Ramaala wins in San Juan

2003-02-24 20:35

Johannesburg - Hendrick Ramaala, South Africa's leading distance runner who has been in outstanding form on the track in recent weeks, recorded another memorable win in San Juan on Sunday when he won the annual Puerto Rico 'World Bests' 10km road race for the second year running.

Once again Kenyan superstar Paul Tergat, was one of his victims.

Publicity-wise the 31-year-old Ramaala had to play second fiddle to Paula Radcliffe of Great Britain who continued her remarkable series of wins and record-breaking with a new world record of 30 min 21 sec.

Ramaala also won the race a year ago when he just managed to beat his compatriot, Shadrack Hoff, by one second in 28 min 15 sec. This time he covered the distance in 28 min 16 sec after a tremendous battle against Kenya's Linus Maiyo who was credited with the same time.

Victory, however, was awarded to Ramaala who came out on top against a strong Kenyan contingency.

Paul Tergat, an all-time great, had to settle for fifth place at this occasion, finishing 15 sec behind the leaders.

- SAPA