Athletics: Matlala the main man
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.LUCAS MATLALA, of South Africa, making his first trip to the United States, won the 27th annual Portland Marathon - despite turning up at the wrong venue. Matlala said: "My pace was a little slow because I was trying to make up for the climate change and I'm a newcomer here."
Matlala had signed up for the Portland Marathon thinking it was in Maine. Only after arriving in New York, when he discovered his ticket price was more than double what he had expected, did he realise his mistake. Race director Les Smith said: "But he just picked up and came out here anyway, and then he wins it."
Matlala completed the course in in 2hr 26min 12sec. It was just a warm- up for Matlala, who lives in Johannesburg and normally competes in 50- mile-plus ultramarathons, including the prestigious Comrades Marathon in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments