Lesotho runner Khoarahlane Seutloali wins Soweto Marathon
Lesotho’s Khoaranhlane Seutloali delivered an impressive victory at the African Bank Soweto Marathon on Saturday, November 29, crossing the finish line at the Nascrec Expo Centre in a commanding performance.
Representing Hollywood Athletics Club, Seutloali surged to the front in the closing kilometres, clinching victory with a time of 2 hours, 10 minutes, and 13 seconds.
South Africa’s Ntshindiso Mphakathi followed in second place with 02:20:24, while fellow countryman Onalenna Khobkhobee claimed third spot with 02:20:39.
The start ribbon of the 2025 African Bank Soweto Marathon was unleashed with more than 3000 marathon athletes hitting it hard before the wet weather added to the challenging race.
The 5 am gun fired in celebration of loyal partnerships and new friendships formed; energetic, engaging, and embracing communities; months of intense training; and the pure joy of doing what you love: 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-by with singsongs and smiles.
At 06h00, the 21.1km batch was released, ready to traverse the Gauteng township.
Hot on their heels came the sizeable wave of nearly 6000 10km runners. Mixed 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 says he is exceptionally 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 and our hosts, the City of Joburg — as well as multiple other partners and a passionate running community — we knew expectations were high and we had to deliver.”
“And deliver we did! Our volunteers embraced the opportunity to serve; our partners didn’t just pay — they 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. Congratulations! And to those who didn’t PB: We welcome you back with open arms, every single year”, added Mbuli.
Winning the womens marathon was Margaret Jepchumba from Nedbank Running Club, in a time of 2:34:33. Next in was Elizabeth Mokoloma from Entsika who finished in 2:35:59 and third Gerda Steyn in a time of 2:37:00.
Thabang Mosiako (Nedbank Running Club) claimed the men’s 21km title in a time of 1:05:56, whilst Neheng Khatala (Hollywood Athletics Club) took the womens race in a time of 1:15:21.
Taking the Mens 10km African Bank Soweto Marathon was Pakiso Mthembu from Maxed Elite in a time of 31:37. In the women’s 10km, it was Wida De Klerk, running for Affies Marathon Club, crossing the finish line in a time of 41:37.
“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 together in unity,” says Sbusiso Kumalo, Chief Marketing Officer of African Bank.
