Message from Nick Bester – Nedbank running club national team manager.

Nick Bester - Nedbank Running Club National Manager

Just when you think that our team cannot get any better, our athletes outperform themselves again and again and 2025 can definitely go down as a year to remember, where our Nedbank running club athletes won, or either podiumed in every one of the big South African races around the country.

Our ever-friendly Nedbank green gazebos were welcoming at the races and were jam packed and even more joyful than ever before. Sharing the war stories from the races, it did not matter whether you were a social runner or even a Comrades champion, our Nedbank running club family came together and we were stronger than ever before. For all of this, I thank each and every one of you.

From a results perspective, I won’t go into too much detail here as you will go on to read about the many victories and podiums around the country by all of you, but I must just say how proud I am of each and every one of you. Whether you are a social runner or an elite runner, you kept showing up, no matter the conditions, no matter the problems you may have faced just getting to the start line. I am proud and thankful to all of you.

The heart of Nedbank running club is about all the athletes who make up the numbers of over 3000 members of the green team, but without the sponsors, none of this would be possible at all. So, to our sponsors, Nedbank, Biogen, Nike, Nike Vision and THIRSTI water, I cannot thank you enough on behalf of all of us in the team for the time, effort, amazing product and work that you put into this team.

I would also like to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to all our different Nedbank running clubs, operating professionally, using initiative, and motivating all our athletes under very tough conditions by the capable and strong leadership of our chairpersons and various Club Committees. They must be applauded because they looked after the interest of our club members and sponsors of the Nedbank Running Clubs across South Africa and the rest of Africa.

As we head into the festive season of December, I would like to wish you all a merry and safe one, and we cannot wait to see you all on the roads in 2026.

The Green Machine Dominates: Nedbank Running Club's Historic 2025 Season

The 2025 running season saw the Nedbank Running Club (NRC), affectionately known as the ‘Green Dream Team,’ deliver one of their most dominant campaigns yet. From sweeping the podiums at major South African classics to showcasing unparalleled team depth in debut international-standard marathons, the club cemented its position as the continent's elite running powerhouse. Their collective strength was demonstrated by securing well over 30 podium finishes (1st, 2nd, or 3rd place) in major races across South Africa throughout the season.

January –

As is always the case, the year started off with the Biogen Half Marathon. It was the Nedbank green dream team crossing the line 1^st with Namakoe Nkhasi taking the victory in 1:05:56.

In the woman’s race Shanice Peens finished in 3^rd with a time of 1:27:15

February –

At the Peninsula Marathon in Cape Town, our Nedbank running club green dream team ladies recorded a 1-2-3 total podium domination. Jenna Challenor took victory in 2:51:24, ahead of Deanne Horn and Landie Greyling who finished 2nd and 3rd respectively. In the men’s race Sinethemba Ntshangase of the Nedbank Running Club KZN finished 2^nd overall in 2:20:25 

March –

At the Trojan Om Die Dam 50km, Nedbank running club’s Lebogang Khonkhobe took victory in 2:55:10 with teammate Sifiso Nqumakhwe in 3rd.

The Spar Ladies Grand Prix Series kicked off in Cape Town with Selam Gebre looking for a good start to the series finishing 2nd in 33:18.

April –

The Nedbank Running Club ultra-distance success was also evident at the 2025 Two Oceans Marathon, where we demonstrated remarkable resilience. Lucky Mohale fought through injury to claim a hard-earned 3rd place in the 56km Ultra-Marathon (3:11:27), earning a prestigious Gold medal. Sithembiso Mqhele also finished in the top 10 for a coveted gold medal

The women’s ultra-team showed great depth, with Dikeledi Majara finishing 5th (3:46:24), supported by teammates Landie Greyling and Deanné Laubscher also securing top ten gold finishes.

May –

In Durban, Emane Seifu Hayile took victory in the women’s race at the Durban International Marathon in a fast 2:31:45.

At the 2025 opening ABSA RYC 10km in Cape town Ethiopian Selam Gebre was 2^nd in the women’s race in a fast time of 32:13.

June –

Ultra-Marathon Supremacy: Tete Dijana’s Comrades Hat-Trick

The crowning achievement of the year was the sensational victory at the 2025 Comrades Marathon, where NRC athletes secured a major title in a race for the ages:

Tete Dijana successfully defended his title, winning his third Comrades Marathon in a thrilling sprint finish with a time of 5:25:28. Dijana's victory was a hard-fought battle against his fierce rival, Piet Wiersma, who finished a mere five seconds behind in 2nd place (5:25:33). Dijana's ability to execute a tactical race plan against a world-class field confirmed his status as the king of the "Down Run."

