Nedbank Running Club athletes delivered a strong spread of results across the country this past weekend, with podium finishes, course battles in tough conditions, and consistent depth across the marathon, half marathon, and shorter road and trail events.
Balwin Run Series Pretoria
At the Balwin Run Series Pretoria, the men’s marathon field saw Nedbank athletes firmly in the mix from the front. Jackson Ole Koisenge produced a controlled, fast race to take the 42.2km victory in 02:24:00, 6 minutes ahead of second place, setting the tone for a successful day. He was well supported by Samuel Sibeko, who secured third place in 02:31:35, while Dancan Mwangi Ndungu rounded out a solid team showing with fifth in 02:36:19. In the women’s marathon, Boipelo Orekeng ran a steady race to finish fifth in 03:18:13.
The half marathon continued the momentum, with Jacob Kiplagat Koech taking the 21.1km win in 01:09:57 after a measured performance that held up through the closing kilometres. Thomas Esito Ekiru added another podium finish in third place with 01:10:17, and Chirchir Allan completed the club’s presence in the top ten with seventh in 01:19:11. Over 10km, Silvester Kipkemboi Kipsang claimed second place in 00:32:09, while Bernadene Mcloud earned third in the women’s race in 00:39:37.
Legends Township Marathon
At the Legends Township Marathon, Nedbank’s women led the race in the 42.2km, with Gladys Jepchirchir taking a clear win in 02:59:28. Tebogo Mokgosinyane followed with second place in 03:20:45, giving the club a one-two finish and a strong statement in the women’s marathon. In the men’s marathon, Promise Masivuye Msitshana placed fifth in 02:31:53 and Elliot Kupa finished sixth in 02:36:43, both showing resilience in a competitive field.
The 21.1km races brought further depth: Kabelo Melamu finished sixth in 01:13:17 and Papi Griffiths took seventh in 01:13:41 in the men’s event, while Noreen Rauntenbach placed fourth in the women’s race in 01:47:04. Over 10km, Emily Chauke added another podium result with third place in 00:41:39.
New colours, same grit: Thabang Madiba opens Nedbank account with trail run victory
Thabang Madiba marked a memorable start to his journey with Nedbank Running Club by claiming his first victory in the green vest at the Hartebeespoort Trail Experience. The win carried deep personal meaning for the seasoned trail runner, who described it as “a special moment running with Nedbank colours,” adding that it brought back fond memories of his earlier trail days. Racing on one of the toughest courses in the series, Madiba drew confidence from how his body responded under pressure. “Being able to be in control of my body really gave me confidence with my current training method,” he said, after closing a three-minute gap on the leaders and sealing a decisive win.
Excited by this new chapter, Madiba sees his move to Nedbank Running Club as a platform for growth, both personally and for South African trail running. “It feels like you just grew new wings that will take you to greater heights,” he shared, praising the club’s commitment to development and innovation. With ambitious goals ahead, including his first 100km trail race, major international events, and a shot at the Sky Run 65km record, Madiba remains grounded in his love for the trails. Known for thriving on steep, technical descents, he believes the mountains continue to shape him. “It is my book of life,” he said, encouraging road runners to give trail running a try, with a smile and a warning: “If the trail bug bites you, you won’t lojok back.”
Maseru City Run
In Maseru, the club celebrated a marathon win as Mathabo Mathibelle topped the women’s 42.2km in 03:24:53, managing the distance well to finish strongest on the day. The 10km also brought a podium, with Tsepo Mathibelle taking second in the men’s race in 00:33:32.
Capital City Marathon
The Capital City Marathon delivered another standout women’s performance, with Loveness Madziva claiming the 42.2km win in 02:51:05. Her result added a major highlight to the weekend and reinforced the club’s strength at the marathon distance.
Loveness finished with an impressive time, narrowly missing a specific sub-2:50 target due to a minor course detour at the 28km mark. Despite running an extra 600m after a brief navigation error, the runner maintained composure to finish strong, embodying the "no pain, no gain" philosophy that defines the club’s elite culture.
