Engcobo-born long-distance runner Luyolo Ngcongolo has been crowned the winner of the 49th annual Buffs Marathon.
The event was held in East London on Sunday, February 26.
The 23-year-old from KwaNdima, eNtibaneni Village, reached the finish line in an incredible time of 2 hours, 29 minutes and 28 seconds.
Ngcongolo, representing Cofimvaba-based Powered Up Runners athletic club, was followed by Siphosoxolo Moyeyi of Cheetahs athletic club, who arrived four minutes after Luyolo. Thandikhaya Siyongo of Scenery Park athletics club came third.
The elated Ngcongolo said his love for running was inspired by his mother Vathiswa, an athlete in her days.
“My mother, inspired me a lot and supported me because she was an athlete. Then I met people like Siphelele Macakadi, Lungile Gongqa and Mcoseleli Luyaba. I went to this race telling myself that I would defend it because last year it was won by my practice partner, Luyaba. I am so happy to win this marathon, and this is my first time winning in the 42km,” said Ngcongolo.
This is the second time Ngcongolo has partaken in the 42km marathon; last year, he finished 11th place at the 2022 Elliot Madeira Marathon in Mthatha.
Speaking to Express, Powered Up Runners athletic club secretary, Gcinumzi Dekeda said, “As a club, we are not only extremely proud of him but also admire his tireless dedication, perseverance and diligence in accomplishing this achievement. He represented us well, and we hope this will inspire upcoming athletes in the entire region.”
