Pascalia Chepkogei of Kenya finished third in this year’s women’s Cape Town Marathon in South Africa on Sunday, continuing her ascent in the road racing scene.
Home runner Glenrose Xaba set a new national record with a remarkable victory, becoming the fastest South African woman to complete the 42.2 km distance, finishing in 2 hours, 22 minutes, and 22 seconds. Xaba not only shattered Gerda Steyn’s previous national record of 2 hours, 24 minutes, and 17 seconds set in Valencia last year but also broke the course record of 2 hours, 24 minutes, and 17 seconds held by Ethiopian Tsige Abreha from the previous year’s race.
Chepkogei demonstrated her resilience by keeping pace with the leading group and finishing third in 2 hours, 22 minutes, and 49 seconds, behind Xaba and former world champion Mare Dibaba of Ethiopia, who crossed the line in 2 hours, 22 minutes, and 36 seconds.
Four Kenyan women finished in the top ten, showcasing the country’s strong presence in the marathon circuit.
In the men’s category, Ethiopians dominated the podium. Edward Konana Koonyo placed fourth with a time of 2 hours, 11 minutes, and 24 seconds. Abdisa Tola Adera claimed victory in 2 hours, 8 minutes, and 16 seconds, beating fellow Ethiopian and defending champion Adane Kebede Gebre by 16 seconds. Mitku Tafa Dekeba finished in 2 hours, 10 minutes, and 10 seconds. The first South African to finish was Melikhaya Frans, who placed fifth with a time of 2 hours, 12 minutes, and 18 seconds.
