Stephen Mokoka – Not a good idea to stage national champs with other races

ASA recently confirmed its fixtures for the year, with the national marathon championships set to be incorporated into the Durban International Marathon at Moses Mabhida Stadium on 3 May. 

The shorter distance championships over 21.1km, 5km and the mile will take place in Gqeberha on 27 June, while the ASA 10km championships will form part of the Let’s Go Potch 10km on 17 October.

Mokoka says he is not in favour of blending national championships with other races, arguing that the focus should be solely on the athletes competing for national honours.

"But in terms of marathon, I wish we could have national championships that are not incorporated into other races, so that when you finish, you can truly feel that that you have won the nationals. It doesn't make sense that you compete in the nationals, finish third overall, and are then called a national champion.

"I feel as though that if they could get the opportunity to race each other wearing their provincial colours, so that when you cross the line, you know you have automatically finished first –  instead of finishing first at nationals but second or fourth in the overall race," said Mokoka

READ: Tayla Kavanagh to switch more focus on the track

One of the reasons ASA may have opted to incorporate the championships into existing races is to boost competition and attract better prize money, giving athletes an opportunity to run faster times.

However, Mokoka insists that the national marathon championships should not be about financial incentives, but about pride and honour. 

He believes the championships must be respected and protected as a platform where athletes compete for the title of South African champion.

The 40-year-old Hollywood Athletics Club runner, who has won three Cape Town Marathon titles, also welcomed the decision to stage the 21.1km national championships in Gqeberha as a standalone event. 

He confirmed to the national broadcaster that he will line up for the championships in June.

Mokoka says having the half-marathon championships separated from other races will allow athletes to focus fully on performance and improve their standing in the world rankings.

"I'm happy the half marathon is going to Port Elizabeth. I'm happy because we will get the opportunity to run good times on a route that has a good status, and it's going to elevate our points in order for us to get invitations, especially in terms of world rankings."