Uitenhage-born superstar, long distance sensation Lusapho April became the first man yesterday to win the Hanover Marathon in Germany three times.
April showed a clean pair of heels to run a time of two hours, 11 minutes and 25 seconds.
That effort also punched his ticket for the Rio Olympics in August.
The official qualifying time for the Olympics is two hours 19 minutes.
April has dominated in Germany in recent years also winning the event in 2011 and 2013.
His personal best of 2:08:32, when he won the race for the second time, remains the course record.
Yesterday, he outmaneuvered Kenyan Martin Kosgey (2:11:54) to take the line honours. Another Kenyan, Moses Masai finished third in 2:15:43.
He broke away from a small lead group with under 10km remaining, and even though he slowed down near the end, he held on for a fine win.
“I decided with my coach Karen Zimmerman to push on once the pacemakers dropped out at 25km.
We planned to take it hard as early as possible to the Kenyans and it worked a dream. Then it was just a question of staying strong to the end,” April said after the race.
“It was tough over the last few kilometres and the early effort slowed me in the run-in, but the win was important and I knew that a sub 2:12 would get me to Rio.
“I’m tired but happy and want to thank all my fans for their support.
“The people here in Hanover have been good to me and so this third win means a lot because of the great welcome I always get from them.
“The focus this year is Rio so we will have to regroup quickly and make sure we are ready to medal at the Olympics.
“I’m experienced, confident and feel I have what it takes to beat anyone.”
April competed in the marathon at London Olympics in 2012 and his performance has taken him into second place among the list of qualifiers, with only Stephen Mokoka with a time of 2:07:40 better than him.
April shines in Germany
April showed a clean pair of heels to run a time of two hours, 11 minutes and 25 seconds.
That effort also punched his ticket for the Rio Olympics in August.
The official qualifying time for the Olympics is two hours 19 minutes.
April has dominated in Germany in recent years also winning the event in 2011 and 2013.
His personal best of 2:08:32, when he won the race for the second time, remains the course record.
Yesterday, he outmaneuvered Kenyan Martin Kosgey (2:11:54) to take the line honours. Another Kenyan, Moses Masai finished third in 2:15:43.
He broke away from a small lead group with under 10km remaining, and even though he slowed down near the end, he held on for a fine win.
“I decided with my coach Karen Zimmerman to push on once the pacemakers dropped out at 25km.
We planned to take it hard as early as possible to the Kenyans and it worked a dream. Then it was just a question of staying strong to the end,” April said after the race.
“It was tough over the last few kilometres and the early effort slowed me in the run-in, but the win was important and I knew that a sub 2:12 would get me to Rio.
“I’m tired but happy and want to thank all my fans for their support.
“The people here in Hanover have been good to me and so this third win means a lot because of the great welcome I always get from them.
“The focus this year is Rio so we will have to regroup quickly and make sure we are ready to medal at the Olympics.
“I’m experienced, confident and feel I have what it takes to beat anyone.”
April competed in the marathon at London Olympics in 2012 and his performance has taken him into second place among the list of qualifiers, with only Stephen Mokoka with a time of 2:07:40 better than him.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos