"I'm over the moon!" - Tarakinyu & Chidzivo take Totalsports Two Oceans Half marathon titles

Zimbabwean International Moses Tarakinyu provided a sprint finish to win a mouthwatering Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon men's race in a time of 1:03:30 on Saturday in Cape Town. Tarakinyu was followed closely by Elroy Gelant (1:03:32) who finished two seconds behind, while Desmond Mokgobu (1:03:33) had to settle for the third place in one of the tightest finishes in memory.

Tarakinyu, who was running on South African soil for the first time couldn't contain his excitement after winning on debut at the world's most beautiful road race. "I'm over the moon for winning the race especially since it is the first time I'm running a race in South Africa. I heard so many stories about Two Oceans and Cape Town so to win this race excites me," explained the 27-year-old Nedbank Running Club Athlete.

The lead bunch with eventual winner Moses Tarakinyu at the front in the Nedbank Running Colours. Photo Credit: Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Media.

Tarakinyu put his triumph down to his preparation, which he says was excellent."This victory was the result of the good camp I had the past few weeks in my country. I would surely come to race in SA again because the competition would help me improve as an athlete."

The runner-up Gelant was pleased with his performance especially after working hard to restore his fitness level in the past three months. "I'm happy with the way I ran today. Remember, after the Olympics, I had an injury and I gained too much weight," said the SA 5 000m record holder (13:04.88).

Elation from Fortunate Chidzivo as she wins her very first Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon title. Photo Credit: Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Media.

"I did incredibly well to get my body into shape again. It has never been easy for me and to be on the podium is good news for me. With 2km to go, I tried to control the race because all the leading athletes were not willing to sprint to the front and at the same time I didn't know much about the winner (Tarakinyu). Then I lost the momentum on that hill and at the same time, I thought will catch him because the race usually finishes on the second Rugby field at the end, only to realize that this year's finish has changed," said the two-time Olympian.

In the women's race, Cape Town-based Zimbabwean Fortunate Chidzivo led from gun to tape to claim her maiden title in the time of 1:14:48.