Manfred Seidler reflects on Hollywood Athletics Club’s standout season

Club manager Manfred Seidler told SABC Sport that the Durban-based outfit set ambitious goals at the start of the season — and their athletes rose to the challenge.

South African road running icon Gerda Steyn sparked excitement after switching from Phantane Running Club to the purple colours in January.

The double Olympian made an immediate impact, winning both the Comrades Marathon and the Two Oceans Marathon before capping off the season with a strong third-place finish at the Soweto Marathon.

Lesotho star Neheng Khatala also shone brightly, capturing the Soweto Marathon 21.1km crown in a year where she successfully completed her sports science studies at North West University in Potchefstroom.

Her compatriot Joseph Seutloali played a key role in broadening the club’s medal haul, securing both the Two Oceans and Soweto Marathon titles in the men’s division, adding further pride to the Hollywood ranks.

Seidler admitted there was high anticipation for the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, where Steyn and veteran marathoner Stephen Mokoka was poised to start as favourites. However, the event was cancelled due to severe weather conditions.

“We had a real chance of winning in Cape Town and our preparations looked good. But safety comes first, and we understood the organisers’ decision,” said Seidler. “Overall, it has been an exceptional year — the major victories from Gerda and Joseph stand out. And Taylor Kavanagh also impressed with race wins and several personal bests.”

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Looking ahead, Mokoka is now building towards the Mumbai Marathon in January, using long training runs such as the Jacaranda Marathon and Diamonds and Doring Big Hole Kimberly Marathon to fine-tune his fitness.

Seidler says the objective for next season remains clear:

“We want to continue our dominance on the local road running scene and chase the biggest titles again. Our main mission is to defend both the Two Oceans and Comrades Marathon crowns.”