Nkoka and Podnebesnova take Two Oceans Marathon crowns

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Lesotho’s Lebenya Nkoka and Russia’s Nina Podnebesnova secure victories in the men’s and women’s races at the 56km Old Mutual Two Oceans ultra-marathon 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa on Saturday.

Nkoka secured his maiden victory at the Two Oceans Marathon after breaking clear of a three-man lead group with less than 10km remaining to win the annual race in 3:09:52.

Local favourite Hendrick Ramaala fought back in the closing stages, after dropping off the pace, to grab second place in 3:11:33 on his ultra-marathon debut.

Nina Podnebesnova of Russia won the women’s race in 3:40:07, and Paulina Njeya was the first South African woman home, taking fifth position in 3:50:48.

South African Stephen Lesego Mokoka won the Two Oceans half-marathon race in a time of 1:04:16 and was closely followed behind by Joel Mmone and Sibabalwe Mzazi who both came in at 1:04:29. Benedict Moeng took fourth position with 1:04:40.

Lebo Phalula of South Africa won the women’s half-marathon in 1:14:00 ahead of compatriot Rene Kalmer (1:14:23).

Leading Results:

56km:

Men:

1. Lebenya Nkoka (LES) 3:09:52
2. Hendrick Ramaala (RSA) 3:11:33
3. Masilo Matjiane (LES) 3:12:00
4. Warinyane Lebopo (LES) 3:12:24
5. Ketema Tadesse (ETH) 3:12:35
6. Michael Mazibuko (RSA) 3:13:05
7. Arnold Kibet Kiptaoi (KEN) 3:14:06
8. Henry Moyo (MAL) 3:15:37
9. Mthandazo Qhina (RSA) 3:16:07
10. Othaniel Phahlane (RSA) 3:16:21

Women:

1. Nina Podnebesnova (RUS) 3:40:07
2. Shitaye Gemechu Debellu (ETH) 3:43:37
3. Elena Nurgalieva (RUS) 3:43:59
4. Mamorallo Tjoka (LES) 3:46:13
5. Paulina Njeya (RSA) 3:50:48
6. Olesya Nurgalieva (RUS) 3:51:46kk
7. Chelitu Bogale Asefa (ETH) 3:56:58
8. Ntombesintu Mfunzi (RSA) 4:00:52
9. Alemtsehay Hailu Kakissa (ETH) 4:03:56
10. Samukeliso Moyo (ZIM) 4:07:32

21km:

Men:

1. Stephen Mokoka (RSA) 1:04:16
2. Joel Mmone (RSA) 1:04:29
3. Gladwin Mzazi (RSA) 1:04:29
4. Benedict Moeng (RSA) 1:04:40
5. Asefa Negewo (ETH) 1:05:12

Women:

1. Lebo Phalula (RSA) 1:14:00
2. Rene Kalmer (RSA) 1:14:23
3. Gezashigh Gemeda (ETH) 1:15:02
4. Mapaseka Makhanya (RSA) 1:15:35
5. Lavinia Haitope (NAM) 1:16:41