BY THEMBA ZWANE
LOBAMBA – South African marathon runner Siphamandla Nkosi has described running as his full-time career, crediting discipline, hard training and consistency for his victory in the men’s 42.2km race at the eighth edition of the Imbube Marathon.
The 30-year-old from KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa, clocked an impressive two hours and 30 minutes to claim the men’s title and pocket E40 000 after conquering the demanding race.
Nkosi, who has now won the Imbube Marathon twice, having previously triumphed in 2023, said running was not just a sport but his way of life.
“Believe in what you do, train hard. If you train hard, then winning becomes easy,” he said.
The champion revealed that his commitment to the sport involves training twice daily throughout the week, except on Sundays, which he reserves for rest.
“I train twice a day every day except on Sundays where I rest. For me, running is a full-time career. It is my full-time job. I do not do anything else except running. It is my way of life,” Nkosi said.
His remarks highlight the level of dedication required to compete successfully in long-distance running, where preparation, endurance and consistency are critical to achieving results.
Despite the physical demands of the 42.2km course, Nkosi said he enjoyed this year’s race, describing it as tough but well organised.
“Today, I was able to clock two hours and 30 minutes. Next year I am definitely coming back to compete yet again. I really enjoyed myself in this year’s edition. Yes, it was a tough race, but well organised, and that makes it interesting despite it being difficult,” he said.
The South African said his return to the top of the podium was particularly rewarding, having previously won the same race in 2023.
His latest victory further underlines his ability to compete over the marathon distance and reinforces his intention to return to Eswatini to defend his standing in future editions.
Nkosi’s success also earned him E40 000 in prize money, placing him among the leading international athletes celebrated at the annual sporting event.
Meanwhile, Kenya’s Rosina Kiboino won the women’s 42.2km race, successfully defending her title. The 42-year-old long-distance runner continued her impressive run at the Imbube Marathon, also taking home E40 000.
The victories by Nkosi and Kiboino highlighted the international competitiveness of the eighth edition of the Imbube Marathon, which brought together athletes to test their endurance over the gruelling 42.2km distance.
For Nkosi, however, the message behind his triumph was clear: success on the road begins with commitment away from race day.
His twice-daily training routine, weekly rest day and decision to make running his full-time occupation reflect the discipline he believes is necessary to achieve marathon success.
With another Imbube Marathon appearance already on his plans, the KwaZulu-Natal runner has signalled his intention to return to Eswatini next year and compete for the title once again.
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