Garden Route, 26 April 2025 —
SportPesa-sponsored runner John April stamped his authority on the 2025 Outeniqua Marathon, racing to a commanding solo victory in 2:31:10. It’s his second win from two starts this year and a strong marker ahead of his Knysna Forest Marathon title defence.
The Race at a Glance
| Category | Result |
|---|---|
| Position | 1st overall |
| Time | 2 h 31 m 10 s |
| Pace | 3 min 36 sec / km |
| Winning margin | 9 minutes 22 seconds |
| Route record | Provisional fastest time on new course layout (introduced 2023) |
April took control just after the halfway mark, surging clear after the race’s forest section around 32 km. By the time the coastal stretch unfolded, spectators were calling it: John was gone. He finished nearly 10 minutes ahead of the next runner.
Why This Win Matters
- Two wins from two starts in 2025 – form momentum building ahead of mid-season.
- Statement performance – soloing a marathon victory by over nine minutes is a rare sight at this level.
- Community impact – John’s success fuels visibility for his Run With Shoes programme, providing gear and mentorship for young runners from underserved communities.
SportPesa partnered with John in 2024, supporting both his elite career and his community-driven mission to open more pathways into running.
What’s Next?
John now pivots to a structured recovery block before ramping up training for the Knysna Forest Marathon on 5 July, where he’ll aim to defend his 2024 crown.
“Every race is a chance to grow stronger,” John said post-race. “Thanks to everyone who cheered — see you in Knysna!”
• Follow John April for John’s training updates, behind-the-scenes race-week stories, and more in the build-up to Knysna.
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