The City2City Ultra Marathon is a prestigious South African running event with a rich and storied history that dates back to its inaugural race in 1903. The first race, organized by the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, was a grueling 54.7km "down run" from Johannesburg to Pretoria. It was a major spectacle, with over 4,000 spectators and special railway engines to transport them to the finish line.
After a long hiatus, the race was revived and has since become a fixture on the South African athletics calendar. The 50km ultra-marathon connects the two major cities of Gauteng province, with the route alternating direction each year between Johannesburg and Tshwane (formerly Pretoria). This year, the race will run from Johannesburg to Tshwane, and the Nedbank Running Club's Green Dream Team will represent their club with honor and pride as they take on this historic race.
Race ambassador, Lucky Mohale, reflected on the event's significance, stating, "The race has become a symbol of endurance, unity and the power of sport to bring people together. It's my privilege and honor to be a part of the return of Gauteng's historic ultra-marathon for the second race since its revival last year. We thank the Gauteng Province government for their vision in seeing the impact this marathon has in the province."
Speaking of his race plans for Sunday's event, Mohale said, "Last year I dropped out at 40km because I had some challenges, so this year my target is just to finish the race. My plan is to run with them and see what happens at the end because when I used to win 21km races I just used to run away from them. But coach Pio has explained to me that this doesn't work in ultras. I used his strategy at Two Oceans, and it worked."
Another Nedbank runner to watch is Mohale's teammate, Onalenna Khonkobe. Khonkobe, who is targeting a historic double by competing in both the City2City and the Soweto Marathon, spoke about his confidence to Charles Baloyi of SABC Sport. He said, "I don't have pressure, and I'm not scared of anyone. I just want to win the race, simple and easy. Last year I didn't know the Soweto Marathon course, but I still won it. I believe I can do the same here. I like running races where I don't know the route."
From the Lesotho contingent, Tsepo Mathibelle will bring his international strength and experience. Mathibelle won the Knysna Forest Marathon this year with a time of 2:24:48, and he will be hoping to bring this winning streak to the City2City Ultra. Meanwhile, Botswana’s Thatayaone Kelapile will test himself against the field. His 2025 Diacore Gaborone Marathon podium finish in 3rd place with a time of 2:27:21 should see him in the top half of the field.
The Kenyan trio of Robert Kiprotich Chelanga (2:28:15), Thomas Esito Ekiru (2:26:10), and Victor Kipkemei Chepkwony (2:25:20) adds even more international depth, making the men’s Nedbank team a formidable force.
In the women’s field, South Africa’s Slindile Chili is coming off a strong performance, having claimed a fourth place in the Prince Mangosuthu Ultra Marathon with a time of 3:51:26. Chili's plan for the City2City marathon is to target another top finish. Ethiopia’s Worke Degu Amena adds serious international strength with a personal best marathon time of 2:38. Kenya’s Elizabeth Jeruiyot Chemweno (3:09:42) and Rebecca Nakuwa (3:20:30) complete a competitive women’s field.
With a strong mix of local and international talent, Nedbank athletes are well-placed to challenge for podiums in both the men’s and women’s fields. This historic journey across the Gauteng Province will be celebrated by our athletes, all hunting for that glorious win.