One of the country’s most famous athletes, long distance runner ‘Mapitso Angelina Sephooa, has died after a long illness, according to reports. 

Sephooa ran under the South African Liberty Nike Athletics Club banner when not representing her country in the road events she took part in. She won the Two Oceans marathon on three consecutive seasons, starting in 1997. 

The 33 year old former queen of road running was married to another long distance runner, Percy Sephooa.

Funeral arrangements were still to be announced.

25 January 2006