Bonginkosi Mavuso returned to the winner’s step of the podium at the 2025 Kaapsehoop Marathon on November 1, finishing nearly a minute and a half ahead of the second-placed runner.

Heading into the 2025 race, the 40th edition of the Tswelopele Kaapsehoop 3-in-1 Marathon, Thamsanqa Mthembu, was looking to achieve a hat-trick of victories having won the 2023 and 2024 marathon races. This year, however, he had to face off with a tough group of runners vying for Kaapsehoop glory.

Conditions were ideal this year; cool enough in the early morning to help the runners settle into a good rhythm and ultimately not too hot that they struggled. The leading group in the 42.2km race was packed with seriously good runners who were all determined to come out on top – and it would take a serious push to win.

In search of his first Kaapsehoop victory since the 2021 race, Nedbank Running Club’s Mavuso pushed on and separated himself from the chasing pack in the second half of the race.

He eventually crossed the finish line in a time of 02:16:26, about five and a half minutes slower than his 2021 winning time and 19 seconds slower than Mthembu’s 2024 winning time. Mavuso was followed over the line by Derrick Masango, who finished second in 02:17:53, while Mbuti Mollo was third in a time of 02:18:08.

South African running legend and women’s 50km ultramarathon world record holder Irvette van Zyl dominated the women’s race, finishing in 02:41:05 to cross the line as the first lady. Melinda Jansen van Vuuren (02:52:00) was second and Rebecca Nakuwa (02:54:40) was third.

Thabang Mosiako was the triumphant runner in the half-marathon 21.1km distance thanks to his time of 01:02:17. Lucky Mohale finished second overall but won the men’s 40-49 category, finishing in 01:03:01, followed home by Reghen Magwai (01:03:30) in third. Florence Nysingiri (01:12:31) was 15th overall and the first lady to finish, with Busisiwe Chamane (01:16:54) second and Ziporah Kingori (01:17:18) third.

The outcome of the 10km race was, however, controversial. The win was attributed to Tebogo Pulusa with Ncamiso Hlatshwako in second place. These two entered the stadium precinct and reached the finish line from the incorrect point, and ran a slightly shorter route.

Initially disqualified, after consultation the race referees ultimately reinstated their positions and they were granted first and second place respectively. Erick Ngeno finished third in the 10km race. Nomvula Sithole (37:13) was the first lady over the line, Peris Lobakan (37:30) the second and Rosaline Isaiah (37:57) the third.

> Photos: Blake Linder