Well-known runner Katlego Mosetla of the Legend Road Runners Athletics Club won the popular Thavhani Mall Four-in-One Marathon in Thohoyandou on Saturday.
The event featured four races: a marathon (42.2km), half-marathon (21.1km), 10km and 5km. Mosetla crossed the marathon finish line in 2:22:02. Ananius Mosila came second in 2:24:32, with Hosea Mariye third in 2:25:58.
In the women's category, Annie Chirisa took first place in 3:19:14, followed by Tabitha Tsatsa in 3:21:14 and Maputsi Langa in 3:38:25.
Mosetla and Chirisa each received R7,000, gold medals and several hampers.
After the race, Mosetla said he was delighted to claim the marathon title for the first time. "It was a tough race for me, but everything went as planned."
He credited years of hard work and experience in other marathons for his success but admitted that this year's event had been particularly challenging. "All in all, I had a good race, and I'm happy and very excited. It still feels like I am dreaming. I can't believe this has happened to me," he said.
One of the organisers, Andrew Mavhona, said Mosetla's victory should inspire young people, especially in rural areas. "This achievement of Mosetla's makes a simple statement that Limpopo has talent and our athletes can compete anywhere in the world," he said.
Mavhona added that the organisers would improve the race next year and that he was pleased with the strong turnout.