Ramaala wins Mumbai marathon

Hendrik Ramaala, a South African long distance runner, braved heat and humidity to lead an African sweep of the men's event in the Mumbai International Marathon today. The 32-year-old broke away in the last 10km of the route through the streets of Mumbai to win the race comfortably in two hours 15 minutes 47 seconds.

Jilus Sugut of Kenya was second in 2:16.36 with Tanzania's Lucian Timobo (2:16:50) a close third. Josiah Thugwane, Ramaala's compatriot and 1996 Olympic gold medallist, dropped out midway through the race.

"I knew the conditions would be my toughest opponent. This is the most humid place I have ever run the full marathon," said a beaming Ramaala at the finish. "Now I'm going to the Olympics with more confidence. I'm going for gold at Athens." - Reuters