Balwin Run Series Peninsula Marathon – Western Cape

The weekend’s best performance took place in Cape Town at the Balwin Run Series Peninsula Marathon, where the Nedbank “Green Dream Team” delivered on the promise of its pre-race ambitions on the fast, point-to-point course from Green Point to Simon’s Town. The Peninsula is widely regarded as a key early-season test for South Africa’s elite road runners, offering the potential for fast times while still demanding discipline in the face of coastal conditions and the ever-present threat of a testing south-easter, although the wind held out this weekend.

In the men’s 42km, Nedbank Athletes produced a podium sweep. George Kusche led the charge with a commanding victory in 02:15:02, a performance that not only confirmed his early-season momentum but also saw him take five minutes off his personal marathon best. Behind him, Sithembiso Mqhele executed a strong race for second place in 02:21:30, reinforcing his reputation as a proven performer on Cape Town roads and an athlete building steadily toward his ultra-distance targets. Selwyn Matthews completed the clean sweep in third place with 02:22:49, ensuring Nedbank controlled the men’s race from the front.

The women’s race delivered equally significant results for the club. Jenna Challenor claimed victory in 02:47:35, underlining her consistency on the Peninsula stage and showcasing her build-up into a confident, high-quality marathon performance. Ilse Marais added further strength to the team result with third place in 02:58:12, while Maretha Smit followed closely in fourth in 02:58:26, giving Nedbank three athletes inside the top four and emphasizing the depth of the women’s squad over the full distance.

Pirates 21km Powered by Medshield – Gauteng

At the Pirates 21km Powered by Medshield, Nedbank Athletes delivered a strong cluster of finishes in a competitive men’s field, placing four runners inside the top ten. Joel Mmone finished in fifth place in 01:10:07, followed by Jackson Ole Koisenge in seventh (01:10:58). Lucky Mohale (ninth, 01:13:20) and Thomas Esito Ekiru (10th, 01:13:24) rounded out a solid set of results that reflected the club’s depth and consistency at half-marathon distance.

In the women’s race, Likeleli Majara secured a podium finish with third place in 01:21:19, while Rebecca Nakuwa placed 10th in 01:35:05.

CDM 4 IN 1 Marathon – Limpopo

Nedbank Athletes were again prominent at the CDM 4 IN 1 Marathon, producing results across multiple distances. Over 42.2km, Ngonidzashe Ncube ran 02:20:30 to finish fourth, a strong performance in the early-season marathon calendar. The 21.1km delivered a victory for Given Makgoba, who won in 01:03:58, while the 10km produced a double podium as Alex Aphane finished second in 00:30:44 and Mosa Thuketana took third in 00:32:18.

Zabalaza Marathon – KwaZulu-Natal

The Zabalaza Marathon added two more victories to Nedbank’s weekend tally. In the men’s 42km, Ncedisani Phungula claimed first place in 02:30:14, while Loveness Madziva secured the women’s title with a winning time of 02:54:30, further strengthening the club’s marathon success across multiple provinces.

Sappi Tuks Race – Gauteng

At the Sappi Tuks Race, Nedbank Athletes featured prominently in both the half marathon and 10km. In the men’s 21km, Jacob Kiplagat finished third in 01:08:26, with Robert Kiprotich Chelang’a close behind in fourth in 01:10:49. The women’s 21km saw a trio of strong finishes: Taryn Snyman placed fourth in 01:31:07, Ingrid Koster finished sixth in 01:34:11, and Skye Barker took seventh in 01:35:02.

Over 10km, Sylvester Kipsang delivered a podium performance with third place in 00:31:35, supported by Sifiso Nqumakhwe in sixth (00:33:37), Scott Fisher in eighth (00:34:08), and Colin Waller in 10th (00:34:34). In the women’s 10km, Megan Waller finished third in 00:38:02, while Acacia-Cailyn Abell placed eighth in 00:43:32.

Sasol Secunda Marathon – Mpumalanga

At the Sasol Secunda Marathon, Nedbank Athletes added further podium success. Arline van Staden finished second in the women’s 42km in 03:28:53. In the 21km, Chrizell Roberts claimed victory in the women’s race with 01:28:03, while Riaan van Zyl placed sixth in the men’s event in 01:15:29.

Chrizell Roberts delivered a confident and controlled performance to secure victory, executing her race plan with precision as she continues to build toward key targets later this season. Roberts was pleased with both her execution and outcome, explaining that her performance aligned perfectly with her expectations. “I’m so happy. My winning time was spot on to what I was going for. To take the win is a bonus,” she said. Using the race as a critical part of her marathon preparation, Roberts focused on pacing and strength throughout, adding, “This race was my final long run and I wanted to practice my marathon pacing. I felt strong from start to finish and managed to increase my speed in the last few kilometers.” The victory serves as an important confidence booster as she sharpens her form.

For Roberts, the result represents more than just a win, it is part of a broader vision for her development and future success. She views each race as an opportunity to build toward her long-term ambitions, noting, “All these races are building blocks to being the best athlete I can be. These races help me set a solid foundation.” With her next major test coming at the Elands Marathon on 28 February, where she hopes to secure her Comrades Marathon qualification, Roberts remains focused and motivated. She also shared an encouraging message for fellow runners and the Nedbank Running Club community: “We were all beginners at some stage. Keep showing up, that is the only way to unlock your full potential.”

Knysna Heads 21km – Western Cape

The weekend concluded with another set of front-running performances at the Knysna Heads 21km. Bruce Maboza won the men’s race in 01:09:33, with Wayne April securing second place in 01:11:05 to complete a Nedbank one-two finish. In the women’s field, 16-year-old Kezia Matthysen produced an eye-catching run to finish first junior and third overall female in 01:34, rounding off the weekend with a strong statement of emerging talent.

Across marathons, half marathons, and shorter road races, Nedbank Athletes demonstrated a consistent ability to compete for wins and podiums in multiple regions simultaneously. With a podium sweep at the Peninsula Marathon, additional victories at Zabalaza, CDM, Sasol Secunda, and Knysna, and a wide spread of top-ten finishes elsewhere, the club’s results reflect both individual excellence and the collective strength that continues to define Nedbank’s early-season momentum.

Rising Stars: Nedbank Running Club Juniors Shine Across the Country

The future of Nedbank Running Club continues to shine brightly, with junior athletes delivering exceptional performances across road and track events on 14 February.

Representing Nedbank SWD, Jayden Fourie produced a standout sprint double at the Curro Podium High School event in Pretoria, winning both the U17 200m in an impressive 20.99 seconds and the 100m in 10.38 seconds. His performances highlight his growing status as one of the country’s most exciting young sprint talents.

On the road, 16-year-old Kezia Matthysen delivered a remarkable run at the Knysna Heads 21km, finishing 1st junior and 3rd overall female in a time of 1:34. Competing against senior athletes, her performance demonstrated maturity, endurance, and tremendous promise for the future.

Meanwhile, Nedbank GN junior Leandri Pretorius, just 15 years old, delivered one of the most outstanding performances of the weekend at the Curro Podium Track and Field event. Pretorius won the 3000m in a blistering 9:33, averaging 3:11/km pace, breaking the meet record by 11 seconds and recording one of the fastest U20 times of the season. She also secured 2nd place in the 1500m in 4:25, achieving qualification for the U20 Junior World Championships later this year in the USA.

These performances reflect not only individual excellence but also the strength of Nedbank Running Club’s development pathway, as the next generation of athletes continues to rise with confidence, discipline, and ambition.