MPHEPHU - Stanley Nekhondela, well-known long distance runner from Thohoyandou, proved again that he is one of the best athletes in the province when he finished first in the Phalaphala FM-Old Mutual Land of Legend marathon last Saturday.

Nekhondela’s time was 2:33, with Justice Mashego second in 2:35 and Rogers Ndou third. Last year Nekhondela won the race, with Rogers Ndou in second place. The Veteran’s division was won by Mathews Ramoshaba, with Martin Kurida in second place and Albert Masela in third. Charles Pheeha, Wilson Mashalane and Phuti Mabota were the three runners home in the Master’s division.

Agnes Mushwane won the ladies division of the marathon, with Jane Mudau, a veteran, in second position. Phuti Mabota was the third lady at the finishing point. It was a two-in-one race, 42,2km from Thohoyandou and 21km from the Thathe Vondo Dam, both ending at the same destination, Mphephu Resort. In the 21km race, Paul Dangale finished first in 1:04:16, nearly four minutes faster than his winning time of last year. Hendrick Setuka was again second and Bethuel Netshifhefhe third.

Israel Masakona won the division for veterans, with Simon Phaiphai second and Elias Seroma third. MP Davhana, Samson Sadiki and Reginald Monareng were the first three Masters in the half-marathon, with well-known Grand Master, Godfrey Masiagwala, the winner of the Master’s division.

The Ladies division of this race was won by Sihadi Mbofholowo, Tshifhiwa Mundalamo was second and Joyce Makwarela third. Agnes Mudau won the division for veteran athletes, with Betty Mundalamo in second place.