Mutandiro wins Cape Town Marathon 2012

Gilbert Mutandiro

Zimbabwean Gilbert Mutandiro (Mr Price) fought off the fierce challenge of South African Lungile Gongqa (Mr Price) to record a thrilling 7 second victory and claim the R20 000 first prize at the Cape Town Marathon 2012 on Sunday 23 September.

Mutandiro, who qualified for the London 2012 Olympic Games by finishing 4th at the Cape Town Marathon 2011, clocked a time of 2:19:16 with saw off a fierce challenge of South African Lungile Gongqa (Mr Price) in 2:19:23. Zimbabwean Olympic marathoner Mike Fokorini (Mr Price) placed third in 2:21:04.

The first woman home in the marathon was Zimbabwean Alicen Manake in a time of 2:51:37, second was Nomvuyisi Seti (Celtic Harriers) in 2:56:31 and third Cary-Ann Smith (Nedbank) in 2:57:37.

The tighly contested 10km men’s race was won by Xolisa Tyali (Nedbank Central Gauteng) in a time of 00:29:36, Sibusiso Madikizela (University of Johannesburg) was second in a personal best of 00:29:43 and Sityhilo Diko (Nedbank Western Cape) third in 00:29:57. Tyali, winner of the Two Oceans Half Marathon 2012, has represented South Africa at the World Cross Country Championships.

Comrades Marathon legend Vladimir Kotov was the first over 50 to finish and his time of 00:32:42 was good enough for 20th place overall.

The women’s 10km race was won by Nolene Conrad (University of Johannesburg) in a time of 00:34:27, with Namibian Lavinia Haltope second in 00:35:14 and Zintle Xiniwe (Mr Price Western Province) third in 00:35:56. Conrad will represent South Africa at the World Half Marathon Championships in Bulgaria on October 6.

The marathon and 10km races started in Adderley Street at 06.30 with the finish in Green Point beside the Cape Town Stadium.

Race director Sue Forge congratulated the winners. “Unfortunately the cold and wet conditions were not conducive to record times, but the race winners, men and women, are an inspiration and we thank them for their efforts and for supporting the Cape Town Marathon.”

The event drew a record number of entries. “The Cape Town Marathon grows in popularity year on year and we are well on our way to becoming one of the world’s great Big City marathons,” Forge said.

Supported by the City of Cape Town, Cape Town Tourism, Western Cape Government: Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, and Peninsula Beverages, the Cape Town Marathon is an opportunity to get involved in a big city event while promoting a healthy, active, outdoor lifestyle.

full Cape Town Marathon 2012 Results