Bright Mikolongwe delivered a commanding performance to successfully defend his title in the Benoni Northerns Marathon ultra-race on April 19, surging to an unchallenged victory after taking control from the outset.

The Nedbank Running Club athlete, formerly of Benoni Northerns Athletic Club (BNAC), crossed the line in 02:55:18, just 04:21 outside his personal best of 02:50:57, which he set when winning on debut last year.

Thandowakhe Ngcobo of Entsika AC finished 59 seconds adrift in 02:56:17, while Hollywood AC’s Kopano Muso completed the podium in 03:00:51.

Despite instructions from his coach to treat the race as part of his Comrades Marathon debut preparations, Mikolongwe sensed an opportunity to defend his crown after a blistering 01:16:42 at the halfway mark. He reached the marathon mark in 02:30:52 before closing off the final 5km in a composed 24:26.

“I feel good, no complaints. I thank God that I was able to defend my title. I just came here as part of my Comrades Marathon training,” said the Malawian

“I realised after 21km that I could make it. Although I was going to disappoint my coach, who instructed me to take it easy, I was thinking about defending my title. That’s why I pushed myself until I won the race,” he added.

In the women’s ultra, Ubora’s Jennifer Lines claimed a dominant victory in 03:46:29, finishing nearly 10 minutes ahead of Randburg Harriers’ Nicky Webb (03:55:51). Hlompho Mphanje of Run Zone secured third in 04:13:39.

Also Read: Mikolongwe, Roberts triumph at BNAC Marathon

Lines praised race director Kerry Webb for organising a quality event, noting that the route profile offered ideal preparation for Comrades.

“It’s such a nice route. It’s so flat. It’s my first win in an ultra-race. This was a training run for Comrades, and I’m pleased with the victory. It was a bit of a surprise because I thought there was a lady in front of me,” she said.

In the marathon, Hollywood AC’s Blessing Yaka clinched the men’s title in 02:44:03, edging Robert Mathonsi of Top Runners by just 14 seconds. Desmond Makola, also of Hollywood AC, rounded out the podium in 02:44:50.

Women’s race

Krysten Smithers produced a breakthrough performance to win the women’s marathon in 03:17:25, her first-ever race victory. Anja Heenop finished second in 03:24:17, with Tracy Letcher of Rand Road Warriors third in 03:34:46.

“This is the first time I’ve ever won a race. I did not expect it. I’m so happy. It’s so nice when the training shows it’s paying off,” said Smithers.

Kemang Khunonyane took top honours in the men’s half-marathon in 01:10:35, followed by Thabo Mohokane (01:15:25), with veteran James Mgcina six seconds further back in third.

Boksburg resident Samantha Coetzer of Boxer AC secured the women’s half-marathon title in a commanding 01:21:22, finishing 06:05 ahead of Lyndi Roelofse. Salome Cooper of Jeppe Quondam completed the podium in 01:28:10.

Tiisetso Sebata (32:24) claimed victory in the men’s 10km, while Benoni Harriers’ Kiana Pepler won the women’s race in 42:39.

The event attracted 5 500 runners, the highest turnout since Covid-19, with athletes lining up on Brodigan Street for a day that once again showcased the depth of local road running talent.

Also Read: Matsepe retains title, Kruger wins first marathon