Kalmer on form in Japan

Cape Town - Olympic-bound marathon runner Rene Kalmer outclassed a stellar field to win the Gifu Half Marathon in Japan on Sunday.

Kalmer set a course record of 1:13.02, holding off former marathon world record holder Catherine Ndereba of Kenya by two seconds.

Former Olympic silver medallist Lidia Simon of Romania finished fifth in 1:14.26.

Kalmer, who qualified for the Olympics with a personal best time of 2:29.59 in Yokohama last year, will lead the SA women's team in the marathon at the London Games in July.