Phillimon Mathiba ran the race of his life in the past weekend’s Dublin International Marathon. The young athlete who is coached by former Dublin marathon winner and Nedbank running club development coach Pio Mpolokeng, finished a credible 5th.
“I am so happy with my performance today and my PB and I couldn’t ask for anything more,” said Mathiba. “I need to thank my coach Pio as well as my mentor Ludwick Mamabolo and training partner David Manja because without them none of this would have been possible not forgetting my team Nedbank running club and sponsors. This was for all of them.”
After finishing 2nd in Dublin last year, team mate Manja ran into some issues early on in the race but still held on to fight it out to the finish, coming home 18th in 2:22:40. In the women’s race, Caroline Poonan from Nedbank running club ran her 2nd best marathon time to date, with a 27th place finish in 2:53:50, in what was her first marathon in over 12 years!
The team now looks for a great performance in this weekend’s Soweto Marathon. Catch the race live on SABC 2 on Sunday morning to see the green dream team painting the streets of Soweto green.
Dublin Marathon
MEN
5. Phillimon Mathiba (Nedbank RC) 2:13:11
18. David Manja (Nedbank RC) 2:22:40
WOMEN
14. Caitiona Jennings 2:37:57
27. Caroline Poonan (Nedbank RC) 2:53:50
Don Lock Memorial 8 km & 15 km
8 km
MEN
Veterans:
1. Mthandazo Qhina (Nedbank RC) 27:11
WOMEN
G’masters:
2. Charmaine Cupido (Nedbank RC) 40:34
15 km
MEN
Veterans:
1. Mthandazo Qhina (Nedbank RC) 49:42
3. Vakalisa Kopolo (Nedbank RC) 51:39
WOMEN
1. Mareli van Schalkwyk (Nedbank RC) 58:20
Spar Tembisa Mile 10 km
MEN
3. Namakoe Nkhasi (Nedbank RC Les) 30:41
10. Joel Mmone (Nedbank RC) 31:49
Veterans:
1. Coolboy Ngamole (Nedbank RC) 33:27
Goss & Balfe Sapphire Coast Marathon, Half Marathon & 10 km
Marathon
WOMEN
1. Zama Mokoena (Nedbank RC) 3:22:17
Half Marathon
WOMEN
3. Zodwa Magidigidi (Nedbank RC) 104:56
Melkbos AC 15 km
MEN
Veterans:
1. Vakalisa Kopolo (Nedbank RC) 50:55
Masters:
1. Andrew Cooper (Nedbank RC) 54:39
Juniors:
2. Justice Kanyongo (Nedbank RC Zim) 56:00
3. Heinrich Ryk (Nedbank RC) 56:57
WOMEN
Veterans:
3. Jeanetta Kohler (Nedbank RC) 60:36
Masters:
1. Obertina Kanyongo (Nedbank RC Zim) 63:35
Kirkwood Orchard Run Half Marathon & 10 km
Half marathon
MEN
3. Andile Motwana (Nedbank RC) 1:09:04
Veterans:
1. Melikhaya Kepe (Nedbank RC) 1:12:54
2. George Ntshiliza (Nedbank RC) 1:18:15
Masters:
2. Bisho Nombewu (Nedbank RC) 1:33:31
G’masters:
2. Nelson Mgubasi (Nedbank RC) 1:38:08
G/g'masters:
2. Eddie Eades (Nedbank RC) 1:49:14
WOMEN
2. Davera Magson (Nedbank RC) 1:39:15 – Also 1st vet
G/g'masters:
1. Ronelle Steyn (Nedbank RC) 2:31:16
10 km
WOMEN
1 Ndileka Mvakwendlu Nedbank 29 0:42:01
3 Theresa Buchner Nedbank 34 0:52:27
Rainbow Run 10 km
MEN
1. Andile Motwana (Nedbank RC) 31:29
3. Anele Maliza (Nedbank RC) 32:42
7. Mila Pasiya (Nedbank RC) 34:39
10. George Ntshiliza (Nedbank RC) 36:11
WOMEN
1. Kelly Van Vliet (Nedbank RC) 38:31
2. Ndileka Mvakwendlu (Nedbank RC) 41:37