Mokoka to lead 11 South African marathoners to Birmingham 2009

Submitted by editor on 8 August 2009 - 8:16pm
South Africa's Stephen Mokoka after the junior men's race at the 36th World Marathon Championships, Edinburgh 2008/Photo Credit: AthleticsAfrica

Athletics South Africa (ASA) has announced a provisional team of eight men and three women to participate in the IAAF World Half Marathon Championships in Birmingham, England, on 11 October.

According to a statement released by the ASA, the team was selected after the highly successful Nedbank South African Half Marathon Championships recently held in Port- Elizabeth.

The Nedbank South African 10km Championships, due to be held in Stellenbosch on 29 August, will be the battlefield for the members in the provisional team to secure their place in the final team to England. These duels will ensure that the 10km Championships will deliver performances of the highest order.

Stephen Mokoka, who gave an impressive performance in winning the half marathon title, has been included in the team together with Lindikhaya Mthangayi, Mbongeni Ngxazozo, Xolisa Tyali, Olebogeng Masire, Jeffrey Gwebu, Zolani Ntongana and Samuel Segoaba.

Annerien van Schalkwyk, who surprised both friend and foe with an excellent title winning performance in Port Elizabeth, makes up the women’s team together with Rene Kalmer and Poppy Mlambo.