Hard work, dedication and perseverance have paid off handsomely for star Nelson Mandela Bay roadrunner Melikhaya Frans.
The Kariega-born athlete won his first international race in eight attempts when he was the first male to cross the finish at the Rimi Riga Marathon in Latvia on Sunday.
Frans, 35, finished in two hours, 13 minutes and 20 seconds.
Nguse Amlosom from Eritrea finished second with 2:13:26 and Anthony Kipchirchir Koech from Kenya took the bronze with 2:13:28.
In the women’s field, Ayantu Kumela Tadesse convincingly secured first place with 2:28:24.
Rebecah Jerop Cheruto from Kenya followed six minutes later, finishing second in 2:34:36, and third place went to fellow Kenyan Pauline Narogoi Esikon with 2:35:02.
Sunday’s race was Frans’s eighth attempt at an international gold medal after winning numerous local races at home.
The Ikhamva Athletics Club runner took part in the 2024 San Blas Half Marathon, where he finished third.
He finished 11th in the 2024 Milan Marathon and fifth at the 2024 Sanla Marathon.
He has competed in events in London, Milan and the US.
“The race went well,” he said.
“Our focus was not on the finish time due to the weather conditions.
“It was raining and windy on race day.
“However, if the weather had permitted we would have chased for a better finishing time.
“I am pleased with my win and to be among the runners who have won the Rimi Riga Marathon.
“I would like to thank coach Michael Mbambani, my training partners and everyone who has supported me through this journey for their unwavering support.
“I was not meant to do this race, I was meant to run the Two Oceans, but I couldn’t. I
“told myself I owed my coach and I must definitely come back with something from this race.
“And now I am coming back as the Rimi Riga Marathon 2025 champion.
“I know this win will put a smile on his face.
“I really don’t know how to express the way I feel right now. I am lost for words. This win really means a lot to me.
“Also, I would like to thank the Nelson Mandela Bay municipality for supporting local races in the city, which have helped with my development.
“Today, I am a champion because of the NMB Legacy Project and Eastern Province. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
“And without the help of my team, Ikhamva Athletics Club, I wouldn’t be here.
“Hard work paid off. I am a true example of that.
“I have participated in many international races but with this one I’ve made history by winning.”
A total of 40,122 participants registered for various distances in the 35th edition of the Rimi Riga Marathon at the weekend.
The marathon had 6,017 participants from 109 countries, which is a 40% increase compared with 2024.
Mbambani, said:” This victory means so much to the camp. In fact, all the boys cried when Meli crossed the finish line.”
The Herald
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