Action-packed racing from Nedbank Running Club

It was another action-packed weekend of racing for Nedbank Running Club athletes, with strong performances and podium finishes across the country, and even as far as Sydney.

The Nedbank Running Club in Limpopo under the management of Timothy Nkuna and Gloria Lebyane with the help of our branding officer Jacqueline Rencontre presented the club’s first race ever” The Nedbank Spring opener “and it was very successful. See Race report below this article.

At the Spring Opener, Nedbank athletes got things underway with a solid showing. In the men’s 21.1km race, Makwena Kobo claimed 3rd place in 1:15:20, while in the women’s event, Tabitha Tsatsa secured 2nd in 1:39:38. The men’s 10km was a green-dominated finish line, with Alex Aphane running to victory in 33:02 and Isaac Moshia, who crossed the line in 33:09 for 2nd.

The Kyalami Corner Midrand Striders Half Marathon saw Edward Mothibi in action taking first place in the men’s 21km in 1:08:53. Teammates Tete Dijana (1:10:55) and Sifiso Nqumakhwe (1:11:39) followed closely in 6th and 7th, while Riaan van Zyl finished 10th in 1:18:28. The women’s race was equally strong for Nedbank, as Florence Kemunto Nyaingiri claimed first place in 1:23:45, with Gladys Jepchirchir taking 2nd in 1:27:16. Over the 10km distance, Mercy Koir raced to first in 38:52, and Peris Lobakan finished 4th in 44:26.

Down in KwaZulu-Natal, the Hollywoodbets Durban 10km featured a world-class field, with Thabang Mosiako finishing 3rd place in 28:25. 

In the Western Cape, Nedbank athletes impressed at the Intercare Blouberg Marathon, Yohannes Hirbo finished 3rd in 2:30:06, Maretha Smit finished 2nd in the woman’s race with a time of 2:54:18. Veteran, Vakalisa Kopolo (40+) finished 6th in the Half Marathon men’s race in 1:13:17, while Jenna Cackett and Kimara Solms finished 4th and 5th in the women’s race with times of 1:23:49 and 1:25:02 respectively.

At the Sol Plaatjie Half Marathon, it was another green victory as Joel Mmone powered to 1st place in 1:5:13. Teammates Emmanuel Magakwe and Lozuku January added further depth to the results, finishing 3rd in 1:14:33 and 4th in 1:14:56. 

At the Gauteng North Championships, Ingrid Koster claimed the title of 1st Master Lady over the 10km while Charne Bosman won the 40+ category. Rising junior James Chapman also shone, securing 1st place in the men’s 5km junior race.

In the Linton Spring Races, Adele Broodryk took 2nd place in the half marathon, while Ingrid Koster capped off a busy weekend by finishing 2nd overall in the women’s 10km and adding another age-category win as 1st Master Lady.

“My goal was simple: stay consistent and give my best. I managed to maintain a steady pace throughout and was thrilled to finish as: 1st Master Lady for the race & 1st Master Lady for Gauteng North Province “ 

On the international stage, Dominika Stelmach represented Nedbank with pride at the Sydney Marathon, delivering a strong performance to finish 12th in 2:38:04.

From Gauteng to the Cape, and from Kimberley to Sydney, Nedbank Running Club athletes once again showcased their strength and depth, delivering victories, podium finishes, and age-category triumphs across all levels of competition. Congratulations to all who proudly wore the #GreenDreamTeam kit this weekend!

Spring Opener Run 2025 – A Milestone Event for Nedbank Running Club Limpopo

The Spring Opener Run 2025, held on 30 August 2025, marked a significant milestone for Nedbank Running Club Limpopo as the first race organized under the leadership of the current management team, led by Chairman Timothy Nkuna. The event showcased not only the club’s commitment to excellence but also the strength of the Limpopo running community.

A total of 530 athletes participated across three distances:

21.1km: 157 participants

10km: 237 participants

5km: 136 participants

The scenic yet challenging course was met with enthusiasm by both competitive athletes and social runners. Positive feedback highlighted the race’s smooth organization, enthusiastic marshals, and well-supported water points, all of which contributed to a memorable experience for participants.

The club extends its heartfelt thanks to Unicorn Preparatory School for hosting the event and providing excellent facilities, creating a welcoming atmosphere for athletes, supporters, and sponsors alike.

Youth participation was particularly encouraging, with a strong turnout of young athletes—a reflection of the club’s ongoing focus on developing and inspiring future generations of runners.

The success of this event was made possible through the support of valued sponsors and partners, whose contributions were essential:

Sponsors: Nedbank, Thirsti, Futurelife, Nike, Biogen, Bush Valley Chickens, Tzaneen Truck Parts, Houers and KM Bolt & Nut Tzaneen. 
Water Points: Northern Security, Letaba Networks, Aqua Spar, Canine Security, Venbeck, Agatha Community Forum, Nedbank, FVLN, Safari Pub & Grill and Letaba Estates.
Medical Support: Evac911, for their professionalism and commitment to runner safety

Special thanks are also extended to the club members and volunteers whose dedication, attention to detail, and tireless work behind the scenes ensured that the event ran seamlessly. Their efforts, combined with the backing of sponsors and the vibrant energy of participants, have established the Spring Opener Run as a standout fixture on the Limpopo running calendar.

The Nedbank Running Club Limpopo is proud of this achievement and looks forward to building on this strong foundation to grow the event in the years to come.

Nedbank Running Club Soweto development produced 25 athletes in the CGA team to SA Cross Country championships.

Siyaya Khoza-Chairman and coach said “ I am proud to inform you that Nedbank will be represented by 25 Athletes this coming Saturday at the ASA Cross Country National Championships in Mpumalanga. This is the biggest number of representatives we ever had since the previous highest number was 22 athletes.

