Gqeberha-based long distance runner Melikhaya Frans has won the ninth edition of the 1 City Marathon in Eastern Cape.

The Nelson Mandela Bay’s flagship marathon saw over 2 000 athletics participate in the full, half, and 10-kilometre races respectively.

Favourable weather conditions helped many runners to qualify for the Comrades and Two Oceans marathons.

Frans says he’s grateful for all the support he received during training.

“I’m so excited. And I watched the guys at 41Ks, and I told myself let me put the hammer down as well and go on in the race for the Eastern Province for my iKamva training camp and for all my sponsors and Michael Mpambani who is the director of 1City, and I am so glad to him I mean he achieved as well. Also, the weather today was perfect for us to run and perform.”