Klerksdorp Record, Klerksdorp - The winner of last weekend’s Two Oceans Marathon is a child of the Northwest: Onnelenna Khonkhobe. He recently moved to Jouberton and runs for the Nedbank Running Club.
He started running marathons only two years ago and that same year set a new record in the Klerksdorp Marathon in 2022.
His win in Cape Town on Saturday April 13 came as a big surprise to him. “I was so surprised to win in Cape Town, but I’m so happy,” he said.
This was only his second Two Oceans marathon. Last year, he ended sixth in the marathon.
The 27-year-old celebrated the biggest victory of his running career as he crossed the finish line in 3:09:30. He proclaimed at the finish that “the Two Oceans Marathon made people know who Onalenna Khonkhobe is”.
He is coached by Piou Mpolokeng. He grew in rural Taung, but now stays in Jouberton where he trains with David Manja, last year’s winner of the N12 Ultra Marathon.
“People can see me train every day as I run on the gravel roads around the township and also on the N12 early in the morning,” he told Klerksdorp Record. “I am a full-time runner and still single,” he laughed when asked.
Onnelenna‘s next race will be the N12 Ultra Marathon and then he’ll be pace-making in the Comrades Marathon, where he’ll only run the race till halfway.
“My dream is to win the Soweto Marathon. This race will take place in November this year.”
