Mpumalanga-based Sipho Ngomane aims to stamp his authority at the Nedbank Soweto Marathon on Sunday.
After his Comrades Marathon victory two years ago, Ngomane seemed to fade owing to a spate of injuries. He finished eighth in his attempt to defend his down-run title earlier this year.
Now Ngomane is hungry for success in Soweto.
”I am committed to rebuilding my career after suffering from a series of knee injuries over the past two years. Being a champion of an internationally recognised race is a great experience. So I am coming to Soweto with the aim of proving I am back to the form I had three years ago,” says Ngomane.
Speaking from his training base in Kanyamazane township near Nelspruit, Ngomane expects a huge field of elite runners in Soweto. ”Many who missed the City to City Marathon [in September] are going for glory at the Soweto Marathon. The increased prize money is a real attraction, says Ngomane.
”The course is tough and ideal for those of us who usually compete in ultra distances. I want to do well in Soweto so that I can position myself well for an international marathon next year,” Ngomane admits.
Meanwhile, Athletics South Africa (ASA) has issued an urgent call to athletes to get to Elkah Stadium very early on Sunday morning.
Phiwe Mlangeni-Tsholetsane explains: ”Metro police will be very strict in policing traffic on Sunday morning. We all know that Old Potch road becomes very congested. As we are expecting very large numbers for Sunday’s race, it would be advisable for athletes to try and get to Elkah Stadium before 5am.
”This information is important also for A-seeded athletes as they must be in their seeding pens by 5.45am. All cars that are not at Elkah by 5am will be diverted to the Vista University parking grounds, and transported by bus to Elkah.”
Athletes who missed the entry closing date are reminded that they may still enter for Sunday’s race, but only at the number collection points.
These are at the Wanderers Stadium on Wednesday and Thursday, and at Elkah on Friday and Saturday. — Sapa