Annie Bothma Reclaims SA Marathon Title at Durban International Marathon
Annie Bothma reclaimed the South African marathon title she first won in 2023 with a comeback performance at the ASA Marathon Championships, incorporated into the Durban International Marathon at Moses Mabhida People’s Park in Durban on Sunday, 3 May 2026.
Bothma, who took second place in the open race behind Alemitu Lema in 2:27:45, becoming the 10th South African woman to run under 2:30:00 over the 42.2km distance.
Nomvula Sithole, competing in the colours of Athletics Mpumalanga (AMPU), earned silver in 2:52:19, and Leandre van der Merwe of Athletics Gauteng North (AGN) filled the bottom step on the podium, completing the race in 2:52:41.
“Walking away with the South African title is something I will cherish for the rest of my life.”
2026 SA Marathon Champion, Annie Bothma
Bothma came second in the main open race to Ethiopia’s Alemitu Lema, who showed exceptional class to win gold in the Durban International Marathon in a time of 2:26:44 to shatter the women’s course record by more than three minutes.
“On behalf of the Board of ASA, I congratulate Bothma and (men’s winner Reghen) Magwai on their achievements today,” said the Acting President of Athletics South Africa, John Mathane. “It’s an inspiring performance especially when athletes are targeting double rewards which is the crown and the money.”
Original Copy: Athletics South Africa, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: Annie Bothma claimed the South African marathon title at the ASA Marathon Championships, incorporated into the Durban International Marathon, becoming the 10th South African woman to run under 2:30:00 over the 42.2km distance at Moses Mabhida People’s Park in Durban on Sunday, 3 May 2026. File Photo: Supplied
Photo 1 Caption: Ethiopia’s Alemitu Lema shatter the women’s course record by more than three minutes to win gold in the Durban International Marathon. Photo: Durban International Marathon
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