ADVERTORIAL
SOWETO SUCCESS !
Onalenna Khonkhobe and Neheng Khatala took top honours in the African Bank Soweto Marathon 2024 , which was a celebration of community and resilience
The 29th African Bank Soweto Marathon welcomed in excess of 25,000 runners to the streets of Soweto on Sunday 3 November , as South African and international participants gathered to experience the “ People ’ s Race ” and celebrate resilience , heritage and community . Once again , the marathon route highlighted Soweto ’ s cultural heritage and history , passing some of the country ’ s most iconic landmarks , including the Hector Pieterson Memorial , Vilakazi Street , and the Regina Mundi Church .
In the men ’ s marathon , Onalenna Khonkhobe claimed victory in a time of 2:18:36 , coming home ahead of Lesotho ’ s Joseph Khoarahlane ( 2:18:54 ) and Kenyan Kipkemoi Kipsang ( 2:19:05 ). The women ’ s marathon title went to Neheng Khatala from Lesotho in a time of 2:43:07 , with Kenya ’ s Margaret Jepchumba second in 2:44:55 , and Ethiopian Worke Degu Amena third in 2:48:11 . The first South African home in the marathon was eighth-placed Galaletsang Mekgoe ( 3:00:52 ). The two race winners in the marathon each walked away with R250,000 in prize money .
The half marathon was won by Lesotho ’ s Kamohelo Mofolo ( 1:06:10 ), with Ethiopian Diniya Kedir Abaraya taking the women ’ s title in 1:15:11 . Line honours in the 10km race went to two South Africans , Matlakala Bennet Seloyi ( 30:21 ) and Cacisile Sosibo ( 34:54 )
EFFECTIVE PARTNERSHIPS
Title sponsor African Bank worked closely with partners to make this year ’ s race a memorable and improved experience . In collaboration with Joma , the official apparel sponsor , participants received high-quality race T-shirts , and specially crafted race shoes were available , addressing previous feedback and elevating race day experience for all runners . Additionally , in partnership with the City of Johannesburg , African Bank committed to cleaning up the marathon route . This pre-race clean-up provided a pristine environment for the event and reinforced the Bank ’ s dedication to Soweto and the surrounding communities .
Leading up to the marathon , African Bank also backed the community of Soweto by assisting with the refurbishment of small businesses through painting and the donation of items to help the businesses operate . Entrepreneurship is close to our hearts at African Bank , and is aligned to the Sustainability Lever of our overall business strategy . Our bank was founded by black businessmen with just R70 , at a time when black South Africans had no access to funding . Our humble beginnings inspire us to back entrepreneurs who today have the audacity to believe in their audacious goals and , at the same time , serve their communities .
“ This year ’ s African Bank Soweto Marathon is a powerful reminder of what ’ s possible when we back our communities and uplift each other ,” says Sbusiso Kumalo , Chief Marketing Officer of African Bank . “ The commitment and spirit of the runners , our partners , and the local volunteers have truly made this a race for the people , by the people . Together , we ’ re celebrating perseverance , unity , and the vibrant legacy of Soweto .”
CONTRIBUTIONS AND SUPPORT
The success of this year ’ s marathon would not have been possible without the dedication of the volunteers , the support of local organisations , and the enthusiasm of the participants who brought the spirit of the “ People ’ s Race ” to life . African Bank extends a heartfelt thank you to everyone involved – from the race organisers , the runners and their supporters , to the City of Johannesburg , Joma , the and the many volunteers from both African Bank and the communities at large .
With the positive impact and success of this year ’ s event , African Bank looks forward to strengthening the bonds with the Soweto community , building on this momentum in the years to come , and continuing to support the “ People ’ s Race ” as it evolves .
Women ’ s marathon winner Neheng Khatala ( Lesotho )
Images : Courtesy Soweto Marathon Trust
Men ’ s marathon winner Onalenna Khonkhobe ( South Africa )
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