Elite athletes on CT marathon cancellation

SOUTH Africa’s most renowned road runners, Gerda Steyn and Stephen Mokoka, have taken the cancellation of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon on the chin like the true champions they are.

- MATSHELANE MAMABOLO [e-mail]

Mokoka’s quest for a fourth title was blown away by the Mother City wind on Sunday morning when adverse weather conditions forced the cancellation of the race.

The South African running legend was out to extend his record wins at the popular race, which is bidding to become the seventh race on the Abbott World Marathon Majors, following his victories in 2018, 2021, and 2022.

Early in the morning, as he was preparing to go to the start, Mokoka received a WhatsApp message from the organisers informing him— and the other 24,000 runners who were excitedly looking forward to pounding the streets of the city for 42.195 km—that the race was cancelled.

Though disappointed, the Hollywood Athletics Club ace took the cancellation in his stride.

“I am still digesting this individually. But all I can say is that it is still a shock,” the multiple Olympian told the Independent Media Group. “I’ve not really dealt with it”

Shocked as he was, the former South African marathon champion knows the cancellation was for the best.