Thabang Mosiako claims his maiden the Two Oceans half-marathon title

Thabang Mosiako claims his maiden the Two Oceans half-marathon title

South Africa’s reigning half-marathon champion Thabang Mosiako, clinched the Two Oceans half-marathon crown, showcasing his prowess in a compelling display in Cape Town on Sunday morning.

Representing the Nedbank Running Club, the 29-year-old dashed across the Finish Line in an impressive time of 1 hour, 04 minutes, and 40 seconds, securing victory with a one-minute lead over his closest rival, Kamohelo Kusche of Lesotho, who completed the race in 1:05:32.

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Mosiako dominated the race from start to finish, triumphantly breaking the tape at the University of Cape Town.

Guided by Coach Mike Mbambani at the Inkhamva Athletics Club in Gqeberha, Mosiako is experiencing the peak of his career.

Notably, he achieved a remarkable sixth-place finish in 59:52 at the World Half-Marathon Championships in Latvia last year, emerging as the highest-placed South African in the competition.

Two weeks ago, Mosiako secured fourth place at the Absa Run Your City 10km in Gqeberha.

Despite falling short of victory in his hometown’s 10km event, he swiftly redeemed himself by claiming the prestigious Two Ocean half-marathon championships. Mosiako has achieved three sub-28 minutes in the 10km races in one year.

Last year, Mosiako placed fourth in the Cape Town half-marathon, fuelling his determination to cross the finish line first this year.

“I want to thank the sponsors and my coach, bra Mike Mbambani, for their unwavering support. I’m thrilled with how I performed. This victory means a lot to me this year. After participating in the Two Oceans half-marathon for six consecutive years, this seventh attempt was particularly significant as I finally clinched the win. It became a personal mission for me, a challenge I was determined to conquer no matter what. By the 4km mark, I could feel victory within reach,” said Mosiako during a press conference.  

“It is all in the mind and believing in yourself, and it all takes hard work and courage to win races,” explained Mosiako.

Two weeks ago, in his hometown of Gqeberha, Mosiako, the clear favourite to win the Run Your City 10km race, admitted to the media that things didn’t go according to plan that day.  

“The setback of not clinching victory in the previous 10km race fuelled my determination to triumph in today’s competition.  Battling against strong winds and a modified course on that fateful day, I harboured the resolve to emerge victorious in this 21km race. Securing this stands as a pinnacle moment for me, symbolizing a remarkable comeback seizing the opportunity at the 9km mark, I executed a strategic plan, widening the gap between myself and the pack. Overflowing with and fuelled by sheer enjoyment, my sole focus was to secure victory in this race, no matter the cost,” expressed Mosiako.