It was ideal weather at this year’s South Coast Marathon, which started and finished at the Ugu Sports and Leisure Centre last Sunday.

The start was perfect, but as the day progressed, rain fell, which didn’t dampen the spirits of some 1000 runners.

The race served as qualifiers for the 2027 Comrades and Two Oceans marathons.

Runners entered four distances: 42km, 21km, 10km and 5km.

The winners are as follows:
5km:
Libona Sipho Ntshalintshali 22:03
Olwami Mbhele 23:48.

10km:
Men:
Samukelo Ngobese 31:27
Sanele Mathumbu 32:43.
Women:
Zama Mokoena 43:45
Okuhle Ngwane 49:30.

21km:
Men:
Nkululeko Mgubhela 1:08:45
Brino Kumalile Chidzungu 1:11:02.
Women:
Janet Mbhele 1:21:14
Nonhle Dlamini 1:32:59

42km:
Men:
Nkosinathi Duma 2:33:37
Msawenkosi Mthalane 2:36:18.
Women:
Nontokozo Mkhize 3:08:28
Nosbonakaliso Cele 3:42:20.

Winners of the men’s and women’s 42km won R7 500 each, second R2 500, and third R1 500.
In the 21km, first-place runners received R5 000 each, second R1 500 and third R1 000.
In the 10km, the winners walked away with R3500, second R700 and third R400.

The South Coast Striders Athletics Club said the event was a huge success and thanked sponsors, volunteers, runners and Ray Nkonyeni Municipality

“Runners travelled from far and wide to be part of the action. Despite the wet conditions, runners showed determination and camaraderie and every runner helped make the event memorable,” said the club.

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