The City2City Ultra Marathon is a prestigious South African running event with a rich and storied history that dates back to its inaugural race in 1903. The first race, organized by the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, was a grueling 54.7km "down run" from Johannesburg to Pretoria. It was a major spectacle, with over 4,000 spectators and special railway engines to transport them to the finish line.

After a long hiatus, the race was revived and has since become a fixture on the South African athletics calendar. The 50km ultra-marathon connects the two major cities of Gauteng province, with the route alternating direction each year between Johannesburg and Tshwane (formerly Pretoria). This year, the race will run from Johannesburg to Tshwane, and the Nedbank Running Club's Green Dream Team will represent their club with honor and pride as they take on this historic race.

Race ambassador, Lucky Mohale, reflected on the event's significance, stating, "The race has become a symbol of endurance, unity and the power of sport to bring people together. It's my privilege and honor to be a part of the return of Gauteng's historic ultra-marathon for the second race since its revival last year. We thank the Gauteng Province government for their vision in seeing the impact this marathon has in the province."

Speaking of his race plans for Sunday's event, Mohale said, "Last year I dropped out at 40km because I had some challenges, so this year my target is just to finish the race. My plan is to run with them and see what happens at the end because when I used to win 21km races I just used to run away from them. But coach Pio has explained to me that this doesn't work in ultras. I used his strategy at Two Oceans, and it worked."
Another Nedbank runner to watch is Mohale's teammate, Onalenna Khonkobe. Khonkobe, who is targeting a historic double by competing in both the City2City and the Soweto Marathon, spoke about his confidence to Charles Baloyi of SABC Sport. He said, "I don't have pressure, and I'm not scared of anyone. I just want to win the race, simple and easy. Last year I didn't know the Soweto Marathon course, but I still won it. I believe I can do the same here. I like running races where I don't know the route."

From the Lesotho contingent, Tsepo Mathibelle will bring his international strength and experience. Mathibelle won the Knysna Forest Marathon this year with a time of 2:24:48, and he will be hoping to bring this winning streak to the City2City Ultra. Meanwhile, Botswana’s Thatayaone Kelapile will test himself against the field. His 2025 Diacore Gaborone Marathon podium finish in 3rd place with a time of 2:27:21 should see him in the top half of the field.

The Kenyan trio of Robert Kiprotich Chelanga (2:28:15), Thomas Esito Ekiru (2:26:10), and Victor Kipkemei Chepkwony (2:25:20) adds even more international depth, making the men’s Nedbank team a formidable force.

In the women’s field, South Africa’s Slindile Chili is coming off a strong performance, having claimed a fourth place in the Prince Mangosuthu Ultra Marathon with a time of 3:51:26. Chili's plan for the City2City marathon is to target another top finish. Ethiopia’s Worke Degu Amena adds serious international strength with a personal best marathon time of 2:38. Kenya’s Elizabeth Jeruiyot Chemweno (3:09:42) and Rebecca Nakuwa (3:20:30) complete a competitive women’s field.

With a strong mix of local and international talent, Nedbank athletes are well-placed to challenge for podiums in both the men’s and women’s fields. This historic journey across the Gauteng Province will be celebrated by our athletes, all hunting for that glorious win.

Nedbank Running Club hospitality site at Pilditch Stadium for the City2City Sunday 28 September 2025

Dear Nedbank Running Club athletes competing in the City2Cty marathon - Sunday 28 September.

Join us at our Nedbank Running Club hospitality site on Sunday 28 September at Pilditch Stadium for eats, drinks a Futurelife bars and Thirst Water. We will be ready from 4am for all Nedbank Running Club athletes.

Look out for the Nedbank Gazebo and Biogen ,Thirsti and Future Life feather flags.

Let’s” just do it”

See you there and celebrate your achievement with fellow NRC athletes!

Fast times expected on the flattest most scenic route in the SPAR Grand Prix series

Defending SPAR Grand Prix champion Glenrose Xaba (Boxer) will be looking to stamp her authority on the SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge in Gqeberha on Saturday.

Xaba has won the first three races in the SPAR Grand Prix series and has a five-point lead on the SPAR Grand Prix table. She is aiming to become the third South African, after Rene Kalmer and Irvette can Zyl, to win the SPAR Grand Prix three times.
“I think I can be a role model for black girls,” says Xaba.

“I hope they are able to see my success and believe they can be successful too.”
The two Ethiopians, Salem Gebre and Diniya Abaraya, both from Nedbank, and rising TUKS star, Karabo Mailula, are expected to give Xaba some stiff competition.  

Another of her challengers in Gqeberha is Tayla Kavanagh, who won the SPAR Women’s Challenge in Pietermaritzburg last month.  Kavanagh (Hollywood) is currently in fine form and recently ran a personal best of 31:53 in the Total Sports 10km in Durban.