Edward Mothibi added more gold to his name, finishing in 4^th in a time of 5:31:41. Nedbank running club’s Alex Milne went 3 positions better than in 2024 and took 6^th place

The Nedbank men also won the coveted elite men’s team prize courtesy of Tete Dijana, Edward Mothibi, George Kusche and Claude Moshiywa. The club also saw first South African over the line Tete Dijana, first novice in the form of George Kusche, 1st male 40+ with Edward Mothibi

In the ladies’ race, Nedbank running club’s Alexandra Morozova took 2^nd place with a sub 6h, finishing in 5:55:55, with Dominika Stelmach, Catriona Jennings and Melissah Gibson ran brave races in what was an amazingly fast women’s race to finish 5^th, 8^th and 10^th. The ladies team consisting of Ilse Marais, Boipelo Orekeng, Susan Sloan and Jeannie Henderson won the woman senior team prize and the 40+ team prize

The 70+ podium was won by Nedbank Running Clubs Jennifer Kellett

At the Nelson Mandela Bay Half Marathon, Lavinia Haitope of Nedbank Running Club Namibia took victory in the woman race in a time of 1:10:17 and in the men’s race teammate Daniel Paulus finished a very credible 2nd.

At the Spar Ladies Grand Prix series 10km down in Durban, Diniya Abaraya was 2^nd with Selam Gebre finishing in 3^rd.

July –

At the immensely popular Foskor Half Marathon run in sweltering hot conditions given its afternoon start, Nedbank running club’s Thabang Mosiako was in a class of his own as he took the winners cheque with a dominating victory and was also crowned the SA Half Marathon Champion. In 2^nd place was Namakoe Nkhasi from Nedbank Running Club Lesotho

August –

This years Spar Grand Prix Tshwane 10km saw Diniya Abarya finishing in 2^nd place with teammate Selam Gebre in 3rd. Two weeks later, Selam Gebre won the Totalsports women’s race in Johannesburg and then a week later Selam finished 3^rd at the ABSA RYC Tshwane 10km in Pretoria, with Nedbank Running Club Ethiopia teammates Aklilu Asfaw finish 2^nd in a photo finish for 1^st and 2^nd and Abdilmejid Mohammed finishing in 3^rd

September –

The club achieved a remarkable clean sweep at the City to City 50km: Onalenna Khonkhobe took the men's title (2:52:01), while the supremely talented Margaret Jepchumba won the women's race (3:11:14).

Diniya Abaraya continued building an impressive career finishing 3rd at the Spar Grand Prix 10km in Gqeberha with a time of 32:04.

October –

At the Spar Grand Prix series 10km in Johannesburg, Diniya Abaraya continuing to impress finished 2^nd.

November –

At the inaugural Diamonds & Dorings Kimberley Big Hole Marathon: The men’s marathon saw five NRC runners in the top 10, including Daniel Paulus (3^rd), Lucky Mohale (4^th), Namakoe Nkhasi (6^th), Jesaja Matheus (7^th) and Ndahangwanasho Nghilyeendele (10^th).

The women’s marathon was equally dominant, placing five runners in the top 10, including Siftolina Daba Chemeda (3^rd), Mildred Chempkemei Kinyanja (4^th), Keneni Germame Korme (5^th), Likeleli Majara (6^th) and seeing the return of Mapaseka Makanya (9^th).

The Soweto Marathon saw the Nedbank running club green dream team athlete raced to victory as Margaret Jepchumba continued her stunning form late in the year, claiming victory again at the iconic Soweto Marathon with a time of 2:34:33, with teammates Gadise Getachew Bekele in 6th, Worke Degu Amena in 7th and Genet Adeke Agtew in 10th.

The men’s race saw defending champion Onalenna Khonkhobe finishing in a credible 3^rd place with up-and-coming road running star George Kusche in 4^th followed by teammates Abebe Kumsa Gondero in 6^th and Jackson Ole Koisenge Behind him in 7^th

The decisive marathon performances were complemented by Thabang Mosiako's swift win in the Soweto half marathon.

Nedbank running club National team manager Nick Bester was delighted with the green dream team. “This year’s Soweto Marathon was an important one for our team and we planned, prepared, and executed our plans in style with Margaret Jepchumba taking the victory, said Bester.

“We really want to thank everyone who plays a part in these victories from our sponsors to the managers, coaches, committee members, support teams and all the families that contribute.

Our hospitality at all the major road races was also an enormous success with the hospitality and catering for the bulk of the tired social runners who competed this year. Here they could enjoy the products of our loyal sponsors-Biogen to drink the recovery drinks and THIRSTI WATER to replenish the THIRST

In the words of Team Manager Nick Bester, the 2025 season was a clear demonstration of the "strength and commitment of our elite squad," whose runners "continue to deliver outstanding results week after week."

