Hopetown runner Arthur Jantjies left his rivals in his dust to claim the inaugural Nelson Mandela Marathon on Sunday, securing his third Cape Town victory of the year with a personal-best time of 2:15:14.

​Ethiopia’s Bize Beyira Negasa delivered an equally impressive performance in the women’s race, winning by more than seven minutes as both champions conquered blustery conditions on the streets of the Mother City.

​Jantjies, who runs for Pan African Resources Club, added the marathon title to his Two Oceans Ultra Marathon and 10km Peace Run victories, which he secured in April and May respectively.

​Negasa crossed the finish line in 2:36:42, setting a personal best and finishing 7 minutes and 11 seconds ahead of South Africa’s Malineo Mahloko.

​The marathon attracted 4 500 entrants, while another 22 000 athletes took part in the 21km, 10km and 5km events.

​The 42km route took runners past some of Cape Town’s best-known landmarks, including District Six, the Company’s Garden, Bo-Kaap, Sea Point Promenade and the Table Bay shoreline to Woodbridge Island in Milnerton.

​Jantjies remained among a leading group of 30 men through the first 21km. The field began to break apart after the turn at Woodbridge Island, 33km into the race.

​With 2km remaining, only Tsépo Ramashamole and Moses Tarakinyu remained in contact with Jantjies.

​Jantjies said: “At the 40-kilometre mark I made my move. I thought that was the moment to empty the tank! I love running in Cape Town. The Mother City is very nurturing to me.”

​His winning time was four and a half minutes faster than his previous personal best over the marathon distance.

​Ramashamole finished second in 2:15:24, just 10 seconds behind Jantjies, while Tarakinyu took third in 2:15:34.