GEORGE NEWS - Nearly 1 000 runners crossed the finish line at the 2026 Fancourt Marathon, held in George on Saturday 17 October, with some impressive performances in both the full marathon and half-marathon.
According to the official timing results, 976 runners completed the event - 248 in the 42.2km marathon and 728 in the 21.1km half-marathon.
Asisipho Josiah Matomane of RCS Gugulethu Athletics Club claimed victory in the men's marathon in an impressive time of 02:29:10.5.
Tholinhlanhla Shabalala of Knysna Marathon Club finished second in 02:33:50.5, followed by Siyabulela Mtshalala of Totalsports VOB Running Club in 02:34:08.9.
In the women's marathon, local athlete Carla Spangenberg of Nedbank Running Club SWD took top honours in 03:10:56.6. Danette Walley finished second in 03:14:27.8, while Cindy Viljoen secured third place in 03:27:13.8.
Half-marathon results
Local athletes also impressed in the 21.1km race, with Austin Koopman of Nedbank Running Club SWD winning the men's event in 01:13:45.5.
Underson Ncube followed in 01:14:22.9, with Bonga Nkqintiza taking third place in 01:14:38.8.
Nedbank Running Club SWD's Melissa van Rensburg won the women's half-marathon in 01:29:58.3, followed by Nikki Walter of Knysna Marathon Club in 01:33:46.7 and Minki Lotter in 01:34:13.2.
The event attracted runners from various clubs, and athletes from across the Garden Route featured prominently among the top finishers.
The winner of the half-marathon, Austin Koopman.
Carla Spanneberg took the win in the women's marathon.
The marathon winner, Asisipho Josiah Matomane, crosses the finish line.
Local legend Melissa van Rensburg won the women's half-marathon.‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
