Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run

The weekend’s successes began on the rugged terrain of the trail runs. In the 24km men’s race, Collin Kanyimo proved to be in a league of his own, crossing the finish line first in an impressive 02:02:07. Kanyimo utilized a brilliant tactical approach, pushing hard on the ascents to build a decisive gap and relying on his road-honing speed to maintain his lead through the technical sections. Kanyimo expressed immense satisfaction with the win, noting, “My plan was to run away on the up runs, I am stronger there... I pushed on the up runs to open a big gap. I knew when I reached the down runs I could just relax. The route was nice - challenging and tough. I am very happy to finish first this year.”

He was well-supported by teammate Thabang Elias Madiba, who secured a solid 6th place finish in 02:13:39. On the women’s side, Rethabile Kanono represented the club with distinction, finishing 9th in 02:54:58.

In the 16km trail event, Tanya Posthumus-Fox delivered a stellar performance to finish as the 7th Open Lady and an impressive 3rd in the W40-49 age category.

Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon
The 56km Ultra Marathon saw a thrilling battle for the podium. In the men’s elite field, Onalenna Khonkhobe claimed a magnificent 2nd place in 03:10:00. After the heartbreak of losing the lead late in the race last year, Khonkhobe returned with a focused mind and a rigorous training block.

Reflecting on his journey, Khonkhobe shared, "This year, I was doing better than last year, I was so happy... My mind was telling me that 'You will win the Two Oceans Marathon.' At 53km, Arthur Jantjies passed me. Arthur is very fast, that boy is powerful." Despite being overtaken late, he remained positive about his preparation, adding, "This year I felt good because I didn't have any cramps... Two Oceans is my favourite race. From when I was position 6 in South Africa, that is when South Africa learned who Onalenna Khonkhobe is... I will continue to try to dominate this race."

The men’s top ten was further bolstered by Dennis Kipkosgei in 4th place (03:11:29) and Msawenkosi Mthalane in 10th (03:13:32).

The Nedbank women were equally formidable in the Ultra, led by Margaret Jepchumba, who took 2nd place in a swift 03:33:31. Following her podium finish, Jepchumba expressed her pride in the performance, stating, "I am very happy with my position today. The race was tough but my training in Kenya prepared me well for the hills of Cape Town. I wanted to push for the win, but I am satisfied with second place against such a strong field."

She was followed by a wave of green, with Mildred Chepkemei Kinyanja taking 6th (03:42:42), Bize Beyira Negasa in 7th (03:43:00), and Loveness Madziva rounding out the top ten in 03:48:54. A special mention must go to Deanné Laubscher for her incredible performance as the 2nd South African lady across the line, while Nerida Lubbe showed remarkable consistency to earn 2nd place in the 50-59 age category.

Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon

The Half Marathon produced one of the weekend's highlights as Lovina Haitope went unchallenged to win the women’s race in 1:14:36. Utilizing her extensive knowledge of the hilly course, Haitope broke away early when she felt the initial pace was too pedestrian, finishing nearly two minutes clear of fellow Nedbank athlete Fortunate Chidzivo, who took a superb 2nd place in 1:16:29.

Haitope confirmed her strategy, saying, “It was tough. It was very hilly. I’m happy with my time. I decided to go early because the pace was too slow... I had to pick up the pace because they were running 3:30 min/km."

In the men’s race, George Kusche led the South African charge, finishing 4th overall and the first South African over the line in 1:04:11, with Thabang Mosiako following in 7th at 1:04:55. Our junior and veteran athletes also excelled, with Luthando Tyinkana winning the Junior Men’s category (1:21:55), Kezia Matthysen taking 3rd Junior Lady, and the legendary Dalene Sonnekus winning the 60-69 age category in a brilliant 1:39:24.

Success Beyond Cape Town

While the spotlight was on Cape Town, Nedbank athletes continued to collect silverware across the country. At the Coastal Hire Battlefields Marathon, Sipamandla Molloi dominated the 21.1km men’s race, taking the victory in 01:19:18.

Meanwhile, at the South32 Hippo Marathon, Msawenkosi Nsibande delivered an exceptional performance to claim 1st place in the female category with a time of 03:15:12. It was truly a weekend of widespread triumph for the Nedbank Running Club, proving once again that our athletes are prepared to perform on any stage.

These achievements highlight the incredible depth of talent within the Nedbank Running Club, from our elite podium finishers to our dedicated age-group champions. Whether conquering the grueling climbs of the Cape or securing victories in regional races, our athletes have once again demonstrated the spirit of excellence that defines the Green Dream  Team. We congratulate every runner who donned the club colors this weekend and look forward to carrying this immense momentum into the rest of the racing season.