Van Zyl targets fourth Soweto marathon title

Three-time Soweto Marathon champion Irvette van Zyl is eager to add to her tally as the much-anticipated event returns to the calendar following a two-year absence.

The event is scheduled to take place at FNB Stadium on November 6, with entries for the 42,2km, 21.1km, and 10km races closing Wednesday, 31 August. Organisers of the event, The Soweto Marathon Trust, are targeting a total of 40 000 entries.

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The two-time Olympian, is anticipating a more competitive Soweto Marathon than in previous years because of the two-year gap, which may have created higher demand.

œI think Soweto will be more competitive than the previous years because its back now from a two-year gap. Definitely it is going to be more competitive and exciting. I think we have seen in all the races last month especially Two Oceans that the race is really competitive and it™s exciting to watch, said Van Zyl.

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Van Zyl described the race as one of her favourites on the calendar and is relishing its return after the Covid-19-enforced break.

"I™m really excited that Soweto is back, as soon as the news came in there was a big smile on my face, so yah I am really excited that its back. That™s why it was really important for me to get my food healthy so I can be my best come 6 of November so I™m really happy that Soweto is back."

œTaking the streets of Soweto again it™s awesome, it™s been just so long so hopefully fourth time lucky, Van Zyl added.

By Charles Baloyi