Mafuleka shifts focus to Comrades Marathon after winning Best of the Best Marathon
On a rainy and wet day in Durban, Siyabonga Mafuleka managed to come out on top as he win Best of the Best Marathon in 2:24:51 at the King's Park Stadium yesterday (2 March). Mafuleka was followed home by Xcel Running Club top runner Ayanda Ngcobo in 2:25:21, while defending champion Nkululeko Mgubhela earned the last podium position in 2:26:38. Mafuleka who runs for amateur club Savages Athletics Club, says to clinch the victory which was accompanied by a R15 000 winner's cheque was a pleasant surprise.
"I didn't plan to win the race. But at the 30km I took the lead and my competitors failed to respond so I decided to go on alone. I actually came to prepare myself for my next ultra race as I'm an ultra marathon specialist. In the end, it feels good to manage to win against good athletes," said Mafuleka, who is coached by Mthandeni Nene.
The 32-year-old who won the 2024 Icons Journey 103km race in the Eastern Cape, will now turn his focus to preparing for the Comrades Marathon. In 2023, he clocked 5:39:55 to finish 21st overall which remains his fastest clocking at The Ultimate Human Race.
"I'm going back to Comrades Marathon this year. Last year I didn't run it and its time to go back. With a performances like this, it gives me a huge boost that my preparations are going well. I just need to polish some things to be 100 percent ready," he told #TheTopRunner.
In the women's Marathon race, Rhonex Kogo of Kenya crossed the finish line in a new course record time of 2:38:18 to pocket additional R10 000 incentive on top of R15 000 winners' prize. Her countrywoman Shelmith Muriuki finished second as Jenna Challenor claimed third spot.
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