Tekletsion Tefera, who finished second last year, went one better by securing victory in 2:28:31, with Lyno Muchena of Zimbabwe completing the undulating 42km course just five seconds off the pace. The first South African to cross the line was Sikhumbuzo Seme coming home in 2:29.32.

In the women’s race, seven-time Soweto Marathon winner Mamorallo Tjoka of the Nedbank Running Club Lesotho sat on the shoulder of defending champion Selam Abere of Nedbank Running Club Ethiopia until the last km, before producing a fine kick to cut the tape in 2:48.49.
The 28 year-old was aiming for her third straight victory but was unlucky crossing the line in second place with 2:49.00.

The first South African woman to cross the line was Nedbank Running Club Gauteng Norths, Charne Bosman who was last year’s Comrades Marathon winner and was placed fifth in 3:09.02.
“This was the toughest marathon I’ve ever run. The hills!” Bosman said.
“But I was able to hang in and felt quite strong in the last 10km, and I passed a few ladies, so I’m quite happy to have finished strong today.” She told the press after the race

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