Seloyi wins inaugural Kimberley Big Hole Marathon as Northern Cape runners deliver big results
Diamonds and Dorings Kimberley Big Hole Marathon
Bennet Seloyi won the inaugural Diamonds and Dorings Kimberley Big Hole Marathon, while Hopetown’s Arthur Jantjies and several Kimberley runners delivered standout performances across the 42 km, 10 km, and 5 km events.
Image: Danie van der Lith
BENNET Seloyi wrapped up an exceptional season in style by claiming a rare marathon double at the inaugural Diamonds and Dorings Kimberley Big Hole Marathon on Saturday.
The Boxer Running Club athlete, who secured his first national title at the Athletics South Africa Marathon Championships in Cape Town earlier this year, added another standout win with a commanding run through the Diamond City.
Off the record, the runners passed by my home on Saturday morning, and by 9am, as they huffed and heaved by, the temperatures were already starting to climb into the high 20s.
What I am saying is that congratulations are in order for all runners, not just the winners. Just finishing this race, in Kimberley’s heat, is an impressive feat in itself.
But back to Seloyi, who crossed the line at the Sol Plaatje University Sports Ground in 2:13:22, earning a R200,000 prize for his effort. Veteran marathoner Stephen Mokoka followed in 2:15:31, using the event as part of his preparations for the Mumbai Marathon in January 2026, while Namibia’s Daniel Paulus finished third in 2:16:50.
Seloyi crossed the line at the Sol Plaatje University Sports Ground in 2:13:22, earning a R200,000 prize for his effort.
Image: Danie van der Lith
Northern Cape’s Arthur Jantjies impresses
Local interest centred on Hopetown’s Arthur Jantjies, who produced one of the day’s most noteworthy performances. Jantjies finished eighth in 2:21:06, placing him just over seven minutes behind the winner and underscoring his strong form throughout the year.
Earlier in the season, he defended his Kloppers Marathon title with a 2:23:00 finish, improving his 2024 time by 10 minutes. His Kimberley performance marked another step forward, cutting two more minutes off that effort.
Jantjies spent the off-season following a demanding training plan that included weekend trips from Hopetown to Vanderkloof Dam and Douglas to tackle tough routes and build endurance. After another eye-catching result on Saturday, there is every expectation that he will return eager for more in 2026.
Hopetown’s Arthur Jantjies.
Image: Danie van der Lith
Kimberley athletes shine in shorter distances
Local running clubs delivered competitive showings across the 10km and 5km races, giving Kimberley supporters plenty to cheer.
In the men’s 10km event, Teemaneng Running Club’s Katlego Shomoleile (32:01) finished seventh, followed by teammate Diteko Motshabi (33:18) in ninth. The men’s 5km produced another podium for the city, with Justice Buchwana clocking 16:32 to take second place. Kgosi Galeshewe Athletics Club runners Refilwe Merementsi (17:11) and Ronaldo Moitse (17:55) finished fifth and ninth.
The women’s 5km also saw strong Kimberley representation. Teemaneng Running Club athletes Limakatso Selala (22:30) and Lovedelia Segole (25:32) crossed the line in fifth and seventh.
Runners are seen celebrating after completing the first Diamond and Dorings Big Hole Marathon.
Image: Danie van de Lith
Launched in September, the Diamonds and Doring Kimberley Big Hole Marathon attracted 3,000 runners in its debut edition and offered a total prize purse of R1.2 million, making it the second-highest paying race in South Africa after the Comrades Marathon.
It also served as a qualifier for both the Two Oceans and Comrades marathons, giving athletes an early opportunity to secure their 2026 entry.
Top three finshers over different distances
Marathon Distance (42.2km)
Men's Results (1-3): (42.2km): Matlakala Bennet Seloyi (2:13:22), Stephen Mokoka (2:15:31), Daniel Paulus (2:16:50)
Women's Results: (42.2km): Fridah Ndinda (2:39:45), Neheng Melida Khatala (2:40:12), Siftolina Daba Chemeda (2:40:43)
Half Marathon Distance (21.1km)
Men's Results: (21.1km): Simon Sibeko (1:06:42), Lebenya Nkoka (1:06:46), Simon Matias (1:06:49)
Women's Results: (21.1km): Karabo Mailula (1:14:08), Lavinia Haitope (1:14:12), Florence Nyaingiri (1:16:37)
10km Distance
Men's Results: (10km): Keanu Domingo (0:29:50), Malefane Ramosebetsi (0:29:53), Elex Moyo (0:30:16)
Women's Results: (10km): Shiivomwene Shilongo (0:34:38), Nobukhosi Tshuma (0:36:54), Mema Tiango (0:41:01)
5km Distance
Men's Results: (5km): Oscar Hopton (0:16:30), Justice Buchwana (0:16:32), Boikhutso Omaatla Matokonyane (0:16:33)
Women's Results: (5km): Moleboheng Mohapi (0:19:41), Catherine Skosana (0:19:59), Refiloe Karreebos (0:20:11)
Fridah Ndinda won the women's 42km with a time of 2:39:45.
Image: Danie van der Lith
Fridah Ndinda
Image: Danie van der Lith
Runners struggled in the hot Northern Cape heat and had to keep hydrated along the way.
Image: Danie van der Lith
Runners passed by the Provincial Legislature along their route.
Image: Danie van der Lith
The race kicked off at 5.30am on Saturday morning in front of the Sol Plaatje University Central Campus.
Image: Danie van der Lith