'I wanted to show that I'm also a lion' - Seloyi triumphs in battle against Tshangase to win SA Marathon title

By winning his first race since signing his maiden professional contract just last month, Bennet Seloyi proved to himself that he deserves his spot in the star-studded Boxer Athletic Club team. The 24-year-old secured his second national title in the last twelve months when he won a blustery Balwin Sport Peninsula Marathon in Cape Town this morning which incorporated the Athletics South Africa Marathon Championships. Thanking his coach Best Ngwenya and the United Training Club in Kempton Park for their support, the Thembisa-based top runner says his been a different man since claiming 21st position at the 2024 World Cross Country Championships in Serbia last March, where finishing as the first South African opened his own eyes to his true potential.

"I wanted to show that I have arrived. I know that I have joined the home of Lions, so I wanted to show that I’m also a lion. I’m happy. I draw motivation from all the people who daily tell how I inspire them. That motivates - that and my performance at the Worlds, which gave me confidence and focus to keep pushing."

Seloyi (race number 1092) tucked into the lead bunch before going on to win his first ASA Marathon title. Photo Credit: Stephen Granger.

Seloyi made the most of his strength on the hills as he put in one final telling surge on a climb just before the 41km mark to finally shake loose the attentions of KwaZulu-NAtal Athletics rising star Tshangase to cross the finish line in 2:20:12. Tshangase took an impressive second position (2:20:25) on his national championships debut, while Samuel Moloi (2:23:42) claimed third to ensure that CGA earned gold and silver as well as the senior men’s team prize. Coched by Mthandeni Nene, Tshangase 

“When I take the wind into consideration, I’m happy the time because it was so windy that at times it was difficult to maintain balance. I’m very happy. I can’t lie. Although I had wanted to win the race, I’m happy with second position. When I was selected to represent my province I told myself that this is my opportunity to raise my hand and show that I am capable of doing well.” said the Nedbank Running Club top runner. 

Seloyi and Tshangase go head to head. Photo Credit: Stephen Granger.

In the absence of marathon specialists, the women’s race was dominated by the country’s leading ultra marathon and trail running athletes. Jenna Challenor now running for the Green Machine was the first woman across the finish line (2:51:24), although she didn’t go home with the SA title because she ran as an individual in club colours. That honour went to Western Province Athletics trail runner Landie Greyling who stopped the clock in 2:55:01.

WPA President Farouk Meyer celebrated the event as a success paying tribute to the host club Celtic Harriers for putting together a well organised event. "Western Province Athletics was honoured to host the 2025 ASA Marathon Championships as part of the iconic Balwin Sport Peninsula Marathon. This event is a crucial stepping stone for our top marathoners as they prepare for bigger international challenges."