CHALLENOR SETS MARATHON PB IN JAPAN

Jenna Challenor improved her chances of representing the country at the Rio Olympics by charging to a personal best at the Nagoya Marathon in Japan on Sunday.
Competing in her third race over the classic 42km distance, Challenor chopped more than four minutes off her career record as she crossed the line in 2:37:09.
“I loved the race. It was the most incredible experience in such a beautiful country,” Challenor said.
“My aim today was to run a PB and I did, so I’m thrilled.”
Challenor finished 32nd in the women’s-only event, which was won by Bahrain’s Eunice Jepkirui Kirwa in 2:22:40.
In the process, the 34-year-old mother of three from Durban climbed to second spot behind Christine Kalmer in the race for three available marathon places at the Rio Games.
Irvette van Zyl, Mapaseka Makhanya (who currently lies third in the rankings) and Rene Kalmer are all expected to mix things up at international marathons next month, as the qualifying contest heats up ahead of the April 30 deadline.