 The SPAR Women’s 10km race starts and ends at Pollok Beach in Summerstrand.  The gently undulating route is one of the most scenic of all the SPAR races and fast times can be expected.

SPAR Communications, PR, and Sponsorship manager Mpudi Maubane is delighted that the Gqeberha Race, like all the SPAR races this year, has been sold out.

“The SPAR Women's Challenges are more than just road races and fun runs; they are a powerful symbol of women empowerment, health promotion, and the fight against inequalities,” says Maubane. 

“By participating, women are not only investing in their wellbeing but also contributing to a brighter future for all women in South Africa.

“Each of our SPAR Women’s Challenges is linked to SPAR’s ongoing commitment to ending Gender Based Violence as well as SPAR’s campaign to End Period Poverty by 2030,” she says.  

“ We are committed to raising awareness and providing crucial support to organizations working to combat these prevalent issues. This multifaceted approach ensures that the SPAR Women’s Challenges not only promote physical wellbeing but also contribute to a safer and more equitable society for women in South Africa.”

Carla Spangenberg set a new course record at Voet van Afrika Marathon

It was another action-packed weekend for Nedbank Running Club athletes, with standout victories, podium finishes, and even a new course record across South Africa.
At the Significance Run 10km, Bright Mikolongwe raced to victory in 32:22.

The Exxaro Road Race Challenge produced a wave of podiums. Likeleli Majara dominated the women’s 21km in 1:17:03, with Florence Nyaingiri close behind in 3rd (1:18:03) and Elizabeth Jeruiyot Chemweno rounding out the top 10 (1:27:10). In the women’s 10km, Shanike Jordaan impressed with 5th place (41:06) and 1st junior title, while Tebogo Keganneng Mokgosinyane placed 6th (41:11, 1st in 40–49) and veteran Charne Bosman finished 8th (41:32, 2nd in 40–49).

Down in the Eastern Cape, the NMB Gelvandale 10km saw Andile Motwana clock a superb 30:23 for 2nd in the men’s race. The women’s race was a Nedbank 1–2, with Refeloe Solomons taking the win in 38:50, followed by Kelly van Vliet in 39:28.

At the historic Voet van Afrika Marathon, Lloyd Bosman claimed a commanding win in the men’s 42.2km (2:31:12), with teammate Mpendulo Sigwadi 6th in 3:03:14. In the women’s marathon, Carla Spangenberg ran a superb 3:16:08 to win and set a new course record. The men’s 21.1km produced a Nedbank 1–2 through Mandlenkosi Tuna (1:07:56) and Bruce Maboza (1:10:38), with Someleze Makhunzi finishing 9th (1:25:43). On the women’s side, Kezia Matthysen was 3rd in the 10km (45:23, 2nd junior), while Petra Oerson secured 9th (52:19).

Nedbank also shone on the trails. In the 27km trail run, Francois Maquassa (2:04:19) and Johan Oerson (2:09:21) finished 1st and 3rd, while in the 13.5km men’s race, Selwyn Matthews won in 55:50, with Wayne April 3rd (57:01) and Sihle Mapukata 7th (1:14:20).

Strong performances continued at the SAPS Polmed 10km, where Mziwenkosi Mjaja took 3rd in a fast 30:41. Meanwhile, at the Waterfall City Marathon 10km, Kabelo Melamu broke the tape to claim victory in 31:05.

The ABSA Run Your City Joburg 10K brought more big results against top-class competition. In the men’s race, Aklilu Asfaw placed 4th in 28:51, followed by Thabang Mosiako in 6th (29:05) and Namakoe Nkhasi in 7th (29:11).

On the women’s side, Florence Nyaingiri secured 2nd in 35:14, with Naomy Jerono 4th (36:41) and Samantha Coetzer 6th (36:52).

There were also category wins and podiums: Edward Mothibi took 2nd in the men’s 40–49 age group (30:38), Helena Joubert placed 3rd in the women’s 40–49 (38:40), Dalene Sonnekus finished 2nd in the women’s 60–69 (46:36), while Ezna Flattery topped the women’s 60–69 category (45:57). Ingrid Koster claimed 2nd in the masters race (43:40), and junior Kai Hattingh took 2nd (43:52)

From fast city 10kms to trail runs and record-breaking marathons, Nedbank Running Club athletes once again flew the #GreenDreamTeam flag high with pride this past week.. Congratulations to all our athletes!

Jetman Msuthu (Comrades Green Number 7532)

The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) is saddened by the passing earlier this week of former Comrades Marathon winner and Green Number-holder Jetman Msuthu. He completed the Comrades Marathon 14 times between 1988 and 2016, earning three gold medals as well as 10 silvers and one bronze, with his most famous result being the win in 1992. Msuthu passed away on 15 September, in the same week that his wife also passed.

