Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 57, April 2014 | Page 13
TWO OCEANS CONTENDERS
While ultra-marathons are notoriously difficult to predict, and things can go
horribly wrong for even the fastest, fittest athletes, we still think these are
the other runners to look out for on in this year’s race.
THE MEN
Mabothile Lebopo
(Maxed Elite), Lesotho
The 2010 winner won the Mokgohlong
Marathon in Lesotho in December.
Shadrack Kemboi
(Maxed Elite), Kenya
It will be a first race longer than 50km for the
Gauteng and Soweto Marathons champion.
Michael Mazibuko
(Nedbank), South Africa
The 2011 Soweto Marathon champion was
second in the Vaal Marathon in February.
Coolboy Ngamole
Coolboy Ngamole.
(Nedbank), South Africa
The 2012 Olympian is also a former SA Marathon champion, and has the natural
speed.
Stephen Dikobo
(Bidvest), South Africa
The 2013 City to City Marathon champion is up to speed, recently closking 31:30 for
10km.
Collen Makaza
(Toyota), Zimbabwe
Fourth last year and runner-up at the World 50km Champs – true racing pedigree.
Moeketsi Mosuhli
(Maxed Elite), Lesotho
The former Soweto Marathon champ finished third last year, so keep an eye out for
him.
THE WOMEN
Thabitha Tsatsa
(Maxed Elite), Zimbabwe
The defending champion will be looking to improve on her 3:39:54.
Jennifer Koech
(Nedbank), Kenya
After finishing ninth last year, she went on to win the 2013 City to City Marathon.
Mamorallo Tjoka
(Toyota), Lesotho
The multiple Soweto Marathon champ won the Mokgohlong Marathon and Nongoma
Ultra in recent months.
Nina Podnebesnova
(Nedbank), Russia
She was fifth in 2013 and has the speed to challenge for the win.
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