BY SIFISO NHLABATSI
LOBAMBA – South Africa’s Siphamandla Nkosi and Kenya’s Rosina Kiboino emerged as the men’s and women’s 42km champions at the 2026 Imbube Marathon, each walking away with E40 000 after conquering the gruelling long-distance race.
The international athletes headlined a competitive eighth edition of the marathon, which attracted close to 8 300 participants to Somhlolo National Stadium.
Nkosi’s victory marked another impressive chapter in his relationship with the Eswatini race, having previously won the men’s 42km title in 2023.
During that edition, the South African runner completed the course in 2:31:29 to claim the title and a E30 000 prize. He described that race as challenging, explaining that he had taken a cautious approach early on because of the demanding Malagwane Hill.
His latest victory further underlines his ability to compete successfully on the Imbube course, which starts and finishes at Somhlolo National Stadium, with the marathon route extending towards Mbabane and back.
Nkosi’s performance also comes against the background of a strong South African presence at previous editions.
In 2025, South African runner Charles Jiyane won the men’s 42.2km race, finishing ahead of defending champion Mancoba Nhlabatsi, who placed second.
Meanwhile, Kiboino continued her impressive record at the Eswatini event.
The Kenyan long-distance runner successfully defended her title, having also won the women’s long-distance category at the 2025 Imbube Marathon.
Her latest triumph reinforces her status as one of the standout international competitors at the annual event.
The victories were among the major highlights of this year’s race, which has grown from 2,762 runners in 2016 to close to 8,300 participants in 2026.
Representing His Majesty King Mswati III, Prince Mgucisi welcomed athletes from countries including Kenya, South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, Lesotho, the United States, the Philippines and Taiwan.
He said the marathon had grown substantially in both participation and international recognition.
The event has also secured qualification status for the Comrades Marathon and certification as a Two Oceans Marathon qualifier, strengthening its appeal among long-distance runners.
Emaswati also had reason to celebrate, with Gcinile Magongo emerging as the first liSwati woman to finish the 42km race and securing third place in the women’s category.
Magongo received E40 000 for being the first liSwati woman, a further E10 000 for third place in the women’s 42km category and a E5 000 SPAR shopping voucher.
Her achievement highlighted the growing competitiveness of local athletes against an international field.
The marathon continues to combine sporting competition with opportunities to promote Eswatini’s tourism attractions and encourage healthy living.
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