Soweto Marathon 2022: An event to be proud of
This year’s biggest one-day race, “The Peoples Race” was certainly one to be proud of, with 20000 runners taking to the Soweto streets, rising above the Covid challenges of the last two years.
The 27th edition saw thousands from far and wide grace the streets in colourful attire, endless energy, beaming smiles and determined attitudes – from first-time runners to dads with prams, the young and the old: All were warmly welcomed as has been the case since 1991.
Top honours for the day went to:
42.2km Marathon – Men:
- Daba Ifa Dbele – Nedbank Running Club Ethiopia – 2:18:58
- Gadisa Bekele Gutama – Nedbank Running Club Ethiopia – 2:19:27
- Tsepo Ramashamole – Adidas – 2:20:21
42.2km Marathon – Women:
- Chaltu Bedo Negashu – Nedbank Running Club Ethiopia – 2:40:56
- Amelework Fikadu Bosho – Nedbank Running Club Ethiopia – 2:43:14
- Tinebebe Nebiyu Ali – Nedbank Running Club Ethiopia – 2:44:32
21.1km – Men:
- David Manja – Murry and Roberts – 1:07:35
- Elroy Gelant – Boxer Athletics Club – 1:07:57
- Tisetso Mokhoma – Nedbank Running Club CNW – 1:08:20
21.1km – Women:
- Lebo Phalula – Boxer Athletics Club – 1:21:46
- Natalie Sterk – Sterk Span Athletics Club – 1:24:26
- Galaletsang Mekgoe – Nedbank Running Club AGN – 1:25:42
10km – Men:
- Mathews Leeto – Nedbank Running Club CNW – 30:15
- Pakiso Mthembu – Xcel Running Club – 30:33
- Samuel Moloi – Ikhaya Lethu Athletics Club – 30:54
10 – Women:
- Cacisile Sosibo – Boxer Athletics Club – 35:14
- Karabo More – 38:20
- Makhosazana Mhlongo – Hollywood Bets – 41:37
Paralympic medalist Louzanne Coetzee finished her 42.2km marathon in a time of 5:10:33, noting that “enjoying the race, the people and the vibe was the key objective.”
Reflecting on the event, Chairman of the Soweto Marathon Trust Mr Sello Khunou said that this is an event to be proud of;
“The People’s Race has returned in tremendous style – and the clubs of Soweto, the people of this country and all those who have backed this race all 27 editions, should be proud of themselves. We are proud of our team, we thank our sponsors and we promise those who join us next year for even bigger, better, best! To every runner who participated: We thank you for your support – you are the reason for this race.”
