TSOMO-BORN runner, Mcoseleli Luyaba, overcame stiff competition and an uncomfortably hot weather to win the 2022 Buffs Marathon 42,2km on Sunday in East London.
The 40-year-old Luyaba, who runs in the colours of Nedbank Running Club East London (NRCEL), crossed the line at 2:25:25.184 and was closely followed by Malixole Kalideni of Old Selbornians Athletics Club who arrived 55 seconds after Luyaba while Luthando Hejana of Boxer Athletics Club came third.
A visibly drained but excited Luyaba said everything worked according to plan because he felt comfortable as he started seeing fellow runners dropping away from the leading pack in the 37th KM.
“It was not an easy race especially against experienced runners like Kalideni and Hejana, but I was so encouraged when I saw them dropping away and that game strength keep moving. I went into the race focusing on beating the time Two Oceans Marathon, but I was super happy to do that also winning the race,” said Luyaba
Kalideni and Hejana arealso the same runners who came first and second in the marathon in 2020 while Luyaba came third that year. Luyaba said during that time he was inexperienced in the race.
“It was a sweet revenge,” he laughs. “I was still learning during that time, and I believe competing with these guys helped a lot. I also want to thank my teammates at Nedbank Running Club East London, working together as a team keeps us going strong,” concluded Luyaba.
Organised by Buffalo Road Runners, the Buffs Marathon 42,2km was in its 48th season and is regarded as one of the Eastern Cape’s most prestigious events and an official Comrades and Two Oceans Ultra Marathon qualifier.
