Double delight for Zimbabwe as Two Oceans Marathon returns with a bang

There was double delight for Zimbabwe at the Two Oceans Marathon in Cape Town on Saturday as South Africa's neighbours had winners in both the men's and women's races in the half marathon distances.

South Africa's Elroy Gelant, the defending champion from 2019 after the 2020 and 2021 editions of the race were scrapped as a result of Covid-19, finished second. 

The men's winner was Moses Tarakinyu, who crossed the finish line after 21.1 km in a time of 1:03:31, just 1.55 seconds ahead of Gelant. 

Another South Africa, Desmond Mokgobu, came third and the top three were engaged in a thrilling fight to the finish line. 

In the women's race, Fortunate Chidzivo gave Zimbabwe the double when she won in 1:14:49 in far more dominant fashion. 

Chidzivo finished a staggering 25 seconds ahead of Ethiopia's Kore Tamiru Gelaye while another Zimbabwean in Caroline Mhandu cam third. 

South Africa's best finishers were Laura Labuschangne (4th) an Stella Marais (6th). 

Moses Tarakinyu Conquers the Current at 01:03:31 #TTOM2022 #HomeOfRunning pic.twitter.com/rHwPuu6M7W

Men’s Top 10: What a close finish with a full-on SPRINT to the end and Moses Tarakinyu taking the WIN! Only 2 seconds separating the top 2, with defending champ Elroy Gelant finishing 2nd #TTOM2022#Conquerthecurrentpic.twitter.com/VIG9gQp7cU

Fortunate Chidzivo for the WIN??! #ConquerTheCurrent#TTOM2022pic.twitter.com/06SOW5hN83

Well done, CHAMP! What a way to CONQUER. Women’s #TTOM2022 Half Marathon Champion ????#Conquerthecurrent #homeofrunning pic.twitter.com/AS53Qc7pPC