Well-known veteran athlete Elias Mabane (40) from Sekhukhune won the popular Land of Legend Marathon from Thohoyandou to the Protea Mphephu Resort on Saturday.

He finished the race in 2:25:12, three minutes slower than last year’s winning time.

An athlete from Zimbabwe and member of the Mr Price Athletics Club, Mahiza, ended the race in second position in 2:26:45. Matlabeya Mabopa of Platinum Athletic Club ended in third position in a time of 2:27:55.

In the ladies category, the veteran woman and well-known Vhembe runner, Jane Mudau of the Nedbank Athletics Club, was the winner in 3:09.05. She was followed by her colleague, Joyce Makwarela, in 3:25:05.

Leburu Kgosiemang (27) of the Transnet Athletics Club won the half-marathon in 01:07:50, beating local favourite, Bethuel Nesthifhefhe, who completed the race in 01:08.08. Nditsheni Mathobo of the Nedbank Athletics Club finished the race in third position in 01:13.06.

Mbofholowo Sihadi of Nedbank Athletics Club won the ladies category of the half-marathon in 01:22.07. Her teammates, Ndofhiwa Madiwana and Tshifhiwa Mundalamo, were second and third. Morgan Sithole of Nedbank won the veterans category, with Steven Modau, also from Nedbank, and Eric Ledwaba second and third.

The only disabled person who registered and finished the race was Rofhiwa Manwadu of Fulufhelo Special School.

The marathon was sponsored by Limdev, Old Mutual, Trade & Investment Limpopo, Phala Phala FM, Makhado Municipality, Protea Mphephu Resort, EXP Couriers Services, Coca Cola and Enos Bus Service.