The 29th African Bank Soweto Marathon welcomed an excess of 25 000 runners at the streets of Soweto this Sunday, as South Africans and international participants gathered to experience the “People’s Race” and celebrate resilience, heritage, and community.
Runners took on the marathon route, which 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.
This year, Onalenna Khonkhobe claimed victory as the winner of the men’s category in the 42km in a time of 2:18:36. His time beats 2023 winner Ntsindiso Mphakathi who won in 2:19:13. Winning the women’s marathon was Neheng Khatala from Lesotho in a time of 2:43:07 – not quite quick enough to top 2023 winner and 4-time champion, Irvette van Zyl who clocked a 2:34:16 in last year’s run. Each walking away with R250 000 for their respective win.
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African Bank has 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 to the marathon, African Bank 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.”
Acknowledging the 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.
