The 2026 Bonkolo Marathon took place in Komani on Saturday, 7 November, with hundreds of runners participating across the 12km, 21km and 42km distances. Asisipho Matomane claimed victory in the main marathon event, finishing the 42km race in an impressive 2 hours, 23 minutes and 28 seconds.
The annual running event attracted athletes representing clubs from Komani and other parts of the Eastern Cape and beyond, with participants competing across different age categories and distances.
According to the published race results, a total of 746 entries were listed across the three distances, including 342 in the 12km race, 308 in the 21km half-marathon and 96 in the 42km marathon.
Matomane Takes Victory in 42km Marathon
Asisipho Matomane, representing RCS Gugulethu Athletics Club, secured first place in the 42km marathon with a finishing time of 2:23:28.
Matomane maintained a strong pace throughout the race, passing the first checkpoint at approximately 1 hour and 21 minutes before reaching the second checkpoint at 1:49:12.
He crossed the finish line at approximately 07:53, securing the overall victory.
Tusile Nobanda of Elliot Maderia AC finished second in 2:26:22, just under three minutes behind the winner.
Nkululelo Kephoehla secured third place in 2:27:13, completing the men’s podium.
42km Overall Top Three
- Asisipho Matomane – 2:23:28 – RCS Gugulethu A.C.
- Tusile Nobanda – 2:26:22 – Elliot Maderia AC
- Nkululelo Kephoehla – 2:27:13
In the women’s 42km competition, Brenda Graham of Oxford Striders was the first female finisher, placing 28th overall in 3:53:15.
Amanda Nomandle followed as the second female finisher in 3:54:47, while Bridget Smith of Nedbank Running Club East London finished third among the women in 3:56:12.
Strong Competition in 21km Half-Marathon
The 21km half-marathon also produced competitive performances, with Wandile Sambana of EMCC claiming the overall victory in 1:11:42.
Nape Letlatsa finished second in 1:14:06, followed by Olwethu Pawula of Komani Runners Club, who secured third place in 1:20:32.
21km Overall Top Three
- Wandile Sambana – 1:11:42 – EMCC
- Nape Letlatsa – 1:14:06
- Olwethu Pawula – 1:20:32 – Komani Runners Club
Refeloe Solomons of Nedbank Running Club was the first female finisher in the half-marathon, placing 10th overall with a time of 1:32:00.
Laune Marais of Boxer AC SWD followed in 1:33:04, with Anelisa Weduwedu of EMCC finishing third among the women in 1:34:28.
Dyantyi Leads the 12km Race
The shorter 12km event saw Likho Dyantyi of EMCC take first place in 37 minutes and 19 seconds. Bayanda Gaga finished second in 37:48, while Anele Dlamini secured third place in 38:15.
12km Overall Top Three
- Likho Dyantyi – 37:19 – EMCC
- Bayanda Gaga – 37:48
- Anele Dlamini – 38:15
Emihle Menziwa was the first female finisher in the 12km event, crossing the line in 49:26 and placing 13th overall. The published results also show runners from local clubs, including Komani Runners Club and Queenstown Harriers, participating across the different distances.
Medal Distribution at Bonkolo Marathon
Some runners who finished towards the end of their respective races reportedly received plastic medals, while earlier finishers received standard medals.
A few participants expressed disappointment and raised the matter with event organisers, who indicated that additional medals would be ordered.
As participants in the same race paid the same entry fee, some runners had expected to receive the same type of medal regardless of their finishing position.
