Runners in the 30th Soweto Marathon faced the elements with determination, coming together for The People’s Race, a spirited tribute to Soweto’s vibrant heritage on November 30.

The start ribbon was cut at 05:00, with more than 3 000 marathon athletes hitting it hard before the wet weather added to the challenging race.

The starting gun echoed in celebration of steadfast partnerships, newly forged friendships, the vibrant energy of united communities, months of dedicated training, and the pure joy of running.

The 30-minute earlier start didn’t deter residents, who lined the roadside in full force throughout the day, posters and hosepipes in hand, spurring on the sprinters with songs and smiles.

At 06:00, the 21.1km batch was released, ready to traverse the township. Hot on their heels came the sizeable wave of nearly 6 000 10km runners.

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Interspersed among the thousands of serious athletes were runners and walkers, singing, dancing and laughing, determined to savour every moment of The People’s Race.

Soweto Marathon spokesperson Jabu Mbuli said he was proud of the mammoth effort delivered over the past six months.

“We cannot shy away from the tough challenges this team has faced in the build–up. But spurred on by our loyal headline partner, African Bank, our hosts, the CoJ, as well as multiple other partners and a passionate running community, we knew expectations were high, and we had to deliver, and we did.

“Our volunteers embraced the opportunity to serve, and our partners didn’t just pay, they also participated. Our governing bodies ensured a smooth and exceptionally executed event.

“To those who had the audacity to enter and crossed the finish line, this is one of our country’s toughest races, and you conquered it,” said Mbuli.

Winning the men’s marathon was Khoaranhlane Joseph Seutloali from the Hollywood Athletics Club in a time of 2:20:09, followed by Entsika runner Ntsindiso Mphakathi in second and Onalenna Khobkhobee from the Nedbank Running Club in third.

Margaret Jepchumba from the Nedbank Running Club won the women’s marathon in 2:34:33. Next in was Elizabeth Mokoloma from Entsika in 2:35:59, and third was Gerda Steyn in 2:37:00.

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Thabang Mosiako from the Nedbank Running Club claimed the men’s 21km title in 1:05:56, while Neheng Khatala from the Hollywood Athletics Club took the women’s race in 1:15:21.

Pakiso Mthembu from the Maxed Elite won the men’s 10km challenge in 31:37. In the women’s 10km, Wida de Klerk, running for the Affies Marathon Club, crossed the finish line in 41:37.

“The African Bank is proud to have been part of this incredible event for the third year in a row, and we congratulate the winners for their hard work and inspiring performances. Together, we continue to celebrate perseverance, unity and the vibrant legacy of Soweto.

“This 30th edition of the African Bank Soweto Marathon is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when the community works in unity,” said Sbusiso Kumalo, the chief marketing officer of the African Bank.

Although earlier challenges delayed the race announcement, runners, their families, friends, and the broader community demonstrated that unity leads to triumph. The energy along the route stood as a testament to shared resilience, unwavering community spirit, and a collective drive to achieve goals, personal and communal.

The commitment and passion shown by the runners, partners and volunteers again made this a race for thepeople, by the people.

The Soweto Marathon NPC thanked their partners, including the African Bank, the CoJ, Central Gauteng Athletics, LenMed, SuperSport, Castle Lite, the Sowetan, eGenerators & Plant Hire, to name a few.