Lesotho’s marathon maestro Khoarahlane Joseph Seutloali carved his name deeper into South African road-running folklore on Saturday, completing a rare and coveted double by winning the African Bank Soweto Marathon in 2:20:09 – months after conquering the Two Oceans Marathon.
The Hollywood Athletics Club star powered home through rain-slicked streets like a runner finding an extra gear on the final climb of a punishing ultra, lifting his arms at Nasrec as he pocketed the R250,000 winner’s cheque and finally claimed a title that slipped from his grasp last year.
“It marked sweet redemption for me,” he admitted.
“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 said this time he ran with purpose and with knowledge.
“Last year I didn’t have enough information, but this year everything came together. Winning Two Oceans also boosted my confidence. I had to test how strong the guys were and time my breakaway. Once I passed them, I told myself the race was mine.”
His perfectly timed surge left former champion Ntsindiso Mphakathi. The fan favourite had to dig deep in the final kilometres settling for second in 2:20:24, while defending champion Onalenna Khonkhobe completed the podium in 2:20:39.
“I’m proud to have completed the double,” Seutloali added.
“I want to thank my coach (Andrew Booyens) and my sponsors.”
Saturday’s victory makes him only the second athlete in recent years to complete the Two Oceans–Soweto double, matching Khonkhobe’s feat from 2023.
Steyn takes a ‘Small Win’ in Brutal Women’s Battle
While the men’s race delivered a tale of revenge and precision, the women’s contest belonged to Kenya’s Margaret Jepchumba.
She broke the tape in 2:34:33, ahead of Zambia’s Elizabeth Mokoloma (2:35:59) and South African star Gerda Steyn (2:37:00).
Gerda Steyn was the first SA woman home Photo: Supplied
Steyn, making her long-anticipated Soweto debut, again showed four-time champion Irvette van Zyl a clean pair of heels, with Van Zyl finishing fourth in 2:37:35.
“It was a wonderful first experience here in Soweto,” said Steyn, affectionately known as The Smiling Assassin.
“I have been wanting to run the People’s Race for such a long time. I am always proud to run on home soil, and not having the Soweto Marathon under my belt was a missing item.”
The six-times Two Oceans and four-times Comrades Marathon champion described the Soweto Marathon as challenging.
“It was a tough race, from the gun-go the pace was really fast. I think it was the most competitive field we have had at the Soweto Marathon in a long time,” Steyn said.
“I’ve given my all. Being the first South African home is like a small win, even though I’m a little disappointed not to finish first. But it was a fair race,” she added.
FINAL RESULTS
Men
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Joseph Seutloali (LES) – 2:20:09
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Ntsindiso Mphakathi (RSA) – 2:20:24
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Onalenna Khonkhobe (RSA) – 2:20:39
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George Kusche (RSA) – 2:20:47
Women
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Margaret Jepchumba (KEN) – 2:34:33
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Elizabeth Mokoloma (ZAM) – 2:35:59
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Gerda Steyn (RSA) – 2:37:00
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Irvette van Zyl (RSA) – 2:37:35
FIND THE FULL 2025 SOWETO MARATHON RESULS HERE:
DOUBLE DELIGHT!
Joseph Seutloali storms to @SowetoMarathon victory in 2:20:09, sealing the rare TTOM @MarathonTw44155 and Soweto double! Margaret Jepchumba takes the women’s crown as @gerdarun Gerda Steyn tops SA runners.#SowetoMarathon #PeoplesRace #RoadRunningSA pic.twitter.com/AFs6lRBJKf— Adnaan Mohamed (@Adnaan1111) November 30, 2025
