Oppikampus Let'sGo Potch Marathon lights up Town
- Karen Scheepers
- 5 hours ago
- 7 min read
Top athletes shine as the city’s premier running event delivers record times and unforgettable moments.
A Weekend of Racing Brilliance
The streets of Potchefstroom came alive this past weekend as hundreds of athletes from across South Africa gathered for the Oppikampus Let’sGo Potch Marathon 2025. The event, hosted at Cachet Park, once again delivered a celebration of endurance, community, and sporting excellence.
From the crack of dawn to the last finishers crossing the line, the atmosphere buzzed with determination and pride as runners took on distances ranging from 5 km fun runs to the grueling 42.2 km marathon. The event also served as an official Comrades Marathon and Two Oceans qualifier, adding extra motivation for elite and amateur athletes alike.
Marathon (42.2 KM): Potch Track Club Leads the Charge
In the premier 42.2 km event, Potch Track Club (PTC) dominated the field, claiming the top spot through Puseletso Mofokeng, who clocked an impressive 2:30:22. Mofokeng’s consistent pace, averaging 3:33 minutes per kilometer, earned him a comfortable lead over Thabang Mosiako, who finished just 39 seconds behind.
Veteran runner Peter Mthubi showcased his enduring form, securing third with a time of 2:31:32, while strong performances from Kroonstad Multisport, Team Vitality Club CG, and Promosa AC highlighted the diversity of clubs represented at this year’s event.
The marathon not only tested endurance but also served as a display of tactical pacing and local athletic depth, a clear indicator of Potchefstroom’s growing prominence as a racing hub.
(See full 42.2 km results table above.)
🥇 42.2 KM MARATHON – TOP 10 RESULTS
Pos. | Bib No. | Finish Time | Participant | Category | Club | Country | 14.8 km | 21.1 km | 36 km | Pace |
1 | 294 | 2:30:22 | Puseletso Mofokeng | Senior - Male 20–39 | Potch Track Club (PTC) | South Africa | 54:32 | 22:36 | 51:38 | 3:33 min/km |
2 | 430 | 2:31:01 | Thabang Mosiako | Senior - Male 20–39 | — | South Africa | 54:34 | 22:37 | 51:41 | 3:34 min/km |
3 | 282 | 2:31:32 | Peter Mthubi | Veteran - Male 40–49 | — | South Africa | 54:55 | 22:14 | 52:23 | 3:35 min/km |
4 | 148 | 2:34:44 | Joseph Majoro | Senior - Male 20–39 | — | South Africa | 54:34 | 22:37 | 54:41 | 3:40 min/km |
5 | 277 | 2:39:55 | Papi Noge | Senior - Male 20–39 | — | South Africa | 54:31 | 22:36 | 57:30 | 3:47 min/km |
6 | 508 | 2:43:22 | Bakang Kgokong | Senior - Male 20–39 | Nedbank Running Club CG | South Africa | 54:33 | 22:37 | 58:54 | 3:52 min/km |
7 | 216 | 2:43:37 | Marthinus Wilken | Veteran - Male 40–49 | Kroonstad Multisport | South Africa | 56:41 | 23:59 | 58:36 | 3:52 min/km |
8 | 417 | 2:44:42 | William Mogodi | Senior - Male 20–39 | — | South Africa | 54:32 | 22:38 | 58:55 | 3:54 min/km |
9 | 367 | 2:46:13 | Teboho Simon Mokoena | Veteran - Male 40–49 | Team Vitality Club CG | South Africa | 55:59 | 23:42 | 1:00:57 | 3:56 min/km |
10 | 330 | 2:46:53 | Shadrack Hoff | Master - Male 50–59 | Promosa AC | South Africa | 54:28 | 22:40 | 1:01:40 | 3:57 min/km |
Half Marathon (21.1 KM): Speed, Strategy, and Strong Finishes
The half marathon was a thrilling display of speed and stamina, with Joel Mmone from Nedbank Running Club Central North taking top honors in 1:06:37. Hot on his heels was Mohau Rasogo, followed closely by Tumisang Monnatlala of Potch Track Club (PTC), both finishing within a minute of the leader.
