ATHLETE FEATURE
Onalenna Khonkhobe: Chasing history at the 2025 Two Oceans Marathon
Reigning Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon champion Onalenna Khonkhobe is ready to take on the 2025 edition of the race with renewed confidence and motivation. After his victory in 2024, the Botswana-born athlete is setting his sights on an even bigger goal— winning the 56km ultra and etching his name in history.
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I’ m feeling so good and ready,” However, he is aware of the competition,
Khonkhobe says with enthusiasm.“ I particularly from Lesotho’ s top runners and have more confidence this year, and I’ m South African marathon great Stephen Mokoka. excited to take on the 56km Two Oceans“ I have to be careful with the best two guys
Marathon in 2025.” from Lesotho and also watch out for Mokoka.”
NO PRESSURE, JUST MOTIVATION
Winning the 56km title last year could bring added pressure, but for Onalenna, it has only fueled his drive.“ There’ s no pressure— it’ s motivation for me to try to win again. The race is open for everyone, and I’ m just focused on giving my best.”
His victory in 2024 was a turning point both in his running career and personal life.“ Since winning Two Oceans last year, my life changed immediately. My career is going far, and I’ ve experienced so much. I know I chose the right path, and that’ s why I love this career.”
TRAINING AND LESSONS FROM 2024
As he prepares for 2025, Onalenna has made some adjustments to his training while sticking to what worked last year.“ The programme I used in 2024 is mostly the same, but I’ ve made small changes. I’ ve cut out longer distances and now focus on shorter training runs.”
Reflecting on last year’ s race, he acknowledges the importance of learning from past experiences.“ Yes, there were lessons from 2024 that I’ m using to prepare for 2025. Every race teaches you something new, and I’ m applying that knowledge to get stronger.”
Khonkhobe enters this year’ s race as one of the favourites and embraces the challenge.“ I’ m hoping to win the 2025 Two Oceans. I have more support from my friends, family, and sponsors this year, which gives me extra motivation.”
Winning back-to-back titles would be historic, as no male athlete has achieved this feat since Zithulele Sinqe in 1996 and 1997.“ That history motivates me a lot. I pray that I can be the one to do it again. I want to follow in the footsteps of Zithulele.”
Khonkhobe has a clear target for the race:“ I’ m going to run 3 hours and 9 minutes. That’ s my goal.”
Beyond Two Oceans, he has his sights set on another major event later in the year.“ Yeah, I’ m going to run the Soweto Marathon,” he confirms. And when asked if he believes he could win there, his answer is short and confident:“ Yes.”
A CHAMPION’ S MINDSET
With his confidence, determination, and relentless drive, Onalenna Khonkhobe is not just aiming to defend his title— he is chasing history. If he succeeds in 2025, he will not only solidify his place among the Two Oceans greats, but also take another step toward becoming a dominant force in South African road running.