Following a boost in confidence from his superb performance in the London Marathon in April, Hendrick Ramaala has set his sights on regaining the South African half-marathon title. He was once of the world's leading runners over 21.1km, having won silver medals at the 1998 and 1999 World half-marathon championships, but his focus has since changed.Ramaala made his marathon debut with a fifth-place finish in London in 2hr09min43 in 2000 and he has concentrated on marathons since.
His major breakthrough came in 2004 when he became the second South African - after Willie Mtolo - to win the New York Marathon. He set his career-best time of 2hr06min55 in finishing third - just 14sec behind winner Felix Limo - in the 2006 London Marathon.2008 was the worst year in Ramaala's distinguished career. He finished 10th in London in 2hr11min44 and limped home in 44th place at the Olympics.
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