Running News Daily

Onalenna Khonkhobe closes superb season with Soweto Marathon victory

The 2024 Soweto Marathon was won by South Africa’s Onalenna Khonkhobe in a time of 2:18:36 on Sunday.

Khonkhobe also won this year’s Two Oceans Ultra Marathon.

Second place went to Lesotho’s Joseph Khoarahlane Seutloali on 2:18:54, with Kenya’s Kipkemoi Kipsang in third in 2:19:05.

Meanwhile, the women’s Soweto Marathon was won by Lesotho’s Neheng Khatala in a time of 2:43:07.

In an all-international podium, Kenya’s Margaret Jepchumba took second (2:44:55) with Ethiopia’s Worke Degu Amena rounding out the podium in third in 2:48:11.

‘Exceptionally proud’

Around 25 000 runners tackled this year’s Soweto Marathon, half-marathon and 10km races.

Soweto Marathon spokesperson Thokozani Mazibuko said he was exceptionally proud of the race and all those who worked tirelessly to ensure a safe, pleasurable and well run event.

“It’s been a fantastic day! This was one of the biggest Soweto Marathon’s since the inception of the race,

epitomising the spirit of Soweto!

“Our team and treasured partners have gone above and beyond for the valued people of Soweto, South Africa and far beyond our borders.

“We are truly grateful for those who helped us run a successful event and a hearty congratulations to our over 25 000 runners who took to the streets today.

“The Soweto Marathon medal is one of the toughest – and you’ve earned it fair and square so well done to you!”

Ultra marathon queen Steyn wins fifth-successive Two Oceans, Khonkhobe reigns supreme for men

Gerda Steyn proved once again that she indeed is the queen of ultra marathon on the continent after she claimed her fifth-successive victory at the TotalSports Two Oceans Marathon in Cape Town on Saturday morning.

The 34-year-old from Bothaville in the Free State cruised to victory with a record time of 3:26:54, beating her 2023 time of 3: 29:05.

Relaxed as ever throughout the marathon, Steyn cemented her status as the country's best female ultra marathoner of all time.

Representing her running club Phantane AC regalia, Steyn surpassed South Africa's Monica Drogemoeller (1988, 1990, 1991 and 1992) and Russian twin Elena Nurggalieva's (2004, 05, 09 and 12) records to be the most decorated ultra marathoner in competition.

Coming to the race, Steyn said she expected a hard-fought battle.

In windy conditions, it was clear from the start of the race that she meant business as she sped into the lead.

At 14km defending Champion Steyn, Irvette van Zyl, and Zimbabwean Loveness Madziva all formed a tight bunch of three, all running an average of 3:35 a kilometre.

At 28km, it became a two-horse race between Steyn and Van Zyl as they climbed small Chappie's neck on neck.

The race between the two titans, a classic rematch of two years ago, there was little separating the two as they descended Chapman's Peak.

At the marathon mark (42.2km), Steyn showed her supremacy and pulled ahead of van Zyl.

Nicknamed the “Smiling Assassin”, she looked unbeatable climbing Constantia Nek and the writing was on the wall for Van Zyl at the 50km mark.

As Steyn passed the finish line, she received a kiss on the cheek from her husband Duncan and cheers from the UCT upper campus sports ground mound.

Van Zyl finished second with a time of 03:29:30 while Madziva clocked 3:38:00 at the end.

In the men’s race, Klerksdorp's Onalenna Khonkhobe became the first South African since 2019 to win the race.

“I’m announcing my arrival; tomorrow you will acknowledge me.” Those were the words of Khonkhobe before the marathon.

He did exactly that with as triumphed in a time of 3:09:30 for top podium finish.

It was his second Two Oceans after making his debut last year, finishing in sixth place.

His Nedbank AC teammate, Lloyd Bosman finished second in 3:09:58 while defending champion Givemore Mudzinganyama could not repeat his 2023 feat, as he took third position in 3:11:13.