All systems go for City2City Marathon as Mohale & Tshuma are named as race ambassadors

After making its return in March in last year following nearly a decade on the sidelines, the City to City 50km Ultramarathon has been returned to it's traditional spring date, promising runners a classic test of grit and endurance from the Marlboro Gautrain station in Johannesburg to the Pilditch Athletics Stadium in Tshwane on September 28. Launched at the Gautrain Headquarters in Midrand on yesterday (September 4), the second edition of the race since its return was unveiled with all the flair of an ultra event determined to reclaim its spot as the heart of South African road running. Athletics Gauteng North (AGN) President John Mathane could not hide his excitement, hailing the revival as a landmark moment for both AGN and Central Gauteng Athletics' (CGA) athletics calendars.

"The race has become a symbol of endurance, unity and the power of sport to bring people together. It's my privilege and honour to be a part of the return of Gauteng historic ultramarathon 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," Mathane said.

CGA, AGN, The City of Joburg, The City of Tshwane, Gautrain and the Gauteng Department of Education, Sports, Arts and Culture officials were all in attendance. Photo Credit: Lifutso Mabua.

Adding star power to the launch, top runners Nobuhle Nobukhosi Tshuma who is a Comrades and Two Oceans Marathon gold medalist and Two Oceans podium finisher Lucky Mohale were introduced as race ambassadors. Tshuma who grabbed second place at last year's race behind winner Shelmith Muruiki of Kenya in 3:30:37 said she is aiming to run even faster this time around.

"I used City2City as part of my preparation for Comrades last year. I decided to skip Two Oceans to support the local race and it worked well for me because I got top five at Comrades. The course is not so tough. You just have to know when to push on the up or the downs. This year I want to run faster. I'll be happy if I can chop five minutes off my time from last year."

Mohale and Tshuma brief the media on their plans for the 2025 City2City Marathon. Photo Credit: Lifutso Mabua.

Mohale who is a two-time former SA half marathon champion, was joined by his coach Piiou Mpolokeng and training partner Onalenna Khonkhobe at the launch declared his intentions to deliver an improved performance after failing to finish the race in 2024 which was won by the Entsika Athletic Club's Ntsindiso Mphakathi.

"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 win 21km races I just used to run away from them. But coach Piou has explained to me that this doesn't work in ultras. I used his strategy at Two Oceans and it worked."

The launch, which included the unveiling of a new race logo, was attended by officials from the Gauteng Department of education, sport, recreation and arts and culture, City of Johannesburg, City of Tshwane and Gautrain. Entries are available at www.webtickets.co.za and close at midnight on the 19th of September.