Leemisa Thuseho
MARATHONER, Jobo Khatoane, will today battle it out against top runners at the 2023 Durban International Marathon in South Africa.
The event consists of two categories; 42.2 km and 10km. Khatoane will be competing in the 42.2km race.
This is the third edition of the marathon.
Today’s race is expected to attract a field of about 10, 000 runners, both elite and amateurs. It will start from Isipingo Prospecton and finish at the Moses Mabhida People’s Park.
Winners in both the men’s and women’s categories will each pocket M50 000.
Khatoane, whose 42.2km personal best is 2:20:15, has to be in top form if he is to contain the tough challenge from top South African runners that include Siboniso Sikhakhane. Sikhakhane has a personal best time of 2:11:49 in this category.
Other high-profile names expected to participate are Tumelo Motlagale with a personal best of 2:11:15, Philani Buthelezi (2:13:15), Reghen Magwai (2:14:45) and Gladwin Mzazi (2:17:43).
Khatoane told the Sunday Express yesterday he was ready for the race.
“I am in good shape and ready,” Khatoane said.
He said he was aware that the race would not be easy and he would give it his best shot.
He was also hoping to improve on his time.
“My major focus is to win and also to improve my time. For a long time I have not been running marathons until last year. All along I had been doing 21.1km and 10km races. I’m gradually restoring my confidence.”
This will be Khatoane’s second marathon this year after the 2023 Bhekizizwe Joseph Shabalala Marathon held in KwaZulu-Natal on 11 February. He came third after clocking 2:20:15.