SIPHELELE NKETO
IN less than five weeks, the much-anticipated 2026 Harry Gwala Marathon will take place from Highflats to Umzimkhulu Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) College.
It will offer runners options to participate in a 42.2km, 21.1km, 10km or 5km race on March 22.
The 42.2km will start from the R612 road near Highflats at 6am, the 21km begins along the R56 road in Ixopo, along with the 10km and 5km. This year’s marathon will be used by runners to qualify for the upcoming Comrades Marathon.
It will attract runners from across South Africa and neighbouring countries. At this week’s media launch for the event, Harry Gwala District Municipality mayor Zamo Nxumalo called for more athletes to participate in the event.
“The Harry Gwala Marathon showcases our beautiful landscape and the resilient, united spirit of our community. We invite athletes, families and supporters to join us for a day of sport, unity and local pride. Each year we pride ourselves as the number of participants for the marathon grows rapidly,” he stated.
Winning last year’s 42.2km was Sinethemba Ntshangase of Umzimkhulu, who also won the R60 000 prize after a time of 2:20:48. Ntsindiso Mphakathi came second in the main race at 2:21:01 and Sphamandla Nkosi came in third position at 2:21:13.
In the women’s category, Rholex Kogo from Kenya was in first place and won R60 000 after she finished at 2:42:11.
In second position under the women’s category was Jenet Mbhele of Umzimkhulu who won R30 000, and Nobukhosi Tshuma won third place and received R15 000.
Age requirements for participants this year are as follows: 42.2km race: 20 years and older; 21.1km race: 16 years and older; 10km race: 14 years and older; 5km race: nine years and older.
The prize money for the 42.2km is R60 000, for 21.1km it is R10 000, for 10km the first prize is R5 000 and for the race walk of 5km first price will be R1 000.
Goodie bags and race packs must be collected on March 21 at Statistics South Africa in Ixopo, from 10am- 9pm.
Athletes must make their own transport arrangements to and from the start and finish, and sleeping accommodation will be provided for those who require it. Overnight athletes must bring their own blankets.
