The annual Phalaphala FM Old Mutual Land of Legend Marathon was won by the Zimbabwean Tsungai Mwanengeni. He finished the marathon in 2:25:57. It started at the Thohoyandou Sports Centre and finished at the Mphephu Protea Resort.

Last year, Jeffrey Baloyi won the marathon in 2:27:20.

Bethuel Netshifhefhe of Harmony Gold Athletics Club ended in the second position in 2:26:11 and Shadrack Mudimbu, also from Harmony Gold, finished the marathon in third position by 2:26:45.

The ladies category was won by the Zimbabwean, Muchaneta Gwata of Harmony Gold, in 3:21:15. Last year’s winner’s time was 3:07:45. The second position went to Joyce Makwarela and the third position to Livhuwani Maduka, both from Harmony Gold, in 3:22:39 and 3:32:56 respectively.

The veteran ladies category was won by Conny Mavhina of Tshakhuma Athletics Club, followed by Fulufhedzani Masindi.

The winner in the men’s half-marathon was Nicholas Merika from Kenya, also a member of Harmony Gold Athletic Club, in 1:04: 07. Nicholas Dagale of Goldfields finished the race in second place in 1:05:12. He was followed by Johaness Monyela from Harmony Gold in 1:07:12. The winner in the ladies category, Mbofholowo Sihadi of Harmony Gold, was also the winner last year. She improved last year’s time from 1:24:04 to 1:22:00. The veteran lady, Jane Mudau, ended in the second position. The third position went to an athlete from Fondwe Athletics Club, Shelter Nekatshe.

The Eskom water point won the competition for the best water point and received R2 000.

The winner of the marathon went home with R1 500, runners up received R1 000 and the third prize was R700 for both men and ladies. In the 21,2km race, the prizes were R600, R500 and R300 respectively. All the runners who finished the race went home with medals and T-Shirts.

The sponsors of the race included PhalaPhala FM, Old Mutual, Eskom, Limdev, Coca-Cola, Tusk Venda Casino, Mphephu Protea Resort, Makhado Municipality and Enos Bus Company.