Nedbank Running Club Sets Early-Season Pace with Dominant Performances
February 2, 2026  
Nedbank Running Club athletes delivered a commanding display across five major South African races this past weekend, securing multiple podiums and underlining the club’s depth and form as the new season gets underway.

NMB Gqeberha Ultra 2026 – Gqeberha, Eastern Cape

The NMB Gqeberha Ultra, a key event on the ultra-distance calendar, saw a particularly dominant showing from Nedbank’s women’s squad. The club filled four of the top five positions in the 50km, led by Loveness Madziva’s win (03:26:27) and Gladys Jepchirchir’s second place (03:30:57). Refeloe Solomons (fourth, 03:48:24) and Tracey Campbell (fifth, 03:52:43) completed a near sweep of the front end of the race.

In the men’s events, Andile Motwana placed third in the 21km (01:10:48), while Oyama Ntantiso was runner-up in the 10km (00:31:09). In the women’s 10km, Davera Magson and Christine Claasen finished sixth and eighth respectively, further contributing to the club’s strong overall presence.

Intercare Classic Road Race – Pretoria

Nedbank athletes also made a significant impact at the Intercare Classic Road Race in Pretoria, a popular early-season fixture. The men’s 21km saw George Kusche take first (01:06:04), with Jackson Ole Koisenge third (01:07:46), and two more Nedbank athletes—Robert Kiprotich Chelang'a (sixth) and Albert Kipngetich Kangor (seventh)—in the top ten.


The women’s 21km team was similarly competitive, with Taryn Snyman fourth (01:31:23), Ingrid Koster seventh (01:34:57), and Skye Barker eighth (01:35:53).

In the 10km, Xolani Vilakazi (men) and Annique Burger (women) both placed fourth, adding to the club’s tally of top results.

Joburg North City Marathon – Johannesburg

Promise Masivuye Msitshana took top honours in the men’s 42km at the Joburg North City Marathon, finishing in 02:32:54 on a challenging city course.

HOKA Half Runfest – Cape Town

At the HOKA Half Runfest in Cape Town, Yohannes Hirbo secured second place in the 21km with a time of 01:09:55.

MMC 5in1 – Gauteng

The MMC 5in1 event in Gauteng featured strong performances across multiple distances. Lucky Dladla finished fourth in the 42km (02:58:57), while Nthuthuko Maseko placed third in the 32km (02:00:21). The women’s 32km was won by Michelle Dykman (02:17:27), with Roxanne Oosthuizen second (02:23:14). Loraine Zaaiman and Moncheri Van Niekerk added further top-five finishes in the 21km and 15km, respectively.

The club’s results at the NMB Gqeberha Ultra and Intercare Classic, in particular, highlight the squad’s depth and early-season strength, setting a high standard for the months ahead. Nedbank Running Club’s widespread presence and podium consistency signal a promising start to the year.

When It Hurt Most, Joel Found a Way

The spirit behind Nedbank Running Club’s strong weekend was captured in a defining individual performance at the Ottosdal Night Race. Joel claimed victory in the 42.2km marathon in a time of 2:29:33, battling heat, hills, and physical discomfort deep into the race.

Running much of the second half alone, Joel was forced to manage pain after the 30km mark as his nearest challenger closed in. Remaining calm and disciplined, he adjusted his pace and trusted his preparation, finding renewed strength in the final kilometres to pull away and secure a hard-earned win.

Joel’s victory reflects the character that underpins the club’s success resilience, patience, and the ability to rise under pressure. As the season unfolds, these early performances signal not only strong results, but a team united by belief, purpose, and competitive excellence.