Hendricks and Kavanagh Power to Peace Run Victories at the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon

Deon-Lee Hendricks and Tayla Kavanagh were the first of the 2024 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon weekend’s winners when they raced to victory in the 10 kilometre Peace Run; on Saturday, 19 October. The victors and their fellow 6 830 Peace Runners had to contend with a stiff tail wind on the first half of the course and a headwind on the homebound leg. This did however not slow them unduly as Hendricks clocked an impressive 29 minutes and 50 seconds, while Kavanagh’s time was 32 minutes and 38 seconds. 

Hendricks used the tail wind to his advantage and went out hard. “I came into the race feeling well, but knowing I’d have tough competition and that the wind would be both with and against me,” the 27-year-old said. “The first 5 kilometres were really fast. I was on my own for the first 3, then a group joined me. But I felt really strong towards the end, into the wind, and I think I executed my race plan perfectly.” 

“I think I could have run faster, but I’m happy to take the win,” Hendricks concluded. “It’s great to be part of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, every year there’s something new so I’m always excited to be here. If you aren’t here, I don’t know where you want to be!” 

The victor was joined on the podium by Awethu Ntsotho and Zenzile Pheko, who were 14 and 24 seconds off Hendricks’ pace. Siphiwe Mqayisa and Duane Fortuin completed the top five. 

In the women’s race Kavanagh had to work hard for the title. “It was a bit tough in the wind, but I had said to myself this morning that I just wanted to run hard from the start. It was a bit of a struggle on the way back, into the wind though,” she confessed. “I just told myself, it’s just wind, just put your head down and push through it. At the same time, it was a thoroughly enjoyable race and I had a good day out there. I’m happy to take the win.” 

Kavanagh was joined on the podium by Carina Viljoen and Vicky van der Merwe. Viljoen was just 11 seconds back. While Van der Merwe finished 2 minutes and 7 seconds down. “I’m a triathlete, so this is a bit of a different experience for me,” Van der Merwe smiled. “But I must say women’s road running seems to be in a great place in South Africa right now. The depth of field is impressive and the young girls are so fast. I think it bodes really well for the future.” 

“A lot of that is due to the consistent and long-term support of the sponsors,” Van der Merwe praised. “Thank you to Sanlam for everything they do for the sport, and I hope the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon will gain Abbott World Marathon Majors status. That would be very exciting for road running in South Africa.” 

2024 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon | Peace Run Results:

Men:

1. Deon-Lee Hendricks (29:50)                

2. Awethu Ntsotho (30:04 | +14)           

3. Zenzile Pheko (30:13 | +24)    

4. Siphiwe Mqayisa (30:56 | + 1:06)

5. Duane Fortuin (31:01 | + 1:11) 

Women:

1. Tayla Kavanagh (32:38)           

2. Carina Viljoen (32:48 | +11)    

3. Vicky van der Merwe (34:45| +2:07) 

4. Carina Swiegers (35:49 | +3:12)                       

5. Nicola Wills (36:12 | +3:35)

For more information, please visit www.capetownmarathon.com or click here to view the full results from the 2024 Sanlam Cape Town Trail Marathon.