The Nkomazi Border to Border Marathon brought together runners from all walks of life on February 1, creating an electrifying atmosphere as participants took on this much-anticipated race. The marathon started at the Lebombo Border Post and ended at the Mananga Border Post, testing the endurance and determination of all who took part.

Competitors had the option to participate in four categories:

• 63km Ultra Marathon
• 21km Half Marathon
• 10km Race
• 4.9km Fun Run

63km Ultra Marathon Winners

Proud Chauke of Pan African Resources Athletic Club emerged victorious, crossing the finish line in an impressive 3 hours, 54 minutes, and 25 seconds (03:54:25). He was followed by Professa Mthethwa of Bella’s Athletics Club in 4:03:59, with Thulane Magagula securing third place in 4:12:26.

Chauke, a seasoned runner, had recently won the 2024 Johnson Crane Hire Marathon in Benoni and is a two-time Comrades Marathon silver medalist.

In the women’s 63km race, Kelebogile Mtshabi (Pan African Resources Athletic Club) dominated, finishing in 5:23:17. Nomvula Sithole (Uniwisp) followed closely in 5:30:12, with Carien de Bruyn (Legogote Villagers) taking third in 6:24:46.

21km Half Marathon Champions

Abednico Mashaba of Uniwisp added another victory to his name, winning the 21km race in 1:08:41. He was challenged by Musawenkosi Buthelezi (Bella’s Athletics Club), who finished just seconds behind in 1:08:55. Buthelezi led for most of the race, but Mashaba’s late surge secured him the win. Sicelo Mashaba took third place in 1:13:21.

The women’s 21km category saw Musawenkosi Nsibande (Nedbank) claim victory in 1:26:13, with Rosaline Isaiah (Uniwisp) finishing second in 1:31:30. Zanele Sehole secured third place with a time of 1:33:10.

10km Race Highlights

Bella’s Athletics Club dominated the 10km men’s category, with Prince ‘The Jaguar’ Ndlovu clinching first place in 00:33:35. He was followed by Samkelo ‘Zulu Boy’ Ngobese in 00:33:48, while Sbonginkosi Maseko took third in 00:34:44.

In the women’s 10km race, Sinothile Mthiyane (Ulundi Striders) crossed the finish line first in 00:47:13. Chantal Middel-Bovée (Definition Athletics Club) secured second place in 00:54:12, with Buhle Sibande (Gijima Nkomazi) coming in third in 00:59:12.

A Successful Event for Nkomazi

Lordrick Mathonsi, chairperson of Gijima Nkomazi, expressed his delight with the event’s success, stating that participants were thrilled to see an event of this scale taking place for the first time.

With an excellent turnout and a thrilling display of endurance, the Nkomazi Border to Border Marathon proved to be an unforgettable event, leaving runners and spectators eagerly awaiting next year’s edition.