Athletes gathered at Barberton Coronation Park on Saturday for the Barberton Makhonjwa Mountain 4-in-1 Marathon.

Organised by Bella’s Athletics Club, the annual race is a Comrades Marathon and Two Oceans Marathon qualifier, offering 42km, 21km, 10km and 4.9km routes.

Turnout boosts local economy

This year’s marathon saw a significant increase in participation compared to 2025. Last year, the race attracted 616 runners, while a total of 930 runners participated this year, excluding fun runners.

The marathon has also contributed positively to the local economy, with businesses and communities in Barberton and surrounding areas benefiting from the influx of runners, sports tourists and supporters.

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The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) hosted the event. MTPA acting CEO Phamela Ntuli said the race is about promoting tourism in the province. She said cash prizes were awarded, with 42km winners receiving R17 000, second-place finishers taking R10 000 and third-place runners earning R7 000 in both the male and female categories.

Ngcobo and Sithole take top honours

Ayanda Ngcobo, from Pinetown in KZN, representing Maxed Elite Running Club, won the 42km men’s category in 02:25:20, while Bonginkosi Mavuso of Nedbank Running Club took second place in 02:28:04 and Victor Mahlobo of Bella’s Athletics Club finished third in 02:32:11.

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Nomvula Sithole of Ngodwana MC won the women’s category in 03:11:42. Liezl Kense of Affies Marathon Club took second place in 04:10:08, while Simoné Odendaal of Nedbank Running Club placed third in the same time.