Top runner

Bulelani Mgubo at the end of the race.
Khayelitsha runner, Bulelani Mgubo, overcame stiff competition and an uncomfortably hot weather to win the 2019 Twizza Bonkolo Marathon on Saturday November 2 in Queenstown.

Mgubo, who runs in the colours of Buffalo Runners Athletics Club (BRAC), crossed the line at 2:40:36 and was closely followed Mcoseleli Luyaba of Balekani AC who arrived 20 seconds.

A visibly drained but excited Mgubo said everything worked according to plan because he felt comfortable as he started seeing fellow runners dropping away from the leading pack. 

By 10km, a long line of runners stretched out from the main pack of 25 or so. Mgubo and Luyaba ran at the front, hitting 10km in 31:39. 

Organised by  Queenstown Harriers  Twizza Bonkolo Marathon was in its 43rd season and is regarded as Border region’s most prestigious event and an official Comrades and Two Oceans Ultra Marathon qualifier.

From 25km mark both Mgubo and Luyaba ran with ‘calculating minds’ as they faced the mountain drive which took them all the way to Sunnyside before entering the Bonkolo Dam via Hangklip Road, Kingsway and Livingstone Road.

Mgubo’s tenacity saw him pull a fantastic win over the well experienced Luyaba and was rewarded for his sterling efforts.

BRAC chairman, Thembalethu Ngalwana, said they were also pleased with Mgubo’s performances.