Cape Town - African runners from three different countries lined up on the podium after the men's marathon at the 2017 IAAF World Championships.
The race was won by Geoffrey Kirui of Kenya in a time of 2:08.27. He was followed home by Tamirat Tola of Ethopia and Alphonce Simbu of Tanzania.
Desmond Mokgobu was the best placed South African finisher in 21st while Lusapho April did not start the event and Sibusiso Nzima pulled out during the race.
There was better news for South Africa in the 110m hurdles where Antonio Alkana came third in his heat in a time of 13.43. Aries Merritt (USA) won the heat in 13.16 with Shane Brathwaite of Barbados in second.
Later tonight, Corina Horn will run in the semi-final of the women's 100m event (20:10) while Wayde van Niekerk contests the semi-finals of the 400m (20:40). Alkana returns to the track to compete for a place in the 110m hurdle final (21:10).