"It was unexpected" - Bazane wins Zululand Ultra Marathon for biggest career victory

In a remarkable display of endurance, unheralded Siyamthanda Bazane secured an unlikely win in the Zululand Ultra Marathon, which took place between Ulundi and Nongoma today (Sunday 19 April). The Nedbank Running Club man took the lead just before the 42km mark and held on to cross the finish line in 3:24:37 for what is the biggest victory of his career. Speaking to #TheTopRunner after the race Bazane, who received a cheque of R100,000 for his efforts, admitted that he hadn’t planned to win the 56km race. 

"I'm very happy to win the race. It was unexpected as I just came here to run and see how I perform. The race was tough. It’s full of hills. During the latter stages of the race, I managed to pull away from the rest of the guys and that’s when I realized that I could win it,” explained Bazane who hails from Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape.

Bazane talks to the media after his big victory. Photo Credit: Zululand Marathon.

Mholi Jali of the Hollywood Athletics Club achieved a commendable second place in 3:30:42, earning R50,000, while Siboniso Sikhakhane, who secured seventh place overall at last week’s Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon powered by BYD, finished third in 3:36:01, receiving R25,000. 31-year-old Bazane who started running seriously in 2019 says the Zululand Ultra Marathon, which took place for the first time since 2019, was his last race before the Comrades Marathon on 14 June.

"I'm not going to do any more races for now. My focus is now on the Comrades Marathon. Last year, I did it but the time wasn't great. So I’m going back to Comrades and this time I'm planning to perform better than I did last year," said Bazane who clocked 6:17:46 to take 81st position at the 2025 edition of The Ultimate Human Race.

Jenet Mbhele winning a Comrades gold medal. After dominating the Zululand Marathon, Mbhele is targeting a fourth straight Comrades Marathon gold medal on 14 June.

In the women's race, multiple Comrades Marathon gold medalist Jenet Mbhele crossed the finish line in 4:09:51 to emerge victorious. Mbhele was followed by Gladys Jepchirchir, with seasoned Comrades gold medalist Fikile Mbuthuma securing the third place on the podium. 31-year-old Mbhele who runs in the colours of Umzikhulu Striders was happy about winning the demanding race, which she says provides ideal preparation for the Comrades Up Run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg.

"I took the lead early on and I knew it would be hard for my competitors to catch me. The route is tough but my coach prepared me for the hills. Now, my focus turns to the Comrades Marathon as I'm done with races until then," she said.

The start of the 2026 Zululand Ultra Marathon. Photo Credit: Supplied.

The Zululand District Municipality, which is the event’s primary sponsor, has assured runners that the race will be held again next year. Mayor Michael Khumalo conceded that the seven year hiatus had been lengthy one but confirmed that they would be back again in 2027, especially after attracting over over 500 participants this year.

"I'm very happy with the turn out as we never anticipated it. It shows that people missed the race so much. The clubs have been asking us to bring back the race, which we did. I can promise you that next year, we are going to support the the race again."