South African national champion Mbuleli Mathanga, 29, left his mark on the prestigious Two Oceans Half Marathon in Cape Town, seizing the title with a time of 01:03:58 on Sunday. Representing the Phantane Athletics Club, Mathanga ran a strategic and composed race, outpacing a formidable field to claim victory and a R25,000 prize.
In a gripping finale, he launched a calculated attack in the closing stages, leaving seasoned Olympian Elroy Gelant trailing as he crossed the finish line. Mathanga noted that the tenacity of fourth‑place finisher Thabang Mosiako provided tough competition and pushed him to run harder. “I’m happy that I have managed to win a big race like the Two Oceans Marathon. My target was to show the athletes that I can compete throughout,” he said, clearly reveling in his well‑deserved triumph.
Coached by renowned mentor Mdu Khumalo, founder and owner of Phantane, Mathanga has been on a roll, recently posting an impressive sub‑28‑minute time in a 10 km race in Gqeberha. Khumalo expressed pride in Mathanga’s performance and highlighted the club’s overall success, noting that Gerda Steyn also secured a victory in the women’s 56 km race the previous day, smashing records in the process.
With over 29,000 runners from around the world participating in both the ultra and half‑marathon events over the weekend, the Two Oceans continues to be a pinnacle of athletic excellence, drawing top talent from far and wide. Mathanga’s win marks a significant milestone in his career, establishing him as a formidable force in the running world, ready to take on new challenges and conquer new horizons.
Comments are closed for this story.