BY THEMBA ZWANE
LOBAMBA – Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) athlete Ntokozo Nkonyane has expressed appreciation to His Majesty King Mswati III for providing an opportunity for athletes to compete in the Imbube Marathon, describing the event as an important platform for sporting development and economic upliftment.
Nkonyane, who was the first liSwati to cross the finish line in the men’s 42.2km race at the eighth edition of the Imbube Marathon, said he hoped future generations would continue to excel in the annual event.
“I would like to thank His Majesty the King for giving us this opportunity to compete here. It’s a beautiful race. I just wish that future generations continue to shine after us in this very same marathon,” he said.
The UEDF athlete clocked two hours and 30 minutes in the gruelling marathon, earning E40 000 for being the first Liswati to finish the race, together with a E5 000 SPAR shopping voucher.
Nkonyane’s remarks highlighted the significance he attaches to the Imbube Marathon, not only as a competitive sporting event but also as an opportunity to promote the country’s economy.
“The marathon plays an important role in uplifting the country’s economy,” he said.
The athlete also revealed his long-standing association with the competition, having participated in all eight editions of the Imbube Marathon. However, this year marked his fifth time competing in the 42.2km category.
His continued participation reflects his commitment to the event, which attracts local and international athletes who compete across different race categories.
Meanwhile, Lubombo-based Disaster Risk Reduction Officer Gcinile Nelisiwe Magongo of Rescorp Athletics Club also emerged among the standout local performers, earning E50 000 in prize money and a E5 000 SPAR shopping voucher in the women’s 42.2km race.
Magongo received E40 000 for being the first liSwati to finish the women’s marathon and a further E10 000 for securing third place in the women’s 42.2km category.
The athlete said she faced considerable pressure entering the race because she was defending her title as the first Liswati woman to win the marathon the previous year.
“I was running for the second time in the 42.2km and I was the defending champion as I was the first Liswati to win this race even last year. I had a lot of pressure,” she said.
Magongo, who has participated in the Imbube Marathon four times, said her previous appearances were in 2016, 2018, 2025 and 2026. She completed this year’s 42.2km race in three hours and 44 minutes.
The performances by Nkonyane and Magongo added to the local achievements celebrated at the eighth edition of the Imbube Marathon, with both athletes earning recognition for their positions among Eswatini’s leading finishers in the full marathon.
Nkonyane’s appreciation also placed the spotlight on the importance of sustaining opportunities for athletes to compete, develop their abilities and inspire younger runners to pursue long-distance running.
His hope is that future generations will continue to take part in the Imbube Marathon and build on the achievements of the athletes who have competed in the event over its eight editions.
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