Joseph Seutloali completes rare marathon double with Soweto Marathon crown

The Hollywood Athletics Club runner, who claimed the iconic Two Oceans Marathon gold earlier this year, crossed the finish line at Nasrec in 2:20:09 to claim his maiden People’s Race title, earning the R250 000 winner’s cheque in the process.

Local favourite and 2023 champion Ntsindiso Mphakathi pushed him to the line, finishing second in 2:20:24, while defending champion Onalenna Khonkhobe rounded off the podium in 2:20:39 in wet and testing conditions.

It marked sweet redemption for the 30-year-old, who finished second in 2023 after being overtaken by Khonkhobe in the final stretch, but Seutloali executed his race plan to perfection this time around.

“Last year I came second, and this year I won the race. I am over the moon. The rain and wind made it tough, but I stuck to my plan," Seutloali told SABC Sport. 

"I’m proud to have completed the double. I want to thank my coach and my sponsors. I had to test how strong the guys were and time my breakaway – once I passed them, I told myself the race was mine. 

"Last year I didn’t have enough information, but this year everything came together. Winning Two Oceans also boosted my confidence."

READ: Blumberg celebrates a decade as Soweto Marathon race director

Coached by Andrew Booysens, who also guided last year’s women’s champion Neheng Khatala, Seutloali believes Lesotho athletes are fast becoming a dominant force in Southern African marathons.

“South Africa and Lesotho are similar in terms of mountains and weather, which is why we run well here,” he added. 

“I want to thank Coach Andrew, the people of Lesotho, my family, and everyone who supports me. My message back home is simple: we must train hard.”

Seutloali also revealed that he plans to use his winnings to grow his business ventures back home.

“I didn’t go to school, and many runners in Lesotho rely on running to feed their families. This money will help grow my business and support my family,” he concluded.