The women’s competition also saw standout performances from Florence Nyaingiri and Cornelia Joubert of Boxer Athletic Club, both placing in the top ten overall, an impressive feat in a field dominated by male elite runners.
The top finishers displayed outstanding pacing consistency, with all ten athletes maintaining averages between 3:09 and 3:45 min/km, reinforcing the strength of South Africa’s middle-distance running circuit.
(See full 21.1 km results table above.)
🥈 21.1 KM HALF MARATHON – TOP 10 RESULTS
Pos. | Bib No. | Finish Time | Participant | Category | Club | Country | 14.8 km | Pace |
1 | 781 | 1:06:37 | Joel Mmone | Senior - Male 20–39 | Nedbank Running Club Central North | South Africa | 47:00 | 3:09 min/km |
2 | 978 | 1:07:36 | Mohau Rasogo | Senior - Male 20–39 | — | South Africa | 47:31 | 3:12 min/km |
3 | 1166 | 1:07:41 | Tumisang Monnatlala | Senior - Male 20–39 | Potch Track Club (PTC) | South Africa | 47:55 | 3:12 min/km |
4 | 170 | 1:08:04 | Kgosi Tsosane | Senior - Male 20–39 | — | South Africa | 47:38 | 3:13 min/km |
5 | 742 | 1:10:53 | Itumeleng Phala | Senior - Male 20–39 | — | South Africa | 50:24 | 3:21 min/km |
6 | 975 | 1:15:46 | Mogomotsi Segomelo | Senior - Male 20–39 | Potch Track Club (PTC) | South Africa | 53:11 | 3:35 min/km |
7 | 686 | 1:18:02 | Geordan Harris | Senior - Male 20–39 | NWU Pukke AC | South Africa | 54:13 | 3:41 min/km |
8 | 1160 | 1:18:29 | Tshenolo Dickens | Junior - Male 19 and Under | — | South Africa | 55:09 | 3:43 min/km |
9 | 675 | 1:18:32 | Florence Nyaingiri | Senior - Female 20–39 | — | South Africa | 55:10 | 3:43 min/km |
10 | 584 | 1:19:14 | Cornelia Joubert | Senior - Female 20–39 | Boxer Athletic Club | South Africa | 55:58 | 3:45 min/km |
10 KM Road Race: Pukke and PTC Neck-and-Neck
In the 10 km race, spectators were treated to one of the event’s tightest contests. Keanu Domingo from NWU Pukke AC narrowly edged out Dino Nako of Potch Track Club (PTC) by just one second, 30:21 to 30:22 , in a thrilling sprint finish.
The competition remained fierce down the leaderboard, with a string of sub-32-minute finishes from rising talents like Festus Talam, Avuma Pheza, and Mathomo Dithebe. The event showcased the healthy rivalry between the NWU and Potch running communities, both of which continue to produce top-tier athletes.
(See full 10 km results table above.)
🥉 10 KM ROAD RACE – TOP 10 RESULTS
Pos. | Bib No. | Finish Time | Participant | Category | Club | Country | Pace |
1 | 1557 | 30:21 | Keanu Domingo | Senior - Male 20–39 | NWU Pukke AC | South Africa | 3:02 min/km |
2 | 1361 | 30:22 | Dino Nako | Senior - Male 20–39 | Potch Track Club (PTC) | South Africa | 3:02 min/km |
3 | 1419 | 30:23 | Festus Talam | Senior - Male 20–39 | — | South Africa | — |
4 | 1204 | 31:25 | Aaron Moate | Senior - Male 20–39 | — | South Africa | 3:08 min/km |
5 | 1263 | 31:27 | Avuma Pheza | Junior - Male 19 and Under | NWU Pukke AC | South Africa | 3:08 min/km |
6 | 1648 | 31:28 | Mathomo Dithebe | Senior - Male 20–39 | NWU Pukke AC | South Africa | — |
7 | 1561 | 31:34 | Kenrace Kiprop | Senior - Male 20–39 | — | South Africa | 3:09 min/km |
8 | 1562 | 31:59 | Kgaugelo Rasogo | Senior - Male 20–39 | — | South Africa | 3:11 min/km |
9 | 1365 | 32:24 | Divan De Vries | Junior - Male 19 and Under | Potch Track Club (PTC) | South Africa | 3:14 min/km |
10 | 1777 | 33:07 | Robert Sabwengi | Veteran - Male 40–49 | — | South Africa | 3:18 min/km |
5 KM Timed Fun Run: Youth Talent Shines
The 5 km Timed Fun Run offered a glimpse into the region’s future stars, with Tiisetso Mokhoma from Nedbank Running Club CG securing first place in an astonishing 15:47, a pace of 3:09 min/km.
