29 November 2025 marked the 30th edition of The People’s Race — a day that embraced and celebrated the rich heritage of Soweto. The start ribbon of the 2025 African Bank Soweto Marathon was unleashed with more than 3,000 marathon athletes hitting it hard before the wet weather added to the challenging race. The 05h00 gun fired in celebration of loyal partnerships and new friendships formed; energetic, engaging, and embracing communities; months of intense training; and the pure joy of doing what you love: running.

The 30-minute earlier start didn’t deter residents, who lined the roadside in full force throughout the day; posters and hosepipes in hand, spurring on the runners with singsongs and smiles.

At 06h00, the 21.1km batch was released, ready to traverse the Gauteng township. Hot on their heels came the sizeable wave of nearly 6,000 10km runners. Interspersed among the thousands of serious athletes were runners and walkers singing, dancing, and laughing — determined to savour every moment of The People’s Race.

Soweto Marathon spokesperson Jabu Mbuli says he is exceptionally proud of the mammoth effort delivered over the past six months:

“We cannot shy away from the tough challenges this team has faced in the build-up. But spurred on by our loyal headline partner African Bank and our hosts, the City of Joburg — as well as multiple other partners and a passionate running community — we knew expectations were high and we had to deliver. And deliver we did! Our volunteers embraced the opportunity to serve; our partners didn’t just pay — they participated. Our Governing Bodies ensured a smooth and exceptionally executed event. To those who entered and crossed the finish line: this is one of our country’s toughest races — and you conquered it. Congratulations! And to those who didn’t PB: we welcome you back with open arms, every single year.”

Winning the 2025 African Bank Soweto Marathon men’s race was Khoaranhlane Joseph Seutloali (Hollywood Athletics Club) in a time of 2:20:09, followed by Ntsindiso Mphakathi (Entsika AC) in second place, and Onalenna Khonkhobe (Nedbank Running Club) in third.

The women’s marathon was won by Margaret Jepchumba (Nedbank Running Club) in a time of 2:34:33. Elizabeth Mokoloma (Entsika AC) finished second in 2:35:59, with Gerda Steyn placing third in 2:37:00.

Thabang Mosiako (Nedbank Running Club) claimed the men’s 21.1km title in 1:05:56, while Neheng Khatala (Hollywood Athletics Club) won the women’s race in 1:15:21.

The men’s 10km title was claimed by Pakiso Mthembu (Maxed Elite) in 31:37. In the women’s 10km, Wida De Klerk (Affies Marathon Club) took top honours in 41:37.

“African Bank is proud to have been part of this incredible event for the third year in a row. Together, we continue to celebrate perseverance, unity, and the vibrant legacy of Soweto. This 30th edition of the African Bank Soweto Marathon is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when a community works together,” says Sbusiso Kumalo, Chief Marketing Officer of African Bank.

Despite the challenges earlier in the year that delayed the announcement of the race, runners and the broader community proved that together we win. The spirit on the route was a testament to collective resilience, unity, and determination.

The commitment and passion shown by runners, partners, and volunteers once again made this a race for the people, by the people.

Soweto Marathon NPC extends heartfelt thanks to its partners including African Bank, City of Johannesburg, Central Gauteng Athletics, Lenmed, SuperSport, Castle Lite, Sowetan, eGenerators & Plant Hire, Action Photo SA, Athletics South Africa, South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport, Thirsti, and Omoda.

As the sun set over the Soweto skyline and exhausted runners headed home, another exceptional African Bank Soweto Marathon came to a close — a race by the people, for the people. Perseverance, endurance, and an unparalleled spirit carried participants from start to finish.

 

Top 10 Male Finishers – 2025 African Bank Soweto Marathon

Pos No Name Nation Club Time
1 9 Khoaranhlane Joseph Seutloali LES Hollywood AC LES 2:20:09
2 8 Ntsindiso Mphakathi RSA Entsika AC 2:20:24
3 4 Onalenna Khonkhobe RSA Nedbank RC Central North West 2:20:39
4 21 George Kusche RSA Nedbank RC GN 2:20:47
5 1261 Lesetja Papo RSA Maxed Elite CG 2:21:52
6 1 Abebe Kumsa Gondero ETH Nedbank RC Ethiopia 2:21:53
7 1168 Jackson Ole Koisenge KEN   2:22:01
8 1265 Elvis Tau RSA Maxed Elite CG 2:22:28
9 1259 Lebenya Nkoka LES Maxed Elite Lesotho 2:22:47
10 1263 Pule Simuel Sibeko RSA Maxed Elite KZN 2:23:18


Top 10 Female Finishers – 2025 African Bank Soweto Marathon

Pos No Name Nation Club Time
1 70 Margaret Jepchumba KEN Nedbank RC International 2:34:33
2 62 Elizabeth Mokoloma ZAM Entsika AC 2:35:59
3 61 Gerda Steyn RSA Hollywood AC CGA 2:37:00
4 67 Irvette Van Zyl RSA Hollywood AC CGA 2:37:35
5 71 Shelmith Muriuki KEN   2:38:34
6 69 Gadise Getachew Bekele ETH Nedbank RC Ethiopia 2:38:46
7 68 Worke Degu Amena ETH Nedbank RC Ethiopia 2:44:24
8 64 Rutendo Nyahora ZIM Hollywood AC International 2:48:46
9 1268 Malineo Mahloko LES Maxed Elite Lesotho 2:51:08
10 66 Genet Adeke Agtew ETH Nedbank RC Ethiopia 2:52:17