Tjiane wins fourth straight Loskop title

Veteran ultra-distance runner Charles Tjiane strengthened his grip on the 50km Forever Resorts Loskop Marathon on Saturday, winning the popular annual race outside Middelburg for the fourth year in a row.

While the start of the event was delayed due to protests by local residents, according to reports on social media, Tjiane shrugged off the disruption and capitalised on his knowledge of the course, charging to victory in 2:48:55.

He finished nearly four minutes clear of runner-up Kagisa Matjile, who completed the race in 2:52:32.

Meanwhile, Ann Ashworth signalled her intent ahead of her Comrades Marathon title defence in June, coasting to a convincing win in the women’s race.

Ashworth, who stunned the field to win the Comrades ‘down’ run last year, fired a warning at her rivals by crossing the line in 3:24:37, reclaiming the Loskop crown she lifted in 2017.

Though she was unable to challenge for top spot, Cobie Smith did well to hold on for second place in 3:28:39.

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