The Twizza Bonkolo Marathon, a long-standing tradition dating back to 1977, recently took place with strong representation from local clubs and traveling athletes from Gauteng and beyond. Asisipho Matomane of RCS Gugulethu AC secured first place in the men's marathon with an impressive time of 2:23:28. Matomane led virtually throughout the race, which runs through the beautiful surrounding areas of Komani as well as the reserve on the outskirts of the town.
The men's marathon saw Matomane facing little challenge, with Tusile Nobanda of Elliot Madeira AC finishing second in 2:26:22 and Nkululelo Kephoela from Queenstown AC’s neighbouring Komani Club in third with a time of 2:27:13. The first 40+ veteran, Siyabulela Mqambeli of Waterfall AC in Gauteng, finished fourth with a time of 2:38:57. Siphelo Bobotyane of Komani AC won the 50+ Master's category with a time of 3:37:30.
In the women's marathon, Brenda Graham of Oxford Striders captured the victory with a time of 3:53:15, finishing closely ahead of Amanda Namandle with a time of 3:54:21. Bridget Smith of Nedbank finished third in 3:56:12, and Mary Venter of Queenstown Harriers finished fourth with a time of 4:03:22. Graham also won the 40+ category, with Smith in second.
The men's half-marathon title went to Wandile Sambana of EMCC with a time of 71:42. Sambana was followed by Nape Letlasa, who finished in 74:06, and Olwethu Pawlia of Komani AC in third with a time of 80:32. Refiloe Solomons of Nedbank in Nelson Mandela Bay won the women's half-marathon with a time of 92:00.
The newly featured 12km race was well-supported, with Likho Dhyantyi and Emihle Menziwa claiming victories in the men's and women's divisions, respectively. Dhyantyi finished with a time of 37:19, closely followed by Bayanda Gaga with a time of 37:48. Menziwa won the women's race with a time of 49:26.
The Twizza Bonkolo Marathon has a reputation for hospitality and competitive racing, attracting a superb field across the 42.2km standard marathon, the 21.1km half-marathon, and the new 12km race catering to all age categories. The event drew many visitors from further afield in South Africa, pleasing the Queenstown Harriers and the greater community.
The 2026 event continued the tradition of friendly and jovial atmosphere, with many of South Africa's greatest marathon and half-marathon runners participating and leaving their mark. The marathon has a proud history, and at the weekend, many more runners from all corners of the land participated, making it a successful event.
Key points
- Asisipho Matomane wins men's marathon with 2:23:28
- Brenda Graham wins women's marathon with 3:53:15
- Wandile Sambana wins men's half-marathon with 71:42
Reporting sources
- Matomane wins Twizza Bonkolo marathon · Daily Dispatch
