Ntsindiso Mphakathi responds to critics following end of Soweto Marathon drought

It has been a reoccurring theme as runners from Ethiopia, Kenya, and Lesotho have repeatedly dominated the gruelling 42.2km race for the coveted R250 000 award. However, following Michaels Mazibuko’s win in 2011, Ntsindiso Mphakathi ended the drought by finishing ahead in a time of 2 hours, 19 minutes, and 13 seconds.

Following his victory, Mphakathi fiercely rebuked detractors, emphasising that winning the Soweto Marathon is no easy feat.

“They are individuals who lack an understanding of the sport, yet they’re quick to question why the Soweto Marathon runners aren’t securing victories. It’s convenient for them to express their opinions without comprehending the challenges that runners face,” said Mphakathi.

“Nevertheless, the reality is quite different for the athletes. In Gauteng, we confront numerous obstacles, such as congested roadways filled with an abundance of vehicles, which hampers our ability to conduct time trials on the Soweto marathon route and others. 

"It’s essential to recognize that actions speak louder than words. Training in Soweto poses a multitude of challenges that extend beyond what one might imagine,” he continued.

Mphakathi contends that residing in Soweto presents a considerable training challenge due to congestion. He maintains that conducting timed trails at Zoo Lake, alongside his coach Hendrick Ramaala and their training group, offers a more conducive training environment. 

“Conducting time trials presents a significant challenge for us. We typically perform these time trials on the very course where we practice. Despite residing in Soweto, I find it nearly impossible to execute time trials there due to the persistent congestion.

“What we truly require is an open road where we can train without disruptions. The Soweto course, unfortunately, is fraught with disturbance, particularly around areas like Bara Hospitals, where constant movement interferes with our training.”

Mphakathi claims misunderstanding concerning local runners' success in the Soweto Marathon derives from a lack of awareness among South Africans. His remarkable win without any route training, serves as a compelling rebuttal to his critics. 

“If I were to put myself in the shoes of someone questioning our dedication, how would I approach it? So, for those who label South African runners as lazy, it’s crucial for them to gather accurate information before passing judgment.

"I’ve demonstrated their misconceptions to be unfounded, and even though I didn’t train on the specific route, there may still be questions about how I managed to do so.”