'This victory is a morale booster' - Khonkhobe stuns star-studded field to win Prince Mangosuthu 52km on debut
- Thathe Msimango
- 9 hours ago
- 2 min read
Reigning Africanbank Soweto Marathon champion Onalenna Khonkhobe bounced back from the disappointment of failing to finish this year's edition of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon by dismantling a quality field of athletes on his way to clocking 2:56:40 to win the Prince Mangosuthu 52km race in Dundee, in the north of KwaZulu-Natal.
Starting cautiously, Khonkhobe came from behind as he caught Ayanda Ngcobo of the Xcel Running Club, who finished second in 2:56:54, in the last four kilometres. 2025 Two Oceans runner-up Siboniso Sikhakhane of Entsika AC rounded out the podium in a time of 2:57:15. Khonkhobe ended up registering the second fastest time in the history of the event, as he missed out on breaking Ntsindiso Mphakathi's 2:56:29 course record set in the 2023 by just 11 seconds. The 29-year-old Khonkhobe says winning the race on debut is special.
"I'm very happy to win the race because I came with the mindset of winning the race. I must applaud the spectators who were very supportive along the route," said the Nedbank Running Club star, who crossed the finish line wearing his trademark broad smile.
"It's my first time running this race, so to win it means a lot to me. There was a lot going through my mind after the Two Oceans Marathon. I think I made a few mistakes which I think is part of life. From there, my mind was distracted and there was a lot going on. This victory has boosted my morale going forward and I'll be able to start thinking positive again," he told #TheTopRunner.
At the same time, runner-up Ngcobo admitted to being a bit disappointed after failing to win the race but took his hat off to Khonkhobe who was just too good on the day. "I tried my level best to win the race. In my mind, I had a race in the bag. Then Khonkhobe came from behind and accelerated too much. I tried to keep up with him but he was too strong. He deserves the title as he was outstanding. Overall, I'm happy to perform well against this group of quality athletes," he said.
In the women's race, Kenya's Shelmith Muriuki recorded a hat-trick of victories at the race named after the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, as she crossed the finish line in fine 3:23:29 while multiple Comrades Marathon gold medalist Jenet Mbhele was second in 3:33:36. Neviah Maganzo finished third in 3:49:09.
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