The Nedbank Running Club (NRC) "Green Dream Team" once again delivered outstanding performances at the African Bank Soweto Marathon on Saturday, November 29, 2025, an event that marked its 30th anniversary. Despite challenging, wet conditions that added a layer of difficulty to the already notoriously tough course, the team celebrated two major wins in the Women’s Marathon and the Men's Half Marathon, alongside multiple top-ten finishes.
42.2km Marathon: Women's Race
The women's marathon was an absolute triumph for Nedbank Running Club, with Margaret Jepchumba (NRC International) elevating her performance from 2024 (where she placed second) to claim the overall victory.
The NRC Ethiopian contingent also performed strongly, ensuring the team's dominant presence in the top ten:
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Gadise Getachew Bekele (NRC Ethiopia - 6th Place): Finished strongly in the top ten with 2:38:46.
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Worke Degu Amena (NRC Ethiopia - 7th Place): The 2024 third-place finisher returned for a solid 7th place finish in 2:44:24.
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Genet Adeke Agtew (NRC Ethiopia - 10th Place): Rounded out the top ten for the club, clocking 2:52:17.
42.2km Marathon: Men's Race
The men's marathon was an extremely tight contest, with the top positions being decided in the final kilometres. While last year's victory was not repeated, Nedbank Running Club placed three athletes in the top six, demonstrating unparalleled team depth.
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Onalenna Khonkhobe (NRC Central North West - 3rd Place): The defending champion battled hard throughout the race, eventually securing a podium position in 2:20:39. His result was instrumental in anchoring the team's strong performance.
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George Kusche (NRC GN - 4th Place): Kusche was right on Khonkhobe's heels, finishing an impressive fourth place in 2:20:47, narrowly missing the podium.
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Abebe Kumsa Gondero (NRC Ethiopia - 6th Place): Abebe Gondero maintained a strong and consistent pace to secure the sixth position in 2:21:53, adding another vital top-ten finish for the team.
21.1km Half Marathon: Men's Race
Nedbank Running Club celebrated its second major victory of the day in the men’s half marathon.
Summary of Key Nedbank Results
|
Distance
|
Athlete Name
|
Club Branch
|
Position
|
Time
|
|
42.2km
|
Margaret Jepchumba
|
NRC International
|
1st Place (Women)
|
2:34:33
|
|
21.1km
|
Thabang Mosiako
|
NRC Central NW
|
1st Place (Men)
|
1:05:56
|
|
42.2km
|
Onalenna Khonkhobe
|
NRC Central NW
|
3rd Place (Men)
|
2:20:39
|
|
42.2km
|
George Kusche
|
NRC GN
|
4th Place (Men)
|
2:20:47
|
|
42.2km
|
Abebe Kumsa Gondero
|
NRC Ethiopia
|
6th Place (Men)
|
2:21:53
|
|
42.2km
|
Gadise Getachew Bekele
|
NRC Ethiopia
|
6th Place (Women)
|
2:38:46
|
|
42.2km
|
Worke Degu Amena
|
NRC Ethiopia
|
7th Place (Women)
|
2:44:24
|
|
42.2km
|
Genet Adeke Agtew
|
NRC Ethiopia
|
10th Place (Women)
|
2:52:17
|
|
10km
|
Kabelo Melamu
|
NRC CG
|
5th place (men)
|
33:28
|
|
10km
|
Acacia-Cailyn Abell
|
NRC CG
|
4th Place (Women)
|
44:57
|
Team Manager Nick Bester commented: "To secure two major victories at the 30th edition of this iconic race is a phenomenal result for the Green Dream Team. Margaret Jepchumba's step up to win the marathon was superb, and Thabang Mosiako's half marathon victory was dominant. The depth shown by our men's marathon team, with three athletes in the top six, demonstrates the strength and commitment of our elite squad, even when facing challenging conditions."