Khonkhobe sets new targets after conquering Soweto

Klerksdorp-based Onalenna Khonkhobe is already eying his next target after winning the Soweto Marathon in 2:16:36.

Khonkhobe waltzed to the R250 000 prize money beating a talented field, with Lesotho’s Joseph Seutloali claiming second place in 2:18:54 and Kenya’s Kipsang Kipkemoi finishing third in 2:19:05.

With the victory, Khonkobe achieved a rare feat as he claimed the Soweto Marathon title, after also winning the Two Oceans ultra-marathon earlier this year.

Speaking to the media after the race, Khonkhobe set his sights on running at least 2:06:00 in marathons.

“Next year I want to run 2:05:00 or 2:06:00 … and it is easy for me to run that,” he said.

“The last two kilometres, it was very tough. My coach told me to use the programme I was using to prepare for the Two Oceans to do the same thing.”

The 28-year-old has also described his season as his best by far.

“This is my best year because I won the Dischem Half Marathon [in January], then the Pirates Half Marathon, Two Oceans and today the Soweto Marathon,” he said.

The women’s race was won by Lesotho’s Neheng Khatala in 2:43:07. Written by Ntsako Mkhari