Wayne Snyman proved he is still the man to beat, while Marissa Swanepoel won a closely contested race on Saturday, to the ASA 20km Race Walking Championships' titles in Cape Town.

Though he took a step back from competitive race walking in recent years, even announcing his retirement at one point, 38 year-old Snyman showed he was still working hard behind the scenes.

The former African Championships silver medallist won the senior men's 20km race by more than seven minutes, crossing the finish line in 1:24:04.

Tumisang Pele took second position in 1:31:17, narrowly holding off Athletics Gauteng North (AGN) teammate and defending champion Sizwe Ndebele (1:31:18) by just one second.

Swanepoel, representing Athletics Central North West (ACNW), reclaimed the ASA senior women's title she won two years ago, clocking 1:43:01.

Her ACNW teammate Jessica Groenewald grabbed the silver medal in 1:45:30 and Althea Taylor took bronze for Western Province Athletics (WPA) in 1:47:27.

In the U20 10km races, Olwethu Mncibi (AGN) emerged triumphant in the men's event in 50:58 and Lee Sue Nyathi won the women's race in 53:17 in the colours of Central Gauteng Athletics.

"This championship marked the official start of the ASA domestic calendar and it was once again a complete success by Western Province Athletics and the local organising committee. 

"A satisfied James Moloi, the President of Athletics South  said: "We are happy for Snyman and Swanepoel for their crowning achievements. Together with their coaches, we congratulate them and trust they will inspire a new generation who will be world beaters."

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About Athletics South Africa:
Athletics South Africa (ASA) is the national governing body for the sport of athletics (including Track and Field, Cross Country, Road Running and Race Walking) in South Africa, is a member of World Athletics  and the Confederation of African Athletics.  The association was formed in 1995 and is based in Johannesburg. 

ENDS