'We had a strong field. But I’m too fast' - Khonkhobe wins by over a minute at City2City
- Lebohang Pita
- 36 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Onalenna Khonkhobe celebrated his City2City ultramarathon victory a raised finger, followed by push-ups and a dance of triumph, while Margaret Jepchumba - pain etched on her face - fought through the finish to claim the women’s crown at Pilditch Stadium this morning (28 September).
After biding his time in the pack, the Nedbank Running Club's Khonkhobe surged with 10km to go to power home to a commanding 2:52:01 victory. He was followed by Tebogo Pilusa, who clocked 2:53:25 for the runner-up spot, while 2025 Totalspots Two Oceans Marathon runner-up Siboniso Sikhakhane completed the podium in 2:53:31. Reflecting on the race, the Nedbank ace admitted he may have spent too much early on but always trusted his finishing speed to carry him through.
"I'm happy to have won. Thanks to Nedbank, Future Life and Thirsti water. Today, I'm happy for winning the 50km," Khonkhobe told #TheTopRunner. "The race was okay but I was worried I had wasted too much energy because my body is light. But with 10km left, I broke away, running at 3:45min/km. Overall, the race was good. Don't forget at the race's launch in Midrand, I said I was going to win and I did. I respect all the runners who participated. I also respect all the top runners. We had a strong field. But I'm too fast."
His coach Pio Mpolokeng said it was always their plan to win. "It was always our plan to win since we started preparing in June. We've worked hard. I appreciate his work ethic. Lucky Mohale also helped us a lot in the preparation. For now, we'll look at the world half-marathon championships next year," said Mpolokeng.
In the women's race, although Jepchumba's felt the taxing effects of the hilly route run from Johannesburg to to the Pilditch Stadium in the City of Tshwane, the Kenyan ran unchallenged to seal a dominant victory in 3:11:14, almost eight minutes ahead of Ethiopian Worke Degu Amena, who clocked 3:18:59 for second place. Entsika's Shelmith Muriuki, who finished third at this year’s Comrades Marathon on debut, rounded-out the podium in 3:19:45.
Jepchumba, who will look to improve on her second place attained at last year's Africanbank Soweto Marathon when she lines up at the People's Race on 29 November, shared her excitement after her securing what was only her second ultramarathon victory.
"I'm happy. It was a great race. Thanks to the organisers for a well-organised race," she said.
Other results
Erick Ngeno clocked 30:21 to win the men's 10km, beating runner-up Tshepo Mphulanyane by 23 seconds. Tebogo Segalagala was third in 31:08. Kenyan Naomy Jeromo won the women’s 10km race in 37:13, crossing the line ahead of Kamogelo Violet Mogano, who clocked 39:02 for second place. Emily Ngetich completed the top three nine seconds after Mogano.
Kopano AC's Zenzile Pheko won the men's 5km in 14:33, beating Boikanyo Mothlamme (14:58) and Modupe Tladi (15:01), who took second and third respectively. Curro's Tinyiko Ndala won the women's race in 19:06, with Iza Radebe second in 20:46, while Catherine Skosana was third in 21:08.
Comments