Ethiopians dominated the People’s Race this year, winning both the men’s and women’s races. The Soweto Marathon returned for the 27th time on Sunday, 6 November 2022, after a two-year absence owing to Covid-19 restrictions and attracted more than 20,000 runners.
Daba Ifa Debele of Ethiopia won the 42km race in 2:18:58, followed by fellow countryman Gadisa Bekele Gutama in second place in 2:19:27, while Tsepo Ramashamole of Lesotho grabbed the third spot in 2:20:21.
In the women’s marathon, it was an Ethiopian clean sweep with Chaltu Bedo Negashu winning the women’s race with a time of 2:40:56.
She was followed in the standings by fellow compatriots Tinebebe Nebiyu Ali and Amelework Fikadu Bosho, who came in second and third, respectively, at 2:43:14 and 2:44:32.
The Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Councillor Mpho Phalatse started and participated in the 10km race.
She finished in just under two hours and credited the spirit to her office staff who were with her during the race.
“I am excited that I participated and finished 10km of the People’s Race. It was an exciting journey, the love and the support the people of Soweto showed us and cheering us to continue going was amazing.
I must also commend my office for pushing me as we agreed that we will do this together.
“Although running can be thought of as a solitary activity, I firmly believe that running is a team sport that shows courage in the face of difficulty, support for fellow runners, and the true spirit of unity in the goal of greater health and fitness,” said Mayor Phalatse at the finish line.
Three firefighters Jerry Machebele from Brixton Fire Station, Sikhumbuzo Mbixane from Turffontein Fire Station, and Welcome Moatli from Jabulani Fire Station received a heroes’ welcome at FNB stadium after finishing the 42km race in full firefighting gear as a tribute to their fallen colleagues, who perished in the fire that engulfed the Bank of Lisbon building in 2018.
Scores of the City officials from Joburg’s Emergency Management Service, Joburg Road Agency and the Joburg Metro Police Department lined up along the 42.2km, 21km and 10km routes to ensure that everything runs according to plan.
Written by Luyanda Lunika
07/11/2022