The 2025 Kloppers Marathon took place in Bloemfontein on Saturday, and once again, the city’s most iconic race lived up to its reputation with near-perfect running conditions.
There were concerns about possible rain during the event, but the weather held up beautifully on the day.
Arthur Jantjies of the KGA Club in Kimberley claimed victory in the men’s 42.2km marathon, crossing the finish line in an impressive time of 2:26:46. He secured the win by almost two minutes, with individual runner Tshiliso Matseke from Lesotho clocking an equally remarkable time of 2:28:41 to take second place. Remaketse Lekaka, representing the Bloemfontein Striders Club, rounded off the podium with a time of exactly 2:33:00.
Inacia Maguire of Running Edge dominated the women’s 42.2km marathon, finishing in 3:25:00. She was three minutes ahead of Zine du Plessis of Bloemfontein Striders, who secured second place with a respectable time of 3:28:00. Fellow Bloemfontein Striders runner, Mardré van der Kolf, claimed third place, completing the race in 3:43:00.
Siyabona Derison of the Phantane Club comfortably won the men’s 21.1km half marathon, finishing in 1:06:45. He finished more than two minutes ahead of Mxenecela Miya, who took second place in 1:09:00. Teboho Sello completed the podium in 1:11:00.
Likeleli Majara of Sibanya Steel took the top spot in the women’s half marathon, completing the 21.1km course in 1:21:00. The legendary Nedbank runner, Anna Moeketsi, rounded off the podium in 1:32:42.
The 10km road race was fiercely contested, with the top three men finishing within a minute of each other. Senzo Fambatha of Hillbusters took the win in 32:43, narrowly edging out Omphile Letshabo of HTS Louis Botha, while Thabang Mathosa of Nedbank by Grace finished third in 33:31.
Kristi Bell of UFS Kovsies dominated the women’s 10km race, winning comfortably in 39:40. Taniti McMaster of Vryburg secured second place in 42:45, followed by Dineo of Dithakano in third with a time of 43:37.
The 2025 Kloppers Marathon once again showcased exceptional talent and thrilling performances, solidifying its status as one of Bloemfontein’s most cherished sporting events. – MORGAN PIEK
