ATHLETE FEATURE
Sithembiso Mqhele: Ready to take on Two Oceans for Nedbank Running Club
Sithembiso Mqhele has been a consistent performer at the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon, securing top-10 finishes in consecutive years. Now, as he prepares to take on the iconic ultra-marathon for the first time under the banner of the Nedbank Running Club, he reflects on the transition, his goals for 2025, and what it would mean to achieve a breakthrough performance.
This will be your first Two Oceans Marathon representing the Nedbank Running Club. How has the transition been for you? The transition came in two folds. Nedbank is a big club, well known for dominating major events such as Comrades and Two Oceans. That brings a lot of pressure, but at the same time, being part of this club is a privilege. We get valuable advice from senior members like Edward Mothibi, which helps us prepare mentally and physically for these big races.
What impact has joining Nedbank had on your training and preparation? We are known for being champions as a club. That means I had to adjust my training programme and preparation to ensure I deliver an outstanding performance on race day. The expectations are high, and I have worked hard to meet those standards.
You’ ve run 3:14 in back-to-back years, consistently placing in the top 10. What changes have you made to improve in 2025? Running has evolved, and so has our preparation. We’ ve incorporated a lot more speed work and mental fitness into our training. The race has become faster, with more technical moves in between, unlike before. My coach and I have focused on these aspects, and we believe our preparations will lead to a podium finish next weekend.
How are you feeling about your current form compared to previous years?
I’ m more prepared for this race than in previous years. Since joining Nedbank, I’ ve been able to push myself harder and achieve significant milestones, including a podium finish at the 2024 South African 50km Championships in Gqeberha. I am confident and looking forward to a great race.
Do you believe a podium finish is within reach this year? That is exactly what we’ ve been working for. Our preparations have gone well, and anything is possible.
What would a breakthrough performance at Two Oceans mean for your career? It would mean a lot to me, my coach, and the club. It would be a reward for all the hard work and sacrifices we’ ve made during training. The journey hasn’ t been easy, but I know it will all be worth it in the end.
The competition at Two Oceans is always tough. Who do you see as your biggest rivals this year? I will run my own race and focus on improving my personal best. I’ m confident that a new PB will earn me a gold medal. I’ m not planning my race around any specific individual— I’ m focused on bettering my own performance.
What do you think will be the key factors to running a strong race in 2025? The key factors will be good weather, strong road support, and resilience. If all three align, we will be victorious.
As race day approaches, Mqhele remains focused on his goal of delivering his best performance yet. With strong preparations, a solid team behind him, and the determination to push his limits, he is ready to take on the challenge of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon.