Bennet Seloyi wins inaugural Kimberly Marathon title

The Boxer Running Club star, who claimed his first national title at the Athletics South Africa Marathon Championships in Cape Town earlier this year, delivered another impressive performance to secure victory in the Northern Cape’s newest major road race.

The 25-year-old Limpopo athlete broke the tape at the Sol Plaatjie University Sports Ground in 2:13:22, earning himself a whooping R200 000 prize.

Veteran marathoner Stephen Mokoka finished second in 2:15:31, collecting R70 000 as part of his preparations for the Mumbai Marathon on 18 January 2026, while Namibian runner Daniel Paulus rounded off the podium in 2:16:50, taking home R30 000.

Launched in September, the marathon boasted a total prize purse of R1.2 million and drew 3 000 runners in its debut edition—making it the second highest playing event after the Comrades Marathon.

It also served as a qualifier for both the Two Oceans and Comrades Marathons, giving athletes an early opportunity to secure their spots for 2026.

The line-up featured former Comrades Marathon champions Edward Mothibi and Tete Dijana – the latter also serving as race ambassador – alongside strong contenders like Lucky Mohale and Joel Mmone.

Seloyi, coached by Best Ngwenya in Tembisa, told SABC Sport that this race marked his final marathon of the year in a season he ended exactly as he started – with a win.

“To be honest, I came here for the money with a positive mind. My coach told me I’m here for the money,” Seloyi said.

Mohale of Nedbank Running Club surged ahead early but was reeled in by Seloyi and Mmone around the 33km mark.

With 5km remaining, Seloyi produced a decisive surge, opening a big gap on his rivals on what he described as a fast, flat course. Mohale eventually held on for fourth place in 2:17:19, while Mmone faded outside the top 10.

Reflecting on the strategic final 1km, Seloyi said: “Those are my friends. We started to push after 36km and they said, ‘let’s go together.’ 

"I told Mohale, ‘I’m going for it,’ and then I opened the gap. It feels great to be the first champion of this race. It’s my last race of the year and I managed to win it.”

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