The 29th African Bank Soweto Marathon welcomed an excess of 25 000 runners to the streets of Soweto on 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 men’s winner in the 42km in 2:18:36. His time beats 2023 winner Ntsindiso Mphakathi who won in 2:19:13.  Neheng Khatala from Lesotho won the women’s race in 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 walked away with R250 000 for their respective wins.

READ MORE ON: soweto-marathon