Luyanda Mapoyi from Khayelitsha, Cape Town, is this year's winner of the 25th annual PPC LTD Riebeeck Bergmarathon held in the picturesque town of Riebeek West over the weekend. Celebrating its silver anniversary, the marathon, which is a Comrades qualifier, proved its staying power by continuing to grow in popularity. This year's event attracted 20% more participants than last year, with the majority taking part in the 21.1 km race.
24 year old, Mapoyi, who has only been running for a year, had this to say about the event, "I have been training for this race for just over three months and it has been tough. The route today was difficult but the beautiful views made up for it. I will definitely be doing the race again next year."
The event which attracts athletes from all over the country has been a highlight on the Western Cape marathon calendar since its inception, 25 years ago, and remains well-known for its awe-inspiring views and friendly atmosphere. Brian Rothman from Goodwood in Cape Town has run every PPC Riebeeck Bergmarathon since the first PPC marathon in 1985. "Every year this marathon goes from strength to strength. I have thoroughly enjoyed participating and I'll continue to do so as long as I can," he said.

Above photo: Luyando Mapoyl (left) with PPC Executive Director Harley Dent (right)

Above photo: PPC Riebeeck GM, Frikkie van Zyl starts the marathon
On top of its growing popularity, the event is also recognised for its exceptional organisation. In 2008 and 2009 it was awarded four stars for being the best organised event in accordance with the Boland Athletics five star merit award system.
Comprising of a 42.2 km marathon, a 21.1 km half marathon, a 10 km race and 5km fun run, the day was enjoyed by both accomplished athletes as well as families who opted for a weekend away in the beautiful Riebeek Valley.
"We are incredibly proud to be celebrating the silver anniversary of this exceptional event that continues to grow year after year. For us at PPC, the marathon remains an important part of our sponsorship calendar; hence we have committed ourselves to continue to sponsor it for as long as the runners continue to run. I look forward to seeing everyone again next year," said PPC Riebeeck Factory GM, Frikkie van Zyl.
"We are incredibly proud to be celebrating the silver anniversary of this exceptional event that continues to grow year after year. For us at PPC, the marathon remains an important part of our sponsorship calendar; hence we have committed ourselves to continue to sponsor it for as long as the runners continue to run. I look forward to seeing everyone again next year," said PPC Riebeeck Factory GM, Frikkie van Zyl.
| 42km Run | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men | Women | |||||||
| Name | Club | Time | Name | Club | Time | |||
| 1st | Luyanda Mapoyi | New Balance Khayelitsha | 02:39:36 | 1st | Liana Maree | Stellenbosch | 03:26:10 | |
| 2nd | Tau Khotso | Ceres | 02:42:21 | 2nd | Sandra Baetsen | Llandudno AC | 03:34:29 | |
| 3rd | Dumisani Dosi | Paarl/Boland Athletics | 02:51:04 | 3rd | Marie Louw | Harmony AGN | 03:35:35 | |
| 21km Run | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men | Women | |||||||
| Name | Club | Time | Name | Club | Time | |||
| 1st | Sityhilo Diko | Nedbank | 00:31:52 | Luyanda Mapoyi | West Coast Ac | 00:38:12 | ||
| 2nd | Adriaan Geldenhuys | Maties | 00:32:41 | 2nd | Tau Khotso | Mr Price | 00:38:34 | |
| 3rd | Luyanda Qolo | Hangklip | 00:33:12 | 3rd | Dumisani Dosi | Tygerberg NLK | 00:42:19 | |
| 10km Run | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men | Women | |||||||
| Name | Club | Time | Name | Club | Time | |||
| 1st | Thembelani Zola | Mr Price WP | 01:11:13 | 1st | Annerien Van Schalkwyk | Irene Marathon Club | 01:19:27 | |
| 2nd | Wanda Roro | Adidas AC WP | 01:11:28 | 2nd | Alae Brand | Nedbank Running Club CT | 01:23:53 | |
| 3rd | Dawid Gous | Swartland | 01:15:18 | 3rd | Bulelwa Mtshagi | Mr Price Celtic Harriers | 01:27:56 | |