Hollywood Athletics Club targets clean sweep at Soweto Marathon

By Charles Baloyi
19th November 2025

Hollywood Athletics Club manager Manfred Seidler revealed to SABC Sport that the club is aiming for a clean sweep at this year’s Soweto Marathon, set for 29 November at Nasrec.

Seidler confirmed they will field a powerhouse team featuring four-time winner Irvette van Zyl, Comrades Marathon icon Gerda Steyn, Zimbabwean star Rutendo Nyahora, defending champion Neheng Khatala—who will contest the half-marathon due to exam commitments—and men’s Two Oceans champion Joseph Seutloali of Lesotho, among others.

Confident in the squad’s depth and quality, Seidler believes they have what it takes to dominate both the men’s and women’s elite races and secure the R250 000 prize.

He says the objective is to finish the year on a high.

"We anticipate to do very well this year. Neheng is back to defend her title, Irvette wants to have a crack at her fifth title, Rutendo is also seeking to impress. As for Joseph, he is a different athlete compared to last year, and because his race plan has come together perfectly, he is going to be very dangerous on race day."

READ: Mapaseka Makhanya joins Nedbank Running Club

The marathon will be staged on a busy month-end Saturday, with organisers adjusting the starting time from 5:30 am to 5:00 am to help runners cope with anticipated high temperatures.

Seidler supports the move, saying an earlier start is always beneficial for athletes.

Reflecting on last year’s thriller, the former Athletics South Africa consultant recalled how Nedbank’s Onalenna Khonkhobe surged past Hollywood’s Joseph Seutloali in the final 2km to win the men’s race, while Khatala delivered victory for the Purple Team in the women’s category.