The 2023 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon witnessed a thrilling showdown on Sunday, as Stephen Mokoka, the defending champion, secured the second position in a tightly contested race. Despite finishing as the runner-up, Mokoka expressed satisfaction with his performance. Mokoka, a three-time Cape Town marathon winner hailing from Ramatlabama village outside Mahikeng, had high hopes of clinching his fourth consecutive title but was narrowly edged out by Ethiopian athlete Adane Kebede Gebre.
Gebre crossed the finish line just four seconds ahead of Mokoka, completing the marathon in 2 hours, 11 minutes, and 26 seconds, while Mokoka finished with a time of 2 hours, 11 minutes, and 30 seconds. The third position was secured by Kenyan runner Benard Kipkorir, who finished the race in 2 hours, 11 minutes, and 48 seconds.
Despite falling short of his title defence, Mokoka remained upbeat about his performance. At the post-race media conference, he highlighted his challenges during the marathon, mainly the strong winds impacting the final stages. The North West Province athlete commended the event's organisation and the warm hospitality of Cape Town, a city he holds dear.
He shared his strategy, explaining that he attempted to make a move in the final three kilometres of the race when the winds subsided. However, the challenging wind conditions in the last kilometre made it difficult to maintain his lead. Nevertheless, he expressed contentment with his performance and recognised the unpredictability of marathon running.
Reflecting on his experience, Mokoka acknowledged that victory is elusive in marathons, and athletes must embrace the uncertainties of each race. He noted that he made a critical misjudgement around the 39-kilometre mark, believing he had secured the win, only to face stiff competition from the East African athletes, including Gebre, as the race neared its conclusion. Mokoka emphasized the importance of appreciating the competition and showing gratitude when another athlete is in the spotlight.
Despite falling short of the top spot, he remains determined and confident in his ability to return to winning mode. Another Mahikeng Athlete in the top 10 was the current Comrades marathon champion Tete Dijana as he finished in 10th position in 2:13:24 finishing time. The 2023 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon gave spectators and athletes a thrilling display of talent and endurance, reaffirming the event's status as one of South Africa's premier marathon races.
Mokoka's resilience and sportsmanship in the face of stiff competition have further cemented his reputation as a top athlete in the marathon world, and fans will undoubtedly anticipate his future performances with great excitement.
