Johnson Crane Marathon champ commends race’s organisers
The event was fifth largest marathon in the country, with 3201 finishers, last year.
The winner of last year’s Johnson Crane Hire Marathon men’s race, Proud Chauke believes runners’ love affair with the race is due to its impeccable organisation, saying it’s the reason it keeps attracting huge numbers yearly.
The event, organised by the Benoni Harriers, was the fifth largest marathon in the country, with 3201 finishers, last year. This was an increase of 972 from the 2229 finishers in 2023.
Chauke won the 41st edition of the race in a marathon PB of 02:26:20, cutting the tape ahead of runner-up Moshoeshoe Maama from Lesotho, who crossed the line in 02:29:52. Carlton AC’s Given Baloyi completed the top three in 02:30:40.
“It’s a very good and well-organised race. That’s why most runners love it and it’s one of the reasons it keeps attracting huge numbers each year,” Chauke said.
The Pan African Resources AC elite runner is a Comrades Marathon Wally Hayward and two-time silver medallist, with a PB of 05:41:51 achieved in the 2023 down-run when he finished the 87.7km distance from Pietermaritzburg to Durban 25th.
Reflecting on his performance, he described the 42.2km fast and flat two-lap course, run between an altitude of 1618m and 1664m throughout several parts of the community, as one of the toughest in the province.
“It’s a very good course. The fact that it’s a double-lapper gave me an advantage after running the first half. I knew what to expect in the second half. Overall, it’s a well-organised race and I love it because it gives everyone a chance to win.”
Advising first-timers, Chauke said fitness is a pre-requisite, especially if you are planning to qualify for the Comrades Marathon, adding that runners shouldn’t be deceived by its flatness.
“It looks like it’s an easy route. It’s tough. You have to be fit to complete it,” he said.
While Chauke dominated the men’s race, Hollywoodbets AC runner Cian Oldknow obliterated the women’s race, setting a new course record of 02:39:28 to smash Charnè Bosman’s 02:44:52 set in 2019.
Last year’s race also saw the SA marathon champion, Elroy Gelant, who won national marathon championships in Durban in 02:09:32, in attendance.
Gelant won the men’s half-marathon in 01:05:29, beating runner-up Lucky Mohale, who has won the 21.1km race a record six times.
Farida Zwane won the women’s half-marathon while Gladwin Mzazi and his wife, Lebo Phalula-Mzazi clinched the men’s and women’s 10km events.
This year’s race is on January 26 at Willowmoore Park.
The marathon and half-marathon start at 05:30 while the 10km and 5km races will follow at 05:45.
Also Read: BAC runners add glow to Johnson Crane Marathon
Also Read: Gallery: The 41st Johnson Crane Hire Marathon