Nedbank Running Club development on the right track.

Kind Regards
Siyaya Khoza
Nedbank Running Club Soweto

Comrades Marathon - 2026 Race Date Reveal

The Comrades Marathon is delighted to officially announce the date for the 2026 race!

Mark your calendars and start your preparations, because The Ultimate Human Race returns on Sunday, 14 June 2026!

The 2026 event will be an 'Up Run,' challenging runners with the infamous hills from Durban to Pietermaritzburg.

#ComradesMarathon #TheUltimateHumanRace #Comrades2026 #Datereveal

CMA APPOINTS NEW RACE DIRECTOR

The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Sue Forge as the new Race Director, a role created as part of the Association’s strategic restructuring to ensure the Comrades Marathon continues to be a leading event on the world stage.
 
The CMA Board resolved to separate the roles of General Manager and Race Director, recognising the growth, and increasing complexity of the world’s oldest and largest ultramarathon. This strategic shift will enable greater focus on innovation, safety, and the runner experience as the Comrades Marathon continues to attract local and global participation and rank among the most watched and celebrated sporting events in South Africa.
 
Independent Selection Process
The appointment follows a rigorous and transparent process overseen by an independent recruitment committee, which received over a hundred applications from a diverse pool of candidates. The committee was composed of experts in mass participation events, human resources, legal, and financial governance, ensuring a comprehensive and balanced evaluation. After an initial review, a small pool of candidates was shortlisted based on the depth, relevance, and diversity of their experience, aligned with the evolving demands of the role. The top finalists subsequently underwent an additional round of interviews and evaluations, after which final recommendations were presented to the Board, who unanimously approved the appointment of Sue Forge.
 
Experienced, Passionate and Respected Event Specialist
Forge is a seasoned event specialist with more than 20 years of experience in athletics and mass participation events. She has a proven track record of transforming organisations and delivering world class events. Her career includes leadership roles such as Race Director of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, SPAR Women’s Challenge, Chief Operations Officer of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC, Operations Lead for the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, and General Manager of Western Province Athletics. She has also contributed to international events such as the Confederation of African Athletics Cross Country Championships.
 
Known for her deep industry knowledge, collaborative management style, and runner centric approach, Forge has consistently delivered safe, high impact events while building strong relationships across sponsors, federations, government bodies, suppliers, and local communities.
 
CMA Chairperson Mqondisi Ngcobo looks forward to welcoming Forge to the fold. “As we approach our centenary, appointing a dedicated Race Director ensures that Comrades remains at the forefront of global ultramarathons. Sue brings unparalleled expertise, a proven track record in major sporting events, and a passion for the running community that will help us deliver unforgettable experiences for runners and spectators alike.”
 
Looking Ahead to the 99th and 100th Races
Forge will report to General Manager Alain Dalais and collaborate closely with CMA staff and the Board to align race operations with strategic priorities. With previous Comrades experience, including serving on the Race Advisory Committee, Sue is no stranger to the workings of the CMA.
 
Says Dalais: “Sue brings a wealth of experience, passion and dedication to this role. I know that the Comrades community will all benefit from this appointment and my team and I are very much looking forward to working with her.”
 
Forge will immediately start with initial preparation and meetings with the CMA team. She will formally assume full-time duties on 1 November 2025 and will focus on building on past successes and addressing operational challenges from this year’s race.
 
Forge is excited about the new journey that lies ahead. “It is an honour to take on the role of Race Director. The Comrades Marathon is more than just a race, it is a symbol of endurance, camaraderie, and South African spirit. I look forward to working with the CMA Board, staff, sponsors, and the incredible volunteers to make the 99th Comrades and the centenary event the best yet, ensuring safety, innovation, and an exceptional experience for every runner.”

Spirit of Comrades Nominations Now Open

The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) is excited to announce the opening of nominations for the prestigious GEMS Spirit of Comrades Awards. As we celebrate the remarkable achievements of our Comrades Champions as well as athletes from over 76 nations around the world, the CMA invites runners, supporters, and the public to participate in recognizing outstanding individuals who embody the true spirit of this iconic event.

For nearly three decades, the Spirit of Comrades Awards Gala has honoured exceptional individuals who exemplify ubuntu, selflessness, sacrifice, courage, and perseverance. These remarkable recipients have left an indelible mark on the Comrades Marathon’s history.

Sponsored by the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS), the glitzy awards gala dinner is set to take place in Durban this October. The criteria for nominations are broad, but consider the following factors:

1. The candidate will have run the Comrades Marathon, most probably on numerous occasions.

2. The candidate may in some way be regarded as an integral player in the history of the Comrades Marathon.

3. The candidate may have exhibited a particular act of selflessness, service, sacrifice, courage or perseverance in a particular race or over a period of years.

4. May have made a significant contribution in promoting and/or marketing the Comrades Marathon within a particular sphere or community, whether local or international, thus having the effect of inspiring, encouraging and supporting others to participate in the Comrades Marathon.

5. Most importantly will be esteemed to embody the Spirit of the Comrades Marathon.

To nominate an individual for the GEMS Spirit of Comrades Award, please CLICK HERE

The deadline for nominations will be COB on 12 September 2025. No nominations will be considered after this date. The CMA’s Heritage & Traditions Committee will review nominations for this prestigious accolade.

CMA Chairperson, Mqondisi Ngcobo says, “Let us come together to celebrate the true essence of the Comrades Marathon and honour those who inspire us all.”

Fun Run

12 September 2025 (Vanderbijlpark)

Bluff Marathon 2025

Muddy Princess 

25 October 2025 (Free State) and 16 November 2025 (Gauteng)