'It will open doors for me' - Mkhwanazi targets top 5 finish in international racing debut

South African top runner Bongelani Mkhwanazi is excited ahead of his international racing debut. Known for his excellent 10km performances, the 29-year-old is set to participate in the Alwar Half Marathon in India on Sunday, 8 February. Mkhwanazi, along with compatriot Cacisile Sosibo, has been invited to compete against quality field of international runners featuring some fast East Africans. The man who recently made the switch from Peak to Phantane Athletics Club, is looking forward to fulfilling his dream of competing overseas. 

"I'm so excited to be invited to race in the Alwar International Half Marathon. It has been my dream to participate in overseas races. It something I have been chasing for a very long time," said Mkhwanazi who is the holder of a 62:49 personal best time over the half marathon distance. 

Mkhwanazi ran 28:35 to take fifth position at the Hollywood Durban 10k race on Saturday 30 August at Kingsmead Stadium. Photo Credit: SMacPix.

"Sometimes, things don't go as planned but as the person you must keep on fighting until the end. I have seen that there are lot of athletes invited from different countries across the world. It’s going to be a great opportunity for me to grow as an athlete," he told #TheTopRunner.

"I believe this invite came as a result of the hard work I have putting in during training plus my good performances in races. Now, it shows that people are recognizing the work I'm doing. Now, I promise to fight hard on the race day," said Mkhwanazi who enjoyed a fruitful 2025 season which included a 28:21 10km personal best at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K.

Mkhwanazi joined Phantane AC at the beginning of the 2026 season. Photo Credit: Supplied.

With India known for it’s hot and humid weather conditions, Mkhwanazi who is based in Durban, is well aware of the challenges that lie ahead. Yet competition and weather conditions notwithstanding, he remains confident in his aim is to secure a top five finish.

"I have been communicating with the race organizers and they have told me about the expected weather conditions. I know India is very hot but I'm quite prepared for it because I have been training in the middle of the day here in Durban where it is hot and humid.  Besides the conditions, I will fight until the end. My aim is to get a top five finish in the race which I think will open more doors for me. If I can get a top five finish, that would be a good thing for me."