In a powerful statement of intent to reclaim the title he lost to Bennet Seloyi last year, Thabang Mosiako has delivered a pair of eye-catching performances that have put his rivals on notice ahead of the Two Oceans Half Marathon on April 12.
Competing at the Northern Cape’s premier half marathon, the Nedbank Running Club star stunned the crowd at Kimberley Boys High School by clocking 1:04:37 to win the 2026 Phakamile Mabija Human Rights Half Marathon on Human Rights Day.
“What a wonderful race,” exclaimed Thabang Mosiako, reflecting on his dominant 1:00:23 victory over Nedbank teammate Joel Mmone, which earned him a new course record.
“The road was smooth and safe; it was well-organised, and everything was indeed perfect. Overall, I am pleased with my performance.”
The 31-year-old’s triumph came just a fortnight after he clocked 1:00:44—the third fastest 21km time of his career—to take third place at the HOKA Paris Half Marathon on March 8.
Smarter and wiser
The 2023 SA Half Marathon champion and third-fastest South African half marathoner of all time produced that effort in the French capital barely three months after grabbing fifth place (2:10:49) at the Abu Dhabi Marathon last December, having run 2:09:14 on his marathon debut at the same race a year earlier.
Mosiako attributed his superlative current form to being a year wiser on his marathon journey.
I believe I was smarter this time after my second marathon. I took enough rest; that’s why I didn’t struggle with the build-up phase, and that led me to the shape I have now.”
The fitness he presently enjoys leaves Mosiako confident that he can add to his impressive tally of seven gold medals, improve on the fifth place he attained last year, and replicate the success of winning the 2024 edition of the World’s Most Beautiful Half Marathon.
“I’m going for the Two Oceans Half Marathon again to correct the mistake I made last year,” he said.
“I’m just praying to remain injury-free and to have consistency in training. I’m excited about what’s coming my way.”
- Thabang Mosiako delivered two impressive wins recently, including a course record 1:00:23 at the Phakamile Mabija Human Rights Half Marathon.
- He also recorded a strong 1:00:44 finish at the HOKA Paris Half Marathon, the third fastest half marathon time in his career.
- Mosiako credits improved marathon strategy and rest after previous races for his current peak fitness and performance.
- The 31-year-old 2023 SA Half Marathon champion aims to reclaim his title at the Two Oceans Half Marathon on April 12.
- Confident and focused, Mosiako seeks injury-free consistent training to improve on his fifth place from last year and add more victories.
In a powerful statement of intent to reclaim the title he lost to Bennet Seloyi last year,
“What a wonderful race,” exclaimed
“
Mosiako attributed his superlative current form to being a year wiser on his marathon journey.
I believe I was smarter this time after my second marathon. I took enough rest; that’s why I didn’t struggle with the build-up phase, and that led me to the shape I have now.”
“I’m going for the Two Oceans Half
“I’m just praying to remain injury-free and to have consistency in training. I’m excited about what’s coming my way.”
