HOEDSPRUIT – Runners from across Maruleng and surrounding communities took to the road on Saturday, September 26, for the 2026 Maruleng Mayor’s Half-Marathon, with strong performances recorded in both the 21km and 10km races.

Malepe leads the local 21km challenge

The 21km event saw Doctor Malepe lead the local challenge, finishing eighth overall in 01:24:51.7. Malepe also claimed first place in the 50+ category.

Vovind Mametja was the next local finisher, crossing the line in 01:27:41.8 for 11th overall and eighth in the senior (20-39) category. Aubrey Mahlaku followed closely in 01:27:58.8, finishing 12th overall and second in the 40+ category.

Edward Masete, representing Maruleng Athletics Club in the results, recorded 01:31:51.6 to finish 16th overall and third in the 50+ category. Samuel Maowasha finished in 01:33:46.0, while Michael Masete completed the half marathon in 01:36:31.3.

The 21km race also saw Tebello Mabilu finish in 01:48:18.2, followed by Diapo Letsoalo in 02:01:07.3 and Mothibi Maponya in 02:01:11.0.

Mayor joins the 21km field

Among the notable participants was Maruleng Local Municipality Mayor Tsheko Musolwa, who completed the 21km in 02:01:14.7. Musolwa finished 42nd in the overall men’s field and 13th in the 40+ category, joining residents and fellow runners on the course.

The event also featured Kamela Innocent Mampho, who finished in 02:19:16.3, while Wean Jacobs, listed without a club, recorded 02:19:17.3.

Women make their mark over 21km

In the women’s 21km race, Tokologo Malomane finished in 02:36:46.7, placing sixth in the senior (20-39) category. Appearance Machate of Hoedspruit Running Club finished in 02:38:12.1 and placed seventh in the same category.

Strong local showing in the 10km

The 10km race produced another strong showing from local runners. Mpho Albert Maake was fourth overall in 32:02.9, while Phelane Mametja finished seventh in 32:59.5. Both represented Maruleng Athletics Club.

Martin Makwela completed the race in 40:21.6, securing second place in the 50+ category.

Malatji leads local women’s field

The women’s 10km field was led locally by Sina Morongwa Malatji, who finished second among the women in 46:01.7 and won the senior (20-39) category. Mpyafe Daphney Shai followed in 55:14.4 to claim second in the same age category.

Maboku Maponya, Adam Mpuru, Tumelo Moagi, Constance Mokgope, Judith Mashego, Mellinea Mokoena, Bridget Nyathi, Winky Malapane, Thuledi Moropane, Lizzen Mapaila, Briona Ratapala and Fiona Ratapala also represented Maruleng Athletics Club.

Independent runners hold their own

Runners competing without a club affiliation also featured prominently. Christelle Roets finished the 10km in 01:11:09.1, placing fifth in the 50+ women’s category, while Rikus Roets recorded 01:13:25.8 to finish 10th in the men’s 50+ category.

The 2026 Maruleng Mayor’s Half-Marathon provided a platform for both established athletes and recreational runners to challenge themselves across the two distances.