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Debeko Dakamo Dasa, from Ethiopian won the Soweto Marathon as a debutant.
The marathon is very tough and many local runners are advised to never make it their first marathon lest they get dissuaded from pursuing the event.
That advice does not apply to east Africans though, and Dasa proved this yesterday by cantering to victory.
His victory ensured that Ethiopia’s dominance of the Soweto Marathon continued unabated as he followed in the footsteps of three-time champion Sintayeho Legese, who did not run this year.
Dasa clocked two hours, 18 minutes and 35 seconds to beat Kenya’s David Maru (2:18.48), who had run him close for most of the race as they ensured that South Africa continues to search for that elusive success in the race last won by a local back in 2011.
“I am happy with my first win in the marathon. I would like to come back next year to defend my title. I had no idea about the race. It was very hot and it had too many hills,” Dasa said.
The best South African man in the marathon was Ntshindiso Mphakathi who came home in eighth place in 2:19.45.
It was the third time Mphakathi finished as the best local in the race as he also did so back in 2015 and 2017.
The day, however, belonged to Ethiopian marathon debutant Dasa and there can be no denying this victory in the tough Soweto Marathon will set him up for success in the more renowned but much easier marathons in the world.
(11/04/2019) Views: 1,986 ⚡AMPThe Soweto Marathon is an annual event which takes place in Soweto at the NASREC Expo Centre. It is a circular race and will begin and end at the Expo Centre.The marathon is sponsored by Energade, Netcare 911 and the MTN Expo Centre. Metro police will be directing traffic where there are road closures on the day.The Soweto Marathon is...
more...She proved this at the weekend when she ran a credible 34:40 to finish third in the Johannesburg leg of the Spar Women’s 10km Grand Prix Series.
That run ensured she finished as the best-placed South African and third overall in the six race Series. Only the invincible Helalia Johannes of Namibia and Ethiopia’s Tadu Naru got the better of her.
A tearful Van Zyl spoke of the joy at finally sorting out an injury that has troubled her for close on a decade thanks to an operation she had recently.
“It has been troubling me for seven years. I did not know what was happening with my left leg until someone found what was wrong and I did the operation.”
But she had to wait a while before going under the knife: “I waited for so long for the operation to happen. I had to wait during pregnancy as the doctors thought it would be too risky to do it at that time.”
While she has not fully recovered, Van Zyl is delighted to be back on the road.
“It is good to be running again although I am still not feeling well a 100 percent. The medication I have been taking is giving tough times.”
There were no signs of her being unwell on Sunday though as she raced into an early lead and set the pace for the initial two kilometres before the amazing Johannes took over.
“Helalia has been unstoppable this year setting new records wherever she runs. It has not been easy for us to compete with us, especially for me as I was recovering from the operation. But I think we ran great times, we are improving.
“Remember my operation was only three months back. But I am happy with my performance in the Johannesburg leg. I am also excited with podium finish.”
The Spar Series success has lifted her confidence for next month’s Soweto Marathon where she is not only the defending champion but also the record holder.
“Of course I would like to defend my title again this year,” she said.
(10/12/2019) Views: 1,792 ⚡AMPThe Soweto Marathon is an annual event which takes place in Soweto at the NASREC Expo Centre. It is a circular race and will begin and end at the Expo Centre.The marathon is sponsored by Energade, Netcare 911 and the MTN Expo Centre. Metro police will be directing traffic where there are road closures on the day.The Soweto Marathon is...
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