At 41, four-time winner Stephen Mokoka feels he is ageing like fine wine and is ready to take on the young brigade at the Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon on Sunday.
A compelling clash between experience and ambition is set to define the race, where proven champions and hungry contenders converge over 21km in one of the country’s most highly anticipated road races.
Generational Duel
At the centre of the men’s contest is a fascinating generational duel, with Mokoka returning to the half marathon for the first time since 2019, when he finished third.
“I have an advantage because if I run with them in the bunch then people will say I inspire them because I’m ageing like a fine wine. If they beat me people tell me not to worry because I’ve had a long career. So, I’m just enjoying it and I’ll try to push as hard as I can. It would be great if I can get a medal,” he said at the pre-race media conference earlier in the week, as reported by the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee.
Defending champion Bennett Seloyi will lead the charge for the young brigade, and is determined not to relinquish his title this year. Thabang Mosiako, the 2024 champion, also arrives with renewed purpose after an injury-hit 2025 campaign.
Women’s Race
While the men’s field promises tactical intrigue, the women’s race carries a strong narrative of comeback and legacy in the absence of last year’s winner, Mercy Jebet Kibor from Kenya.
Fortunate Chidzivo returns to the race for the first time since her 2022 victory, chasing a second career title and aiming to reaffirm her status among the elite. At 39, she remains a formidable presence, embracing both the competition and the occasion.
Some of the top contenders include:
- Stephen Mokoka
- Bennett Seloyi
- Thabang Mosiako
- Anthony Timotheus
- Fortunate Chidzivo
For more information on the Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon, visit the official website for updates and results.
