Harry Gwala Marathon ambassador Jenet Mbhele skips Two Oceans to focus on fourth straight Comrades gold

South African ultra-distance top runner Jenet Mbhele, has reiterated her determination to secure another Comrades Marathon gold medal in the 2026 season adding that she will skip the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon. This declaration was made during the launch of the Harry Gwala Marathon, which was held yesterday (Wednesday, 18 February) in the town of Ixopo south west of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. 

At the launch, Mbhele was joined by three-time Comrades champion Bongmusa Mthembu and Thobani Chagwe all three of whom were unveiled as ambassadors for the event which is scheduled to take place on 22 March between Ixopo and Umzikhulu.

Mbhele poses with one of her three Comrades Marathon gold medals. She is targeting a fourth consecutive Comrades gold medal this year. Photo Credit: CMA Media.

Speaking to the media at the launch, Mbhele disclosed that she has once again chosen to forgo the 56km race in the Mother City in order to focus on The Ultimate Human Race. This is despite having made a remarkable debut of 3:41:07 to take fourth position during the 2024 edition of the World’s Most Beautiful Marathon.

"I'm going to do the Mfundo Lushaba Half Marathon (22 February). That will be my first race of the season. I'll skip the Two Oceans Marathon for the second season because my coach and I never planned for it. Now, I'm going to focus on training and then do the Prince Mangosuthu 52km in April which will help me to prepare for the the Comrades Marathon" said Mbhele who hails Mzimkhulu in the Harry Gwala district.

Mbhele participated in the Harry Gwala Marathon in both 2024 and 2025. Last year she finished as as the runner-up in 2:49:58. Here she is pictured at the 2024 event with the Mayor of the Harry Gwala District Municipality Cllr ZD Nxumalo after winning the half marathon in 1:23:24. Photo Credit: Harry Gwala District Municipality.

By focusing solely on The Comrades Marathon, the 31-year-old Umzikhulu striders top runner is line to become the first black woman to win four Comrades gold medals. Mbhele who won three consecutive gold medals between 2023 and 2025 with a best of 6:14:24 to take fourth position last year, hopes that she can be a role model to other young black women in the sport of athletics.

"I am going to focus on comrades so that I can inspire more black female athletes to achieve more Comrades gold medals. My recipe for success is simple. I respecting my coach’s decision and I challenge other athletes to do the same. My goal for this Comrades is to get another gold medal and get another top five finish."