Runified Breaking Barriers ultra-marathon on February 26 in Port Elizabeth.
“I’m fresh. I was here to test my fitness. I’m looking forward to the Nedbank 50km race at the end of February.”
Edward Mwale from Zambia claimed second position, while veteran runner Given Baloyi rounded out the top three.
Mohale crossed the line in 01:09:42 for his sixth win in the men’s 21.1km. Running at 3:08min/km, the 36-year-old Boxer runner led from start to finish.
“I came here to defend my title. I’m happy to have won again. I hope to defend it again next year. I’m now going to focus on the ultra-marathons,” he said.
Bennett Seloyi finished second, while Benoni Northerns Athletics Club’s Bright Mikolongwe completed the podium.
“I didn’t think I would finish in the top three. I fought until the end. From now I’m going to train hard because there are lots of races in February. I’m preparing for the Edenvale Marathon.
“I feel strong this year. I hope it’s going to be a good year for me,” Mikolongwe said.
Mapaseka Makhanya won the women’s half-marathon in her first appearance at the event, winning in 01:24:28.
“I enjoyed the race. It’s my first 21.1km here. Coming here and winning it on my first attempt is a bonus,” Makhanya said.
Ireland native Poonan finished in second place, while local girl Kate van Jaarsveld finished third.
Although not the finish she was hoping for, Van Jaarsveld said she hopes for a better year and wants to improve her time and personal best.
“It was a tough race. I don’t think I did as well as I did last year. I’m hoping to better myself in the next few weeks,” she said.
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