29 November 2025 marked the 30th edition of The People’s Race — a day that embraced and celebrated the rich heritage of Soweto. The start ribbon of the 2025 African Bank Soweto Marathon was unleashed with more than 3000 marathon athletes hitting it hard before the wet weather added to the challenging race. The 05h00 gun fired in celebration of loyal partnerships and new friendships formed; energetic, engaging, and embracing communities; months of intense training; and the pure joy of doing what you love: running.

The 30-minute earlier start didn’t deter residents, who lined the roadside in full force throughout the day; posters and hosepipes in hand, spurring-on the sprinters-by with singsongs and smiles.

At 06h00, the 21.1km batch was released, ready to traverse the Gauteng township. Hot on their heels came the sizeable wave of nearly 6000 10km runners. Interspersed among the thousands of serious athletes were runners and walkers singing, dancing and laughing - determined to savour every moment of The People’s Race.

Soweto Marathon spokesperson Jabu Mbuli says he is exceptionally proud of the mammoth effort delivered over the past six months:

“We cannot shy away from the tough challenges this team has faced in the build-up. But spurred on by our loyal headline partner African Bank and our hosts, the City of Joburg — as well as multiple other partners and a passionate running community — we knew expectations were high and we had to deliver. And deliver we did! Our volunteers embraced the opportunity to serve; our partners didn’t just pay — they participated. Our Governing Bodies ensured a smooth and exceptionally executed event. To those who had the audacity to enter and crossed the finish line: This is one of our country’s toughest races — and you conquered it. Congratulations! And to those who didn’t PB: We welcome you back with open arms, every single year.”

Winning the 2025 African Bank Soweto Marathon in the men’s race was  Khoaranhlane Joseph Seutloali (Hollywood Athletics Club) in 2:20:09, followed by Entsika Runner Ntsindiso Mphakathi in second and rounding the podium Onalenna Khobkhobee from Nedbank Running Club in third.

Winning the womens marathon was Margaret Jepchumba from Nedbank Running Club, in a time of 2:34:33.  Next in was Elizabeth Mokoloma from Entsika who finished in 2:35:59 and third Gerda Steyn in a time of 2:37:00.

Thabang Mosiako (Nedbank Running Club) claimed the men’s 21km title in a time of 1:05:56, whilst Neheng Khatala (Hollywood Athletics Club) took the womens race in a time of 1:15:21.

Taking the Mens 10km African Bank Soweto Marathon was Pakiso Mthembu from Maxed Elite in a time of 31:37. In the women’s 10km, it was Wida De Klerk, running for Affies Marathon Club, crossing the finish line in a time of 41:37.

“African Bank is proud to have been part of this incredible event for the third year in a row, and we congratulate the winners for their hard work and inspiring performances. Together, we continue to celebrate perseverance, unity, and the vibrant legacy of Soweto. This 30^th edition of the African Bank Soweto Marathon is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when the community works together in unity,” says Sbusiso Kumalo, Chief Marketing Officer of African Bank. 

Despite the challenges earlier in the year that delayed the announcement of the race, the runners, their families, friends, and the broader community proved that together we win. The spirit on the route today is a testimony to our collective resilience, our sense of community, and our determination to reach our goals — both as individuals and as a people. 

The commitment and passion shown by the runners, our partners, and the volunteers have once again made this a race for the people, by the people. 

Soweto Marathon NPC would like to extend a heartfelt Thank You to their partners including African Bank; City of Johannesburg; Central Gauteng Athletics, Lenmed; SuperSport; Castle Lite; Sowetan; eGenerators & Plant Hire; Action Photo SA; Athletics South Africa; South African Institute for drug-free sport; Thirsti; Omoda.

And so, as Saturday’s sun slipped beneath the Soweto summer skyline and exhausted individuals headed homewards, another exceptional African Bank Soweto Marathon came to a close — a race by the people, for the people. Perseverance, endurance, and an unparalleled spirit carried participants from start to finish, ensuring that 2026 will no doubt welcome their triumphant return.

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Top 10 Male finishers for the 2025 African Bank Soweto Marathon:

Top 10 Female finishers for the 2025 African Bank Soweto Marathon: