NHLANGANO – The country’s half-marathon queen is back where she belongs.
Thobile Ngwenyama of Correctional Services Athletics Club stormed to victory in the maiden Nhlangano Half Marathon, reclaiming her place at the top of the 21km ranks after a three-month break to deal with personal matters.
Ngwenyama outpaced South Africa’s Eunice Nhlapho of Eskom Athletics Club to clock about 1:34 minutes.
Meanwhile, Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) runner Gugu Mthembu completed the podium in third place following her consistent performance on the road these days.
The champion said she was delighted with the result.
Ngwenyama said she used the KwaMagogo Legacy Run as a trial to test whether she was ready to return to competitive action.
Coming out on top against a strong field, she said, has given her fresh confidence as she now turns her attention to the country’s premier race, the Imbube Marathon’s preparations.
Ngwenyama had last raced over the half-marathon distance at the Yesuka Twé in May, by which time the crown was claimed by UEDF’s Sanelisiwe Mphaphu. Her previous 21km triumph came at the Yellow Epilepsy Half Marathon in February.
In the men’s race, Ntokozo Nkonyane of UEDF cruised to another truimphant victory. Clocking 1:12 hours, he seized the front and never looked back, recording a third consecutive half-marathon win.
Nkonyane said the hilly course had slowed him from his previous 1:09 hours finish, but he was pleased that the string of victories continues to build momentum towards the distance he loves most – the full marathon.
Both 21km champions pocketed E5 000 for their efforts.
Meanwhile, Nkonyane’s teammate Sifiso Dlamini took second place, with Melusi Khumalo third, as the army side completed a clean sweep of the men’s podium.
In the 10km category, Bongani Jele of TZD Sports Club won the men’s title, while Correctional’s Siphesihle Ngwenya continued her strong form by securing another 10km victory.
Ngwenya had already announced herself as one to watch in this category two weeks ago when she won at KwaMagogo. The champions’ prize for the 10km stood at E3 000.
On another note, the 5km fun run was won by Wonderboy Mdluli and Sanele Hlatjwako, respectively, who each collected E500.
Over 1 3000 runners hit the roads for various reasons yesterday as the Nhlangano Town Council hosted their maiden race. Some were chasing glory beyond the finish line; others simply ran for their health.
The race further attracted high-profile guests, including Minister for Housing and Urban Development Appolo Maphalala, Minister for Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Bongani Nzima, municipal representatives and members of parliament from the region, among other others.
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