Mpumalanaga athletes shine at the Loskop marathon

It is not how you start, but how you finish that matters in sport, just ask Othanniel Phahlane who won the 2013 Loskop Marathon.  

Phahlane started the race slow but finished strong in the 1000-plus field of runners. He had to play second fiddle to Seun Moleshia for a better part of the 50-kilometre ultra marathon, but he rose to the occasion when it mattered the most – in the last five kilometres. He won the 28th edition of the marathon in a time of 2:46:10. It was the biggest triumph for the Waterval-born runner. 

“I knew he [Moleshia] will tire as the race went on so I told myself to hang in there and not lose sight of him,” Phahlane said after winning one of the toughest races in the road racing calendar.

Moleshia, who started the race as one of the firm favourites, led from start until the 45-kilometre mark. Until then, he looked a sure bet to win the race in his hometown. He had everything going for him – local support and perfect weather conditions.  

Then, in the homestretch, Phahlane found new energy that propelled him past Moleshia. In the past, he has come close to winning the race only to run out of steam in the business end of the race. This year he finished second in a time of 2:50:06. Joseph Mphuti came in third in a time of 2:50:25.

The marathon, which was held on April 20, was presented by the Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation as well as Forever Resort.

Earlier, the runners observed a moment of silence in honour of the victims of the Boston Massacre in which three people died after two bombs went off at the finishing line of the Boston Marathon on April 15. The runners also wore black ribbons in solidarity with the running community.