Cian Oldknow wins her maiden SA marathon title with a new course record

Competing for Central Gauteng Athletics, Oldknow posted a time of 2 hours, 29 minutes, and 47 seconds to clinch first place at the Durban International Marathon, which also served as the ASA Marathon Championships, held at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday morning.

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She earned R75 000 prize money for capturing the national title, to add to her previous cross country championship.

Oldknow also broke the course record, previously held by Annie Bothma at 2:30:31 in 2023.

This marked her third marathon win, beginning with a victory at the Johnson Crane Hire Marathon in 2:39, and an Olympic qualifying time of 2:25:08 in Seville, Spain, in February.

''I really want to win the SA title today, it was a huge goal of mine. I wanted something to stick to my name,'' said Oldknow.

Oldknow entered the race aiming to complete it under 2 hours and 30 minutes, and she executed her plan flawlessly.

She accomplished all the goals she had set for herself before the race.

''It was a good race, I got exactly what I was aiming for. I had a good experience,'' added Oldknow.

Oldknow told the national broadcaster of her intention to participate in several short-distance races as part of her preparations for the Paris Olympics scheduled for July/August.