LIMPOPO – The Giyani Gallopers Athletics Club proudly represented their region at the prestigious Total Sports Two Oceans Marathon on Saturday, April 5, with several runners completing the grueling 56km ultramarathon.

The club’s ultra-distance finishers included Mokgaetji Monakisi (06:14:49), Thembha Masingi (05:35:12), Aletta Ngoveni (05:35:52), Nkhensani Masangu (07:02:03), Sibongile Makamu (05:53:14), Queen Nghonani (07:05:41), Wisani Chabalala (05:44:02), and Joel Malwandla (05:57:11).

In the half-marathon event, Tintswalo Dombo completed the 21km race with a time of 03:11:39.

The race marked a significant milestone for 67-year-old Joel Malwandla, who completed his third race since returning from a knee injury that had sidelined him in December 2023. “I’m pleased I managed to finish the 56km without any complications,” Malwandla told the Herald. “It’s been a long recovery, and this race was an important test.”

The ultra-marathon also saw elite athletes shine, with defending Comrades Marathon champion Gerda Steyn clinching the women’s title in 03:29:10. Lesotho’s Khoarahlane Seutloali won the men’s race in 03:10:46.

The Gallopers now turn their focus to their next major challenge – the Comrades Marathon – set to take place in June in KwaZulu-Natal.