Sikhakhane aims to dip under 2:10 at Durban International Marathon incorporating SA Champs

South African marathoner Siboniso Sikhakhane is hoping to dip under 2 hours 10 minutes for the first time in his career when tackling Durban International Marathon. The race which will be run from Isipingo Prospection and ends at the Moses Mabhida people's park holds a R50 000 prize purse for the winner in both men's and women's category.

Sikhakhkane on his way to a 2:11:49 personal best at the 2021 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon. Photo Credit: Sanlam Cape Town Marathon.

Then there is an extra R25 000 for the first South African since the race incorporate with Athletics South Africa (ASA) marathon championships. Over and above that is an extra 10 000 US Dollars incentive bonus for the man who can clock 2:08:10 and qualify for the World Championships. Sikhakhane who has a personal best time of 2:11:49 over 42km distance is hoping for a resounding performance on Sunday.

"I think the preparations heading to the race on Sunday are well taken off. I have done all the work to get myself ready for the big day," said Sikhakhane who came third at the 2022 Two Oceans Marathon in 3:11:31. "The training indicates that I can dip under 2 hours 10 minutes for the first time in my life. I know I had a same goal when I running Cape Town Marathon last year but I ended up failing. This time around I have a better plan on how I'm going to execute the race to succeed."

Sikhakhane says training has gone well and is hoping to dip under 2:10 for the first time in his career at the 2023 Durban International Marathon. Photo Credit: Siboniso Sikhakhane.

The 31-year-old Phantane Athletics Club top runner says the prize money will mean the race will be tough. "I think the prize money will make the race interesting because a lot of good athletes will be here in Durban to win it. I share the same goal too. So I expect tough competition on the day." Some of the top contenders in men's race are Samuel Kiplimo of Kenya who holds a best time of 2:09:41 and reigning SA Champ Tumelo Motlagale who ran his 2:11:15 lifetime best at the same event last year. The race will be televised live on SuperSport.