CMA Chairperson Mqondisi Ngcobo says, “It is with a deep sense of sadness that we join the running fraternity in mourning the loss of our legend and former winner, Mr Jetman Msuthu, who is part of a generation of athletes who participated in our event when we did not even pay prize money. They ran this oldest and biggest ultra out of sheer passion, dedication and determination. Msuthu won the race in 1992 and was the second person of colour, after the late Sam Tshabalala, to join the list of men and women who were first to cross the finish line.”

“We are very sad to lose this legendary athlete, and on behalf of the Comrades Marathon Board, staff, ROC, sponsors, suppliers and members, we wish to pass our condolences to the Msuthu family and the running fraternity for this great loss,” continues Ngcobo. “I met Mr Msuthu in person in 2022 when he donned his winner’s jacket for the first time, after the CMA Board, under the leadership of Cheryl Winn, took a decision to honour past winners retrospectively each year until we have covered everyone. I was touched by his humble and down-to-earth demeanour. Mr Msuthu will be solely missed by not only his family, but by the running fraternity as a whole.”

CMA Board Member Brenda Marolen adds, “May the family of Jetman Msuthu find strength during this difficult time. Just days after the Msuthu family said goodbye to his wife, his loss must feel overwhelming. Please accept our sincere condolences as you navigate this immense loss. May the cherished memories that will be forever a part of his legacy, bring you comfort and strength in the days to come. Rest in Power, Msuthu.”

Stellar Running Record

Born in 1957, Msuthu grew up in a small village named Lukholo, near Bizana in the Eastern Cape. He began running at the age of 18, completing his first marathon, and carried on running when he moved to the then Eastern Transvaal (now Mpumalanga) in 1975 to work at the Evander Gold Mine. He arrived on the Comrades scene with a proverbial splash, earning a gold medal with a sixth position on debut with a 5:49:32 finish, followed by three silvers, but it was 1992 that he is most famous for.

That year he finished second in 5:46:11, behind race winner Charl Matteus (5:42:34), and when he crossed the line, he actually thought he was fourth, until corrected by journalists at the finish. An even bigger surprise lay in store, however, as a few weeks later, it was announced that Mattheus had tested positive for traces of a banned substance due to taking over-the-counter medicine for a throat infection. He was subsequently stripped of the win, and Msuthu was declared the winner.

In 1993, Msuthu was selected to represent South Africa at the 100km World Championships in Belgium, where he was part of the victorious South African quartet that claimed the team gold medal. The following year, he earned his third Comrades gold by finishing eighth in 5:54:27, and he placed 15th and 16th in the next two years, also with sub-6:00 finishes. He earned a further five silver medals from 1998 to 2002, now running in the 40-plus age category, then took a long break from the race. He entered but did not start the 2010 race, then ran one more time in 2016, now in the 50-plus category, signing off with a solid 9:38:48 to add a bronze medal to his collection.

Respected Champion

Many have paid tribute to the memory of the highly respected and much-loved former race winner. CMA General Manager Alain Dalais says, “I'm very sad to hear of the passing of Jetman Msuthu. The Comrades Marathon is a test of spirit, endurance, and strength, and his victory in 1992 was a testament to his incredible will and dedication. His legacy will undoubtedly live on through the inspiration he provided to countless runners and South Africans, and his name is etched into the history of the Comrades as well as the hearts of those who admired him. My deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who were touched by his remarkable life. May his memory be a blessing to us all.”

Former CMA Chairperson and 1982 Comrades Marathon women’s winner Cheryl Winn says, “Jetman was a wonderful man and a worthy Champion of the 1992 Comrades Marathon. Sadly, he has the distinction of being the only winner, male or female, in the 98-year history of the race who never experienced the thrill of breaking through the winner’s tape, nor being celebrated and hailed as the winner on race day. Nonetheless, he was acknowledged, highly respected and warmly welcomed into the exclusive club of Comrades winners, and with both enormous pride and humility, he wore the title of Champion for the next 33 years. The last time I had the pleasure of spending time with Jetman was at the 2022 Comrades Marathon, where he met up with his old ‘comrade,’ Hoseah Tjale, and they spent a wonderful day reminiscing about old times. He will be missed in his community, where he both mentored and inspired young athletes. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace, Comrades Champion.”

The 1992 Comrades Marathon winner is also remembered fondly by some of the leading runners of his day, with nine-time Comrades Marathon winner Bruce Fordyce saying, “My favourite memory of Jetman is how humble and gracious he was, and he always laughed when I teased him about not being able to carry the Winner’s Baton in 1992. But he seemed genuinely overcome with emotion when some of us arranged for him to be photographed carrying it at the Comrades Marathon Association’s Centenary Celebration Run in 2021.”

