Solomon Mahlangu Half Marathon Returns to Kwaggafontein for Seventh Edition
KwaNdebele is gearing up for a major highlight on the local athletics calendar as the Solomon Mahlangu Half Marathon returns to Kwaggafontein Stadium for its seventh edition on Saturday 3 October.
Organized by the Mkobola Athletic Club, the event kicks off at 6:30 AM with the flagship 21km half marathon. To accommodate runners of all fitness levels, the program also features 10km and 5km races.
Registration is currently open via Entry Geek. Entry fees are set at R200 for the 21km, R120 for the 10km, and R60 for the 5km, with temporary licenses available for an additional R50.
Organizers are heavily prioritizing online registrations by offering a special incentive for early birds.
“We highly encourage people to register online because it streamlines the process, and there is a great incentive attached,” said Precious Mkhwanazi, founder and secretary of Mkobola Athletic Club. “We have reserved 200 T-shirts exclusively for early-bird online entrants. The sooner you register, the better your chances.”
A Race Built for the Community
While the half marathon is the day’s centerpiece, the event is designed to be a full community wellness day. Local residents can participate in a free 4.9km fun run/walk or join an outdoor aerobics session.
Mkhwanazi noted that these free activities aim to boost local turnout, which has historically trailed behind visiting regions.
“We noticed that participants from outside areas like Witbank, Middelburg, and Tshwane outnumber our local runners,” Mkhwanazi explained.
The free 4.9km event is open to anyone aged nine and older, making it an accessible fitness option for families and senior community members alike.
From Fundraising Fun Run to Established Race
The event’s growth mirrors Mkhwanazi’s own journey. After struggling to find a local running club in the KwaNdebele region, she was forced to commute to a club in Witbank. Driven by this gap in the community, she founded the Mkobola Athletic Club in 2016.
Initially, the club hosted informal fun runs to raise funds for young, talented athletes who faced financial barriers to competing.
“Unfortunately, participating in sports costs money, and running is no exception,” Mkhwanazi said. “Race entry fees, athlete affiliations, and travel expenses create massive barriers for families, especially when we are trying to develop children from disadvantaged communities.
“Recognizing the impact of her initiative, the Thembisile Hani Local Municipality stepped in and encouraged the club to formalize the event. What started as a grassroots fundraiser has now evolved into an officially registered race.
For the Mkobola Athletic Club, this seventh edition represents both a competitive athletic showcase and a celebration of community health.
Secure your spot today by visiting Entry Geek and joining the movement toward local fitness.
Solomon Mahlangu Half Marathon Returns to Kwaggafontein for Seventh Edition (Graphics: SizaNazo365)