The defending champions succeeded in back-to-back wins at the Diamonds and Dorings Kimberley Big Hole Marathon this weekend.

South African runner Matlakala Bennet Seloyi of the Central Gauteng Athletics Club took the men’s title with a time of 2:15:52, a mere two minutes slower than his 2:13:22 from last year.

Kenyan runner Fridah Ndinda improved on her 2025 time of 2:39:45, finishing Sunday’s race in 2:37:46.

The top spots in the men’s 42,2 km event went to South Africans Onalenna Khonkhobe in second place (2:16:18), followed by Ayanda Ngcobo in third (2:16:51).

Kenyan Shelmith Muriuki took second in the women’s race (2:39:07), followed by Zimbabwean Nobukhosi Tshuma in third (2:39:45).

The top three finishers in both the men’s and women’s categories received R200 000, R100 000, and R50 000 respectively. Race Ambassador Arthur Jantjies from Hopetown finished second in the 10 km race, clocking 28:04.

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Kenyan Stephen Ngigi Kangethe won the men’s half-marathon (1:04:22), while Karabo Mailula of the Boxer Athletics Club took the women’s half-marathon in 1:14:05. After setting a personal best of 1:14:21 in Copenhagen, Mailula has gone even faster in Kimberley, improving her time by 13 seconds.

Ryan Mphahlele of the Phantane Athletics Club won the men’s 10 km in 28:02, while Dikeledi Majara of the Nedband by Grace Running Club won the women’s race in 34:37.

More than 4 000 athletes entered the second edition of the Kimberley Big Hole Marathon, with the half-marathon, 10 km and 5 km races on Saturday, and the marathon on Sunday.

The sports fields of the Kimberley Boys’ High School were where events began and ended. Supporters and athletes enjoyed music and food stalls at the venue, with entertainment laid on for kids too. Medals presented to participants depicted the Northern Cape’s mining heritage, landmarks and natural beauty. They were designed and crafted by Kimberley Diamond and Jewellery Incubator.

For full results, visit live.ultimate.dk or check out Diamondsdorings Kbybighole Marathon on Facebook for more photos.