'I'm coming in as the underdog' - Mhlakwana eyes gold on Two Oceans return

There are very few athletes with a better Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon track record than Nkosikhona Mhlwakana. On the two occasions that he has participated in the race, Mhlakwana has finished inside top three podium - results which many athletes can only dream of. In 2022, the Hollywood Athletic Club top runner produced a resounding debut, losing out to Ethiopia's Edndale Belachew in a sprint finish to clock an 3:09:08. The following year, he delivered 3:10:40 to finish third overall.

But after skipping last year's race to focus on Comrades Marathon, Mhlakwana is making a return to the "World's Most Beautiful Ultra Marathon" and will line up among the favourites to clinch the top honours on Saturday (April) 5 in Cape Town. The 31-year-old who hails from Siphumelele Township in the midlands town of Howick says his preparations have gone well.

Mhlakwana returns to the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon for the first time since 2023. Photo Credit: Totalsports Two Oceans Media.

"I'm very happy to go back racing the Two Oceans Marathon again. Since I announced my decision after Comrades last year, of focusing more on distances shorter than 42km, I have been able to check on how I'm going to tackle the the whole process. Remember, I have changed everything from my old training program as my new training requires me to be fast. So my decision to do Two Oceans was not hard as there is not much different between 42km and 56km. Plus the race holds special memories for me because it contributed largely to the athlete I am today. The build up has been good. I'm injury free which is the big boost as we head towards the race day."

Mhlakwana's decision to step down to the short distances seems to be paying dividends. Last year, he managed to dip under 29 minutes for the first time in his career when he ran an impressive 28:58 during Hollywoodbets Durban 10km race. He says the change has been made possible by the guidance he is getting from coach Prodigal Khumalo and the support of the Purple Team.

Mhlakwana in action at the 2024 Hollywoodbets Durban 10km last August where he ran a new 10km personal best of 28:58. Photo Credit: SMacPix.

"Not many people understand why I opted to run the ultra-marathons so early in my career. It was a calculated move we discussed by looking at my background," said Mhlakwana, who took sixth position at the 2022 Comrades Marathon.

"I needed to opt for races that will change my life quickly because the situation at home was bad. I managed to win races like Zululand 50km, did well in Two Oceans Marathon twice. When I came second in 2022, my whole life changed. Many people treated me like a champion and I became popular. Now I have settled in life, I can now chase my goals of running faster. The decision is well supported by my coach and the club."

Now Mhlakwana has set sights on a thrilling comeback in The Mother City as he eyes a top 10 finish. "I feel this year I'm coming in as the underdog. I'm like a novice over the distance after announcing that I'm taking a break from ultra distance races. Yet my expectations are straightforward. My goal is to be in the top 10. If I can accomplish that I'll be happy," he concluded.