FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

KENYANS CLAIM VICTORY IN 2014 SANLAM CAPE TOWN MARATHONSouth Africa’s Largest Elite-Field Marathon Event Won By World-Record-Holding Kenyans.

Cape Town, 21 September – Against the panoramic backdrop of Table Mountain and Signal Hill, on a sunny and windless spring morning, world-record-holding Kenyan national Willy Kibor ran to victory in the Sanlam Cape Town 42,2km Marathon in a time of 2h10m45s.

Kibor, winner of the 2013 Sydney Marathon (Australia) and 2010 Shanghai Marathon (China), was followed by compatriots Henry Chirchir in second place, in 2h12m36s; Josphat Kamzee Jepkopol in third place, in 2h13m01s; Shadrack Kemboi in fourth place, in 2h14m15s; and Hillary Kipkogei Yego in fifth place, in 2h15m30s.

The first woman across the line was Ethiopian long-distance runner Meseret Biru, in 2h30m56s. The first South African finisher was Desmond Mokgobu, who came in seventh in 2h16m14s.

The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon three-day festival of running, which kicked off on Friday, attracted over 12 000 participants from around the globe, including the most Gold Label-status elite marathon runners ever seen at a sports event in South Africa. Taking place on the United Nations’ International Day of Peace for this year, the event will benefit Peace & Sport (L’Organisation pour la Paix par le Sport), a global initiative under the patronage of Prince Albert of Monaco that uses sport to educate young people affected by extreme poverty, recent conflict or a lack of social cohesion, as well as other charities including Endurocad, The Children’s Hospital Trust, The Sunflower Fund, the Cancer Association of South Africa, Pink Drive, the Anna Foundation, Eduvate, MAD Charity, the JAG Foundation, the WWF, Community Chest and Rotary Newlands.

Today’s classic Olympian 42,2km marathon formed part of an application to become Africa’s first IAAF-classified sports event, with the long-term aim of becoming a World Marathon Major event.

“Cape Town can be proud of its city marathon, which is well on its way to placing the Mother City and our continent on the global stage of running,” said Ms. Yegs Ramiah, Chief Executive for Sanlam Brand, the headline sponsor of the event, in partnership with Western Province Athletics (WPA), Asem Running and the City of Cape Town.

“The marathon is about more than just people running,” Ramiah continued. “It’s also about the community, the supporters, families and friends who woke early to encourage the runners through the streets of this wonderful city.”

Ramiah commented that events such as the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon have a direct economic impact on the local community, boosting not only tourism and business, but also the social welfare and lives of those less fortunate.

Top 10 Men’s and Ladies’ Open results

Men:1. Willy Kibor (Kenya) 2h10m45s 2. Henry Kipsigei Chirchir (Kenya) 2h12m36s3. Josphat Kamzee Jepkopol (Kenya) 2h13m01s4. Shadrack Kemboi (Kenya) 2h14m15s5. Hillary Kipkogei Yego (Kenya) 2h15m30s6. Nicolas Kipngeno Kemboi (Qatar) 2h16m09s7. Desmond Mokgobu (South Africa) 2h16m14s8. Laban Kipkemoi Moiben (Kenya) 2h16m48s9. Africa Mailola (South Africa) 2h17m58s10. Motlokoa Nkhabutlane 2h18m38s

Ladies:1. Meseret Biru (Ethiopia) 2h30m56s2. Goitetom Haftu Tesema (Ethiopia) 2h31m55s3. Beatrice Toroitich Jepkemboi (Kenya)2h33m16s4. Amelework Fikadu Bosho (Ethiopia) 2h36m12s5. Melka Mulu 2h37m47s6. Zintle Xiniwe (South Africa) 2h41m49s7. Alemtsehay Kakissa 2h42m45s8. Paulina Njeya 2h46m51s9. Thabita Tsatsa 2h48m29s10. Lineo Chaka 2h49m41s

ENDSWord Count: 543

About Sanlam Cape Town Marathon

Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is managed through a joint partnership between Western Province Athletics (WPA), ASEM Running and the City of Cape Town.

Endorsed by Elana Meyer and Francois Pienaar, it will be held from Saturday, 20 September to Sunday, 21 September 2014. The classic 42.2km marathon is the central focus of a festival of running through Africa’s Mother City, which includes a 10km Peace Run, a 4.2km Peace Fun Run, a 22km and 11km Peace Trail Run, and 5 x 4.2km, Peace Corporate, School and University Relay.

The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon route is competitive, yet beautiful, offering runners a unique experience that highlights the City’s natural splendour and top cultural attractions. The field is inclusive of the world’s elite athletes, club and non-club runners, wheelchair racers, casual joggers, social runners and walkers. Athletes and spectators can enjoy Cape Town’s unique festive atmosphere at safe, fun supporter zones along the route, as well as at the Cape Town Stadium in Green Point.

The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon delivers a sustainable, charitable event that brings together runners and supporters to experience the exceptional spirit of one of Africa’s world-class city marathons.

For more information, please contact: CRAIG DUMMETTPress – Cape Town Marathon082 072 4103021 418 2466craig@dummettandcompany.co.za