The 2025 season will be remembered as the year the Nedbank Running Club truly solidified its "Green Dream Team" status, not just through individual titles like Dijana's hat-trick or Jepchumba's double victories, but through a collective, dominant, and inspiring team performance across all major road running events.

A big round of applause to our partners and sponsors from every one of us!

We are extremely fortunate and grateful to have such amazing sponsors on board that make this team #MoreThanAClub. Without their support, none of this would be possible. From all the product we receive, to incentives and assistance at events, we thank you for everything. We thank our athletes who are active on various social media platforms for always promoting our sponsors and we encourage everyone on our team to please promote our sponsors and support them. To Nedbank, THIRSTI Water, Biogen, Nike, Nike Vision, NMI your support means the World to us.

Comrades Marathon Announces New Board, Chairperson and Vice Chairperson
 

The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Leathers, as the new Chairperson, and Nontuthuko Mashimane, as the new Vice Chairperson of the CMA Board. Their appointments follow the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the CMA, held on Saturday at Carter High School in Pietermaritzburg, which included the election of four Board members to complete the Board that will serve for the next 12 months.

Leathers brings a genuine passion for the Comrades Marathon to his new role, having run the race twice, earning two Robert Mtshali medals in 2024 and 2025, with finishing times of 9:25:18 and 9:17:18 respectively. In his first year on the Board in 2024/2025, he served as Vice-chairperson while also serving as chairperson of the Legal and Corporate Governance Sub-committee, availing his legal expertise counsel and expertise to the CMA.

“It’s an absolute honour to be elected as the incoming Chairperson of the Comrades Marathon Association, and a privilege to be involved in The Ultimate Human Race,” says Leathers. “Together with the Board for the new year, I undertake to work tirelessly to advance not only the race itself, but also the history and ethos of the event, and we will do so in conjunction with our partners, the team at Comrades House, and all stakeholders, including the running community,”

Similarly, Mashimane also brings a vast amount of expertise and passion for the event to her new role, having run the event seven times from 2015 to 2024, with a best time of 9:23:01, and having served on the Board in 2024/2025 while also chairing the CSI and Charities Sub-Committee. Under her leadership, this sub-committee raised a record-breaking amount of over R8 million for the CMA’s official charities, notably through Race4Charity donations by participants and through the Toyota-sponsored Win-a-Car Competition.

Mashimane says, “I’m deeply humbled and honoured to have been elected as the Vice Chairperson of the Comrades Marathon Association. This appointment is not just a personal milestone, but a reaffirmation of the trust, support and confidence that my colleagues and the broader Comrades family has placed in me. I step into the role of Vice Chairperson fully committed to strengthening our organisation, deepening our community impact, and helping lead the Comrades Marathon into a future defined by growth, excellence and inclusivity, especially as we approach our historic centenary.”
Leathers and Mashimane will lead the Board in its ongoing mission to promote and enhance the Comrades Marathon, ensuring its continued success and growth. This 2025/2026 Board’s immediate focus will be the 2026 edition of the race, taking place on Sunday 14 June, but also on the planning for the 2027 edition, which will mark the 100th running of the world’s oldest and most famous ultramarathon.

Outgoing Chairperson, Mqondisi Ngcobo, will remain on the Board to complete his current two-year term, but having already served two full terms as Chair of the Board – the maximum allowed by the CMA Constitution – he was not eligible to continue in that position. He says, “It was a singular honour and privilege for me to be afforded the opportunity to once again lead this 104-year-old Association. I would like to thank the Comrades Marathon Association, its members and elders, for bestowing upon me the great honour of leading this glorious Association, and I thank my family for allowing me to pursue my passion and to serve this greatest ultramarathon. I wish my successor all the best as he takes over the leadership of this gigantic event, and I pledge my unwavering support to the incoming Chairperson, Vice-chairperson and the entire Board.”

New Board in Place
The CMA Board is comprised of nine elected members, and has the right to co-opt two further members, should the need for specific skills or experience be identified. The elections for the Board are held annually at the AGM, with Board Members elected for a two-year term of office, and these elections are staggered in order to ensure continuity from one year to the next. This sees five members elected in ‘even years,’ and four in ‘odd years.’ (Once constituted, the Board can co-opt a further two members to address the need for specific skills or experience on the Board, and this saw Barry Holland and Lene Swart co-opted in January 2025 for the remainder of the 2024/2025 term.)

