Local runners can end the Soweto Marathon drought - Claude Moshyiwa

The last time a South African male athlete claimed victory in the Soweto Marathon’s challenging 42.2km category was in 2008.

This prestigious event offers three distinct race distances, including the 42.2km, 21km, and 10km courses, with the generous prize money of R250 000 awaiting the male and female marathon winners.

Notably, Michael Mazibuko secured the last South African male victory in 2008, completing the race in 2 hours, 19 minutes, and 4 seconds.

Ntsindiso Mphakathi came tantalizingly close to victory in 2017, clinching a third-place finish, and last year securing a commendable fifth-place position.

However, Claude Moshyiwa, the 2013 Comrades Marathon champion, holds the optimistic belief that the upcoming race could have the first local winner in 15 years.

“Ntsindiso is poised to take the lead next week, and my confidence in him is unwavering. The anticipation has stretched on for too long, but the wait may finally draw to a close if this young man executes his plans flawlessly. He’s vowing to deliver something truly remarkable, and I’m convinced this is his opportunity to break the finish line. Hailing from Soweto, we’ve faced criticism for not training on the same route, but the congestion there makes it nearly impossible. South African runners aren’t lazy, perhaps it’s because we haven’t quite perfected our training routines. In our quest for success, Ntsindiso remains our beacon of hope,” said Moshyiwa during an interview with SABC Sport.

Among the local contenders, there is David Manja, a fellow member of Moshyiwa’s Nedbank Running Club, and Joel Monne.

On the international field, there is a formidable Ethiopian trio consisting of Muhajir Sraj, Gadise Bekele, and Daba Debele, along with Lesotho’s own Namakoe Nkhasi.

Moshyiwa experienced a car accident in March and then made a return to training in July.

As he approaches the race, his goal is to achieve a time of 2 hours and 30 minutes.

“I aim to approach this with a relaxed mindset, allowing events to unfold naturally. My preparation has been deliberately low-key, as I have no intention of burdening myself with undue stress,” Moshyiwa commented.