The much awaited annual Om Die Dam ultramarathon was a huge success last weekend with over 4 000 athletes running the race.
The race was won by 40-year-old Jonas Makhele from Soweto in a time of 02:57:23. Tumisho Makgakwa came second, only 24 seconds behind Makhele. Lutendo Mopoto took third place.
Adele Broodryk (32) a medical doctor and lecturer from Potchefstroom won the women’s race in 3:23:48. Charné Bosman was second and Renata Vosloo third.
Makhele said he thought he could win the race. “I ran in a group with strong runners from the start and I decided to stay with the group until the last 5km when I decided to pull away. I am very happy.”
He has not decided if he will enter for the Comrades. “I believe I can win it. I will decide later if I will run,” he said.
Runners from all over South Africa praised the organisers on social media this week, complimenting them on a well-organised race. Om Die Dam is one of the most popular ultramarathons in the country.
