The 24th edition of ‘The People’s Race’ kicked off at sunrise just outside the iconic FNB Stadium with the half marathon and 10km run following soon after.

On Sunday, 5 November 2017, the Old Mutual Soweto Marathon saw Lesotho-born Tsepho Mathibelle claiming the winning position in the men’s race in 2:19:41, while Irvette Van Zyl dominated the women’s race with a time of 2:41:04 – and was the first South African woman to take the title in eight years.

An emotional Irvette Van Zyl says she didn’t think she would win today. ‘I thought Mapa was to far ahead. But it meant a lot to me. In 2011 I wasn’t able to complete the race. I finished in a taxi. Last year I had injury problems so winning this race was huge. This race has so much character and I love those kind of races. Third time lucky.’

The weather on the day challenged the 26,000 runners to the max across tough terrain and sweltering conditions. The route, which took runners through Soweto, showcased the historic sights and powerful spirit of the city.

RELATED: 15 Awesome Instagrams From The Soweto Marathon!

Final results:

Men’s 42km:

1. Tsepho Mathibelle (Phantane Athletics Club): 2:19:41
2. Sintayethu Legese Yinesu (Nedbank Running Club): 2:20:56
3. Ntsindiso Mphakathi (Nedbank Running Club): 2:21: 23

Women’s 42km:

1. Irvette Van Zyl (Nedbank Running Club): 2:41:06
2. Mapaseka Makhanya (Nedbank Running Club): 2:44:37
3. Selam Abere Alebachew (Nedbank Running Club): 2:46:33

Men’s 21km:

1. David Manja (Nedbank Running Club): 1:06:14
2. Elroy Gelant (Boxer Athletic Club): 1:07:16
3. Tebello Ramakongoana (Phantane Athletics Club): 1:07: 53

Women’s 21km:

1. Patience Murowe (Nedbank Running Club): 1:21:56
2. Betha Chikanga (Maxed Elite): 1:22:52
3. Christine Kalmer (KPMG Running Club): 1:24:50

Men’s 10km:

1. Namakoe Lucky Nkasi (Nedbank Running Club): 30:52
2. Sibabalwe Gladwin Mzazi (Transnet): 30:55
3. Thabang Mosiako (Nedbank Running Club): 30:59

Women’s 10km:

1. Glenrose Xaba: 35:33
2. Rutendo Nyahora (Nedbank Running Club): 35:42
3. Dinah-Rose Phalula (Boxer Athletic Club): 36:26

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