Mikolongwe revels in victory at Colgate Race

This was Mikolongwe’s first win after finishing the men’s main race second in 2022 and third in 2023.

May 5, 2025

Lebohang Pita 2 minutes read

The men’s top three are second-placed Sifiso Buthelezi, winner Bright Mikolongwe and Doctor Mathole of the Ubuhle AC.

Bright Mikolongwe finally bagged the Colgate Race main event in his third attempt after dominating the men’s 32km from the gun to the tape at the Boksburg Stadium on May 4.

The Nedbank Running Club athlete overcame the pain of the 2023 race when he finished a disappointing third after surrendering his lead on the back end of the race.

Team Vitality’s Lungutani Immaculate Khumalo and Lettie Seabela were second and third in the women’s race. Absent: Elzette Pretorius.

Moses Zozo passes the 15km in second place. But he finished the race fourth.

Sifiso Buthelezi, Doctor Mathole and last year’s winner, Clifford Malatjie behind leaders Bright Mikolongwe and Moses Zozo as they pass 15km.

This time, however, he was determined to win, running both laps unchallenged to clock a PB 01:50:15 for his first win after his runner-up spot in 2022 and third place a year later.

Sifiso Buthelezi of Gallopers AC was second in 01:55:50, while Ubuhle AC’s Doctor Mathole finished 24 seconds behind Buthelezi for third place.

Bright Mikolongwe won the men’s 32km race.

Bright Mikolongwe won the men’s 32km race. This was his first victory after coming second and third in 2022 and 2023.

Sifiso Buthelezi finished the men’s 32km second, while Doctor Mathole was third.

“I’m so happy. I always run this race and have missed first place a few times. I ran well, and my pace was consistent throughout,” said Mikolongwe.

This was the Malawian’s second consecutive victory since recovering from an injury that affected his season last year. He won the Benoni Northerns Athletic Club (BNAC) 48km ultramarathon last month, and at the Boksburg Stadium, he made his intentions clear early.

A record crowd of almost 8 000 runners participate in the Colgate Race.

Comrades Marathon bus driver Shahieda Thungo.

Some Benoni Northerns runners after finishing the 15km race.

After the gun, the former Benoni Northerns top runner shot to the front with the 15km runners and maintained a steady 03:27min/km pace to reach 15km in 51:24. He opened a significant gap between himself and second-placed Moses Zondo, who passed 15km 01:25 behind.

Zondo, meanwhile, had opened a 39-second lead on a chasing group of Buthelezi, Mathole and defending champion Clifford Malatjie that passed 15km in 54:28.

This year’s Colgate Race had the biggest field since Covid-19. Almost 8 000 runners took part.

George Mooi of the Gallopers won the masters men’s race.

Doctor Mathole was first in the veteran men’s race.

The group was skittled down to two when Buthelezi and Mathole put foot to the pedal, dropping Malatjie on Jubilee Road. The pair rallied and eventually caught Zondo. But their bid to challenge Mikolongwe was futile because the Malawian was too far ahead.

Mikolongwe ran an impressive negative split of 58:51 after passing halfway in 51:24 to win by 05:35, chopping three seconds off his PB of 01:51:23 from the 2023 race.

Johannes Molepowon the grandmaster men’s race.

“I want to thank God for giving me this opportunity. Also, thanks to my coach, Ian Morshead, for encouraging me to never give up after my injury,” he said.

“The injury last year took a lot out of me. But it’s good to be back and winning again. I’m taking it step by step. I’m now targeting the City to City ultra and Soweto Marathon at the end of the year.”

Elzette Pretorius on the home straight to win the women’s 32km race.

Team Vitality’s Lungutani Immaculate Khumalo was second in the women’s main race.

Women’s race

Elzette Pretorius made a victorious return to distance running when she won the women’s race in 02:38:09. She crossed the line ahead of Team Vitality’s Lungutani Immaculate Khumalo and bronze medallist Lettie Seabela.

“I didn’t expect this. I’m so happy. It’s my first long run since Covid-19. The idea was to run more or less 5:00min/km and see how it goes,” Pretorius said.

Sharon Newman of the Midrand Striders won the masters women’s race.

Louise Goosen of the Kempton Road Runners was first in the women’s grandmasters race.

The SAPS’ Seabela, running her first 32km race, was in the lead after 15km, while Pretorius trailed close behind. Khumalo was in third place.

But the wheels came off after 26km, and Pretorius took advantage, ultimately taking the tape in 02:38:09, winning by 1:01. Khumalo grabbed the silver in 02:39:10, and Seabela clinched the last podium spot in 02:40:29.