'Things will be different' - Mngcwengi targets maiden top 10 finish at UTCT as he swaps road for trail

Long distance runner Makwande Mngcwengi will make another attempt at this weekend’s Ultra Trail Cape Town. An ultra marathon specialist who claimed an impressive 5:53:12 finish at the 2023 Comrades Marathon, Mncwengi is one of a growing number of long distance road runners who have begun making the transition to trail running. The KZN-based runner made his UTCT debut in 2022, covering the 100km distance in 13 hours 03 minutes 59 seconds to take 11th place overall and finish as the third South African. Taking on the race for the second time between 21 and 23 November, Mngcwengi feels is more confident of securing a faster finish.

"I believe things will be different. The first time I participated in the race, I had no idea on how the race was structured. I entered with the idea of testing my endurance," said Mncwengi who is coached by former UTCT winner Prodigal Khumalo.

Mngcwengi has swapped the roads for the trails and is aiming for a maiden top ten finish at the UTCT. Photo Credit: Supplied.

"The last time I ran the race, I had no idea that most of the type of terrain. Plus it was the first time I did the 100km distance in my career. So it was a learning experience which taught me some valuable lessons. But this time I come out as the different athlete. I hope I can master things perfectly now," he told #TheTopRunner.

Guided by the experience of a coach who knows what it takes to win the prestigious ultra trail marathon, 30-year-old Mngcwengi is banking on his preparation to fuel him to a top performance in Cape Town. So focused has he been on doing well that former Maxed Elite and Hollywood top runner decided to skip the Comrades Marathon in order to arrive in The Mother City fully prepared to achieve his goal.

Makwande has spent time in Cape Town preparing for his second UTCT. Photo Credit: Supplied.

"This year, we had a different strategy with the coach. My aim was to focus on improving my standard marathon time in order to have a good Comrades Marathon next year. This is part of Comrades preparation. We all know that Comrades is the UP run going from Durban to Pietermaritzburg so you need all the strength, " explained Mcwengi who finished eight position in this year's Harry Gwala Marathon and set a 10km best of 31:05 at last month’s Sanlam Cape Town Marathon 10km Peace Run as he works towards breaking 2:20 over 42km.

"The mistake I made last time is not to prepare properly. I had only two weeks of training prior to the race. This year I had two full months of training. Then I spent time in Cape Town to get used to the weather conditions. That’s why I feel that I can do well. I'm also strong mentally which is an important factor for trail running as it drains you physically and you are forced to rely on your mind.”

With all of these factors considered, Mncwengi has his heart set on attaining a maiden top 10 finish and improving on his UTCT personal best. "My target is to break my 13 hours. I’m hoping to finish inside the top 10 now. I missed out the last time because of some mistakes I made along the route."