"I'm building a house" - New kid on the 50km block Remaketse Lekaka wins in Polokwane two weeks after winning Mpileng TNU

Remaketse Lekaka made history by becoming the first runner to win the inaugural Polokwane City Ultra-Marathon (50km) on Saturday, 2 May in Polokwane. Running in the colours of the Mokopane-based Folang Mokerong Athletic Club, the 27-year-old bossed the streets of the Limpopo capital to win the men’s race in a time of 2:54:50. Thulane Manana was the runner-up in a time of 2:59:02 while Musawenkosi Nene completed the podium in 3:01:38. Lekaka says his victory was informed by his pre-race strategy.

Lekaka celebrates a memorable victory. Photo Credit: Tumelo Mabua.

"I feel okay," he told #TheTopRunner after his historic achievement. "The race was nice - flat and fast. That’s why I knew that if I could run the first half fast, those guys would struggle to catch me. So I pulled away from the start. I realized after 30km that the chasing bunch were going to have to work hard to catch me.  I am happy with my time because the aim was to run it under 3h30, so I made it. I hope I’ll come back next year again."

Lekaka won his 50km debut race - the 2026 Mpileng Tshwane North Ultra Marathon by more than three and a half minutes from Gladwin Mzazi. Photo Credit: Tumelo Mabua.

Lekaka has enjoyed success since he started competing in ultra marathons just last month. He earned R15 000 when he won his debut 50km - the Mpileng Tshwane North Ultra in a new course record on 18 April and walks away with another R15 000 for his triumph in Polokwane. The top runner who hails from a trail running background the prize money will go a long way as he is currently building a house for himself in Mokopane after buying a stand in January.

Lekaka (centre) poses with Polokwane municipality Executive Mayor Cllr Makoro John Mpe (left) after his triumph. Photo Credit: Supplied.

"Life is hard, running for us is not just a run. We live because of running and we want to try to make a better future because of running. When I run, I know that I can solve my problems at home. Already I have a project at home which I started in January. That was my aim to come here and win the race because I have a lot to do. I must change my life, there's no way. When I run I know my struggle, I know where the money is going. I don't have a choice, I don't have time to negotiate."

There were two firsts in the women's race as Rosaline Isaiah won the very first edition of the Polokwane City Ultra Marathon, which was also her ultra marathon debut. The Kenyan clocked 3:42:10 to win the race ahead of her compatriot Gladys Jepchichir (3:49:26) and Hollywood AC’s Slindile Chilli (3:58:19) just two weeks after winning the Mall of the North Marathon.

Kenyan Rosaline Isaiah won the women's race. Photo Credit: Supplied.

"I am happy, I did not expect it but at least I made it. I expected top three. I did not know I was going to do it because it was my first ultra. I am glad. I am happy with my time. The route was tough, but it depends on your training as well but it was enjoyable. It’s all about your mind. It’s all about training and focus. I'm going to rest now. Maybe I’ll come back in August. It is time for recovery and training."