EASTERN Cape athlete Lusapho April has done it again by achieving a first place in the Jumbo Beach to Beach half marathon last month and securing a second place at the Old Mutual Two Oceans half marathon in Cape Town this past weekend.
The 30-year-old athlete started his running career in 1995 before meeting coach Karen Zimmerman who became his trainer in 1997. “Running is truly a passion for me and I feel great and so happy with what I’ve achieved so far,” said April.
“I train every day, sometimes twice a day and what keeps me going are the goals I set myself; each time I work towards achieving those goals.”
Originally from Addo, April currently lives in Uitenhage but is frequently in East London. Having forged a 16-year training relationship with April, Zimmerman said she was impressed and pleased with his achievements so far. April came first in the Old Mutual Two Oceans half marathon in 2010 and 2011 and took second place this year in a time of 1:03:40.
He has taken part in five races so far this year, bagging a first place at the Jumbo Beach to Beach half marathon on March 16. “I’m satisfied with his performances at all his races this year,” said Zimmerman.
“The Jumbo Beach to Beach was an easy race for Lusapho to win and because the course is very hilly it is not possible to run a fast time so he just did enough to win.
“The Two Oceans had a strong field of runners.Lusapho’s time of 63:40 is his second best time at Two Oceans.”
Jumbo CEO, Alan Scheckter, said he was proud to be associated with such a great South African talent. He said April’s achievements had inspired them to reach for greater heights for the marathon in the future.
“We are delighted for him and proud to be associated with such a tremendous South African talent. His humility and love for the sport are both evident and admirable,” said Scheckter.
“Our goal for the Beach to Beach half marathon is for it to become one of the biggest attractions on the race calendar, attracting top runners – both national and international. In order to achieve this we will ‘up the ante’ in 2014 by offering a R100000 cash bonus to the winner of the 21km if the South African half marathon road record is broken.”
Marketing manager for the Old Mutual Two Oceans half marathon, Stefanie Schultzen, said April had stood out among the 16000 entrants at this year’s marathon.
“ He is an inspiration to many and we hope to see him again in 2014 at the world’s most beautiful marathon,” she said. —
East Cape marathon ace, April, marches on
The 30-year-old athlete started his running career in 1995 before meeting coach Karen Zimmerman who became his trainer in 1997. “Running is truly a passion for me and I feel great and so happy with what I’ve achieved so far,” said April.
“I train every day, sometimes twice a day and what keeps me going are the goals I set myself; each time I work towards achieving those goals.”
Originally from Addo, April currently lives in Uitenhage but is frequently in East London. Having forged a 16-year training relationship with April, Zimmerman said she was impressed and pleased with his achievements so far. April came first in the Old Mutual Two Oceans half marathon in 2010 and 2011 and took second place this year in a time of 1:03:40.
He has taken part in five races so far this year, bagging a first place at the Jumbo Beach to Beach half marathon on March 16. “I’m satisfied with his performances at all his races this year,” said Zimmerman.
“The Jumbo Beach to Beach was an easy race for Lusapho to win and because the course is very hilly it is not possible to run a fast time so he just did enough to win.
“The Two Oceans had a strong field of runners.Lusapho’s time of 63:40 is his second best time at Two Oceans.”
Jumbo CEO, Alan Scheckter, said he was proud to be associated with such a great South African talent. He said April’s achievements had inspired them to reach for greater heights for the marathon in the future.
“We are delighted for him and proud to be associated with such a tremendous South African talent. His humility and love for the sport are both evident and admirable,” said Scheckter.
“Our goal for the Beach to Beach half marathon is for it to become one of the biggest attractions on the race calendar, attracting top runners – both national and international. In order to achieve this we will ‘up the ante’ in 2014 by offering a R100000 cash bonus to the winner of the 21km if the South African half marathon road record is broken.”
Marketing manager for the Old Mutual Two Oceans half marathon, Stefanie Schultzen, said April had stood out among the 16000 entrants at this year’s marathon.
“ He is an inspiration to many and we hope to see him again in 2014 at the world’s most beautiful marathon,” she said. —
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