Local club pride ran deep as members from Potch Track Club (PTC) and NWU Pukke AC filled most of the top 10 spots, including standout finishes from Danielle Verster, Gustav von Westernhagen, and Juwan van Staden. Their times reflected both elite training and growing depth among junior athletes representing Potchefstroom’s athletic programs.
(See full 5 km Timed Fun Run results table above.)
🏃♀️ 5 KM TIMED FUN RUN – TOP 10 RESULTS
Pos. | Bib No. | Finish Time | Participant | Category | Club | Country | Pace |
1 | 1868 | 15:47 | Tiisetso Mokhoma | Senior - Male 20–39 | Nedbank Running Club CG | South Africa | 3:09 min/km |
2 | 2019 | 16:15 | Lutho Timati | Junior - Male 19 and Under | Potch Track Club (PTC) | South Africa | 3:15 min/km |
3 | 1973 | 17:19 | Danielle Verster | Senior - Female 20–39 | NWU Pukke AC | South Africa | 3:27 min/km |
4 | 1987 | 17:24 | Gustav Von Westernhagen | Senior - Male 20–39 | Potch Track Club (PTC) | South Africa | 3:28 min/km |
5 | 2003 | 17:46 | Juwan Van Staden | Junior - Male 19 and Under | Potch Track Club (PTC) | South Africa | 3:33 min/km |
6 | 2066 | 18:05 | Thian Du Plessis | Junior - Male 19 and Under | Gimnasium Potchefstroom | South Africa | 3:37 min/km |
7 | 2038 | 18:07 | Migael Schoeman | Junior - Male 19 and Under | Potch Track Club (PTC) | South Africa | 3:37 min/km |
8 | 1979 | 18:20 | Duncan Fritz | Junior - Male 19 and Under | Namaste AC | South Africa | 3:40 min/km |
9 | 1998 | 18:30 | Janno Nel | Senior - Male 20–39 | — | South Africa | 3:42 min/km |
10 | 2054 | 20:22 | Ríchann Ellis | Junior - Male 19 and Under | — | South Africa | 4:04 min/km |
5 KM Run: Community and Participation at Its Best
The non-timed 5 km run embodied the community spirit of the marathon. Abigail Martin, a junior under 19, led the field with a time of 30:01, followed by Maryna van den Berg and Fané Wessels.
The run saw participation from runners of all ages, from juniors to veterans, reinforcing the event’s inclusive nature. While elite times were celebrated, the real victory lay in the smiles, camaraderie, and shared love for fitness that echoed through every step.
(See full 5 km Run results table above.)
🏃♀️ 5 KM RUN – TOP 10 RESULTS
Pos. | Bib No. | Finish Time | Participant | Category | Club | Country | Pace |
1 | 2079 | 30:01 | Abigail Martin | Junior - Female 19 and Under | — | South Africa | 6:00 min/km |
2 | 305 | 32:04 | Maryna Van Den Berg | Senior - Female 20–39 | — | South Africa | 6:24 min/km |
3 | 269 | 35:11 | Fané Wessels | Junior - Female 19 