Another friend and rival from that era, 1991 Comrades Marathon winner Nick Bester, says, “It’s with deep sadness that I heard about the passing of Jetman, a friend and teammate representing South Africa at the World 100km Championships in Belgium in 1993, where we won the gold medal in the team category. Our team consisted of Cornet Matomane, Zephania Ndaba, Charl Mattheus, Mark Page, Jetman and I, with Bruce Fordyce and the late Vreni Welch as our team managers. Charl and Mark did not finish the race, so Cornet, Zephania, Jetman and I counted for the team prize. Condolences to his family – he will be missed!”

Former CMA Board Chairperson Sifiso Nzuza also paid tribute to the late Msuthu. “As Mary Lou Retton said, ‘A trophy carries dust. Memories last forever.’ Jetman was a great athlete, and served the cause of road running selflessly. My heart goes out to the family of this incredible athlete during this difficult time.”

Also paying tribute to the former winner, the CMA’s coordinator of the IT & Entries Department, Vusi Moloi, says, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Jetman Msuthu, a true legend of the Comrades Marathon and an inspiration to so many. As the 1992 Comrades Champion, he carved his name into the history of South African sport and showed us all the power of determination, resilience, and heart. Jetman’s legacy will live on, not only in the record books, but in the countless lives he touched through his journey. May his family, friends and the running community find comfort in knowing that he will always be remembered with honour and respect. Rest in peace, champion.”

“This is a sad day for the running community. He will be missed, and well remembered. RIP the Jetman,” adds CMA Board Member and Chair of the Race Advisory Committee, Alan Gray.

DATE CHANGE: South Africa’s biggest one-day race will be held on 29 November 2025
 
The 30th edition of “The People’s Race” has been rescheduled to take place on Saturday 29 November 2025 – one day earlier than previously scheduled. The change of date has been granted by the Central Gauteng Athletics Road Commission, courtesy of Mr Mandla Radebe.

The Soweto Marathon Non-Profit Company (NPC) which is carrying the race on behalf of the Soweto Athletics Clubs, confirmed that the movement of the race to one day earlier is due to the ZCC gathering taking place within the same precinct on Sunday 30 November 2025.

Soweto Marathon Spokesperson Jabu Mbuli says that in consultation with their valued partners as well as the Athletics Clubs of Soweto; it was decided that whilst moving the date is unsettling, it is also unavoidable. On the plus side, it opens the race up to even more fans to participate in the country’s biggest one day road race;

“We must first apologise for any inconvenience caused to those who have already entered. This race is by the people, for the people – and it is our duty to ensure that, as much as is possible, the race day is open to everyone, and not in competition with any other major events. Our service providers have given us the green light, all is confirmed and in place for another hugely successful race and we welcome all from far and wide to come join in the energy, festivities, history and warmth of Soweto.”

The race will take place at Nasrec, Soweto, hosted by The City of Johannesburg; with the route unchanged as per the 2024 edition.

Sbusiso Kumalo, Chief Marketing Officer African Bank says, “African Bank is not just sponsoring a race — we’re investing in the heartbeat of Soweto. Every runner, every family member, every supporter brings economic energy that stays in the township, circulating and uplifting the community. We’re here because this community is our home, we were birthed here 60 years ago when African Bank ideated, and 50 years later since African Bank opened its first branch, we need to acknowledge our heritage. We’re here to celebrate our legacy, African Bank's umbilical cord is in Soweto. 80,000 new customers who sign up with us each month, are predominantly from Soweto, and they are essence of why we stay. African Bank Soweto Marathon isn’t just a race; it’s a movement that shifts the trajectory of unemployment and economic challenges. We run with our people, through highs and lows, because they continuously support us, and as a result - we back this race. Let’s make this the biggest race on the continent, and show what Soweto can do for South Africa’s economy.”

The African Bank Soweto Marathon race office will communicate accordingly with all those who have already entered as per the previous date communicated.

Soweto Marathon NPC would like to extend a heartfelt Thank You to their partners including African Bank; Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts and Culture; City of Johannesburg; Southgate Mall; Lenmed; SuperSport; VW Soweto; Castle Lite; Sowetan; eGenerators & Plant Hire; Action Photo SA; Athletics South Africa; South African Institute for drug-free sport.

Entry fees for all three categories are now open – and runners will undoubtedly welcome the news of the retained 2023 prices namely R380 for the marathon; R300 for the 21.1km and R280 for the 10km. To enter, runners are encouraged to visit www.sowetomarathon.com. The prize money remains equal for both the male and female categories, with the top prize awarded to the 42.2km Open winner set to take home R250 000.

Kloppers Sport 10km Race - 4 October 2025