Reflecting on the event, the runner praised the race organizers: "The race was fine yesterday; I really enjoyed it and everything was well organized. The watering points were excellent."
The athlete’s journey to the finish line was fueled by the intensive support system provided by the Nedbank Running Club. "I’m really happy to represent Nedbank Running Club and their support," the runner stated. "Hard work pays back. Let’s work hard and not sleep no pain, no gain."
Nkosinathi Duma also ran the Capital Marathon, which he described as challenging but rewarding. “The race was good, but the road was not good because of the rain,” he said. Despite tough conditions and an injury, Duma stayed focused on his strategy. “I remember passing 21 km. I was looking at the gap between me and the guys in front, and I told myself, ‘I’m going to catch that,’ which helped me secure 2nd place.”
Adjusting to the weather and the terrain tested his resolve. “The weather was raining, so I decided to change my pace,” he explained. Running with an injury, he aimed to finish strongly without struggling. Being part of Nedbank Running Club has been motivating for Duma: “To run with an injury and finish, and to be part of this club, it’s boosting me. It’s professional, and it makes me believe that in my next race, I can do even better.” He emphasized the value of structured training, saying, “Being in this club helps me focus on my plan, work hard during training, and know what we are doing in both training and races.”
Mfundo Arnold Lushaba Half Marathon
At the Mfundo Arnold Lushaba Half Marathon, Nokuthula Ntshantase placed fourth in the women’s 21.1km in 01:27:28. In the 10km, Victor Lapit secured the men’s win in 00:31:51, while Nonhle Dlamini continued the podium run for the club by finishing third in the women’s race in 00:46:54.
Thru the Karoo Marathon
The Thru the Karoo Marathon rounded out the weekend with strong performances across road and trail. In the 42.2km, Jeandry Deerling earned third place in 02:38:04. The men’s 21.1km was especially productive for the club, led by Andile Motwana who took the win in 01:07:10, with Andre Ketchem close behind in second in 01:09:04. Further back, the depth continued with Aphlyn Taai sixth in 01:28:02, Lesley Koeseba seventh in 01:28:26, Monwabisi Kepe eighth in 01:29:05, and John du Preez ninth in 01:35:36. In the women’s 21.1km, Refeloe Solomons claimed victory in 01:27:08.
On the trails, Asonge Mthana won the 16km in 01:04:39, with Bulumko Malinga making it a one-two finish for the club by taking second in 01:06:44.
Nedbank Running Club Stars in Cape Town Road Races and Milkwood Run
Cape Town’s running scene saw a strong showing from Nedbank Running Club athletes this past weekend, with standout performances at the Versus Road Run Party 21km and the Milkwood Run. In a competitive field at the Versus event on February 21, Sarah Silber impressed by finishing 8th overall in the Open Women category, clocking a solid 1:27:51.
The following day, the Milkwood Run 21km brought more podium success for our athletes. Elmé Middlemost secured silver in the Open Women category and also gold in W40-49, while Angela Dell added bronze in W40-49, showcasing the depth of talent in the club.
In addition to these achievements, ???? Kobie Griffiths was awarded SAMA National Colours (rewarded) in W40-44, excelling across the 400m, 800m, 1500m, 10km, and 4km Cross Country events. These results highlight the continued dedication and versatility of Nedbank athletes both on the roads and the track.
Well done to all our Cape Town athletes! Don’t forget to tag #MedalMonday in your posts and share your race photos.
Nedbank Running Club celebrate Valentine race with clean sweep
Nedbank Running Club made a strong statement on the roads in the Free State this past weekend, achieving a clean sweep in the 10km Ladies Overall category. Anna Moeketsi led the podium, taking 1st place, followed closely by Maryna Swanepoel in 2nd and Moleboheng Mohapi securing 3rd place.
This impressive result highlights the club’s continued strength and depth in road running, with athletes demonstrating both strategy and endurance. Congratulations to all the runners for representing Nedbank Running Club with distinction!
Across multiple venues and distances, the weekend reflected a consistent theme: Nedbank Running Club athletes are racing with intent, converting preparation into podium finishes, and building depth that shows up across every category.