Therefore, five members of the 2024/2025 Board will automatically continue to serve on the Board in 2025/2026, namely Mqondisi Ngcobo, Mark Leathers, William Mtolo, Brenda Marolen and Carel Nolte. Four positions on the Board needed to be filled via the election process at this 2025 AGM, with retiring Board Members Rory Steyn, Alan Gray, Isaac Ngwenya, Nontuthuko Mashimane, Barry Holland and Lene Swart all making themselves available. Nominations were also received from CMA Members for Dr Phumelela Talent Vezi, Philemon Nkosi and Peter de Groot.

After voting was completed and four successful candidates were elected – Rory Steyn, Alan Gray, Nontuthuko Mashimane and Barry Holland – the new Board held its first official meeting, where the decision was taken to co-opt Lene Swart once again, as she brings vital experience in financial planning to the Board’s combined skillset.

The CMA Board for 2025/2026 is thus comprised as follows:
•    Mark Leathers (Chairperson)
•    Nontuthuko Mashimane (Vice Chairperson)
•    Mqondisi Ngcobo
•    William Mtolo
•    Brenda Marolen
•    Carel Nolte
•    Rory Steyn
•    Alan Gray
•    Barry Holland
•    Lene Swart (co-opted)

Until recently the Board also featured two ex officio members, representing Athletics South Africa (ASA) and KwaZulu-Natal Athletics (KZNA). An amendment to the CMA Constitution was proposed at this AGM, that the CMA withdraw as a special member of KZNA and rather seek to affiliate directly to ASA instead. This motion was passed, which also sees the Board position for KZNA fall away. “We would like to thank all from KZNA who have served and continue to support the CMA. This amendment to our structures is designed to achieve our strategic goals of international growth, professionalism, cost containment and a runner-focused approach, while better aligning our national event with the national federation,” explains Leathers.
 
Looking Ahead
“With our new leadership team in place, new Race Director Sue Forge having started work at the beginning of November, and entries for the 2026 race having sold out in a record 10 hours, the CMA is excited about the future,” says CMA General Manager Alain Dalais. “We are already well underway with planning for the 2026 race, as well as the 2027 Centenary edition, and runners can look forward to more innovations while still enjoying all the traditions and history that make this event iconic.”

“We would also like to thank all our CMA Members who took the time to be part of the AGM, whether in person in Pietermartizburg or attending online, and for submitting nominations and voting in the election process. The CMA is proud that our members are so actively involved in deciding the leadership and direction of the event, and we urge more Comrades Marathon runners and volunteers to become members, and play their part in the historic next few years of the race,” adds Dalais.

Plett Street Mile 2025

Sponsorship allowance to Nedbank Running Clubs for the 2026 season:

We will revise the current incentive scheme/System for 2026 and will send full details to all Nedbank Running Club early in 2026 on how the new system will work.

Nedbank Running Club criteria for assistance to athletes either in Green Dream Team or provincial and podium level athletes.

Nedbank Green Dream Team:

•    Achieve top 5 positions in national Road Running Championships in SA (10KM, 21KM and 42km Champs).
•    Achieve top 10 positions in national events especially the, Two Oceans 56km Comrades Marathon and other major televised races.
•    Achieve top 3 positions in national prominent road events such as Soweto Marathon, Durban Marathon, Two Oceans Half Marathon, Spar Women’s races, Absa Run Your City, Hollywood Bets, Races etc.
•    Selected based on national/international performance and potential.
•    Media friendly: be visible in the printed media, newspapers, and magazines as well as on TV.
•    Athlete to be continually active on social media by promoting his/her sponsors, training, and racing updates (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, blogs).
•    Limited to a pre-determined number of athletes.
•    Special branded clothing/Biogen/Future Life/Thirsti Water/Bavaria/Nike Trainer & Race shoes.
•    Entries to pre-determined for races.
•    Travel & accommodation to identified races.
•    Monthly retainers to help with running expenses.
•    Free membership & licensing.
•    An incentive to podium finishes in certain pre-determined national & provincial races (see website).

•    Achieve top 3 positions in provincial events and races where they are domiciles on a regular basis.
•    Biogen/Thirsti Water/Nike Trainers & Racers via NB Sport or Club.
•    An incentive to podium finishes in certain pre-determined national & provincial races.
•    Entries to races within the province(s) in proximity (within reason).
•    Travel expenses to races /club activities (within reason).
•    Free membership & licensing (if not licensed by province).
•    Free running clothing (within reason).

What is expected from top Green Dream Team and Provincial Athletes

NEDBANK RUNNING CLUB NATIONAL SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS

A reminder that the Nedbank running club is continually active on social media and we encourage our athletes and their families to like, follow and share our pages. Please tag us in your posts so that we can share these special moments on our platforms.

Facebook: Nedbank Running Club National

Instagram: Nedbankrunningclub

Regards

Nick Bester