The 2025 Pirates 21K Powered by Medshield, nicknamed Joburg’s toughest half, has attracted some of the best runners that Nedbank Running Club has to offer. Offering excellent preparation for the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon later this year, the climb up to Northcliff Hill is set to challenge not only the elite but every runner brave enough to take it on. With a course record of 1:07:13 in the men and 1:18:00 in the women, our contenders are set to race hard to see if the Green Team can claim the top spots.
The Nedbank Running Club has selected a formidable team to contest top positions. Here’s a look at the club’s strongest contenders:
Onalenna Khonkhobe
2024 Two Oceans and Soweto Marathon Champion Khonkhobe has consistently delivered strong performances across many of South Africa’s biggest races. His half marathon PB is an impressive 1:03:13 set at the Nelson Mandela Bay Half Marathon in 2022. Last year’s victory at the 2024 Pirates Half Marathon puts him as a real contender to take down the long-standing men’s record of 1:07:13 set in 2013. “I will be racing, I will see on Sunday how I feel, but the record is a possibility. This is part of my preparation for Two Oceans, especially to improve my speedwork on the climbs.”
Lucky Mohale
New to the veteran category, Mohale’s is still aiming to compete overall. He continues to impress taking second place at this year’s Johnson Crane Half Marathon with a time of 1:07:27. While the course at Pirates is a lot harder, especially in terms of climbing, Mohale is confident about his chances. “I am aiming for a podium at Pirates, my season has started well and while I am preparing for Two Oceans, this race is a good one to push and see where my training is.”
Adele Broodryk
A standout performer in the women’s field, Broodryk boasts an impressive half-marathon best of 1:18:30, achieved in Port Elizabeth in 2023. While she is coming back from injury, Broodryk remains a strong and consistent runner, her comeback is set, and we are excited to see her back in form, ready to test her speed work on this course.
“This is a training run for me to see where I am post-injury, it is perfect to incorporate some much-needed hill training.”
Tiisetso Mokhoma
Mokhoma with a half-marathon PB of 1:08:20 has proven himself as a top-tier competitor. His recent results include fourth place at last year’s African Bank Soweto Half Marathon in 1:09:11 means he will be considered a real contender for the podium, given how tough the Soweto course is.
Joel Mmone
Mmone brings an elite pedigree with a PB of 1:01:22 set at the 2019 Port Elizabeth Half Marathon. In 2024, he finished 7th at the Nelson Mandela Bay Half Marathon running a 1:04:34. His experience and tactical racing ability will be key factors on race day.
With such a talented lineup, the Nedbank Running Club is set to make a significant impact at the 2025 Pirates 21K. Whether vying for the top spots or pushing for personal bests, these elite athletes will undoubtedly add excitement to this race.