 Ramaala in Athens, where he dropped out through injury |
South African Hendrick Ramaala defied strong winds in Portsmouth to claim victory in the Bupa Great South Run. Ramaala, who only flew in on Friday as a late entry, clocked 47 minutes 14 seconds, with Kenyan Francis Bowen runner-up in 47:16.
"In better conditions I am certain the time would have been much quicker," said Ramaala, twice a former winner.
Australian Benita Johnson finished well clear in the women's race, with a winning time of 53:32.
Both Ramaala and Johnson will take part in next month's New York Marathon on 7 November.
Ramaala added: "It was still a very hard race against a strong field but also good preparation for New York City." Johnson, whose nearest rival was Portugal's Jessica Augusto in 53:17, said: "It was tough going out there and with the high work rate I have had in training, I felt a little tired."
Of the British competitors, Keith Cullen was sixth in 48:14 and Charlotte Dale took 40 seconds off her personal best to clock 53:49 for fifth place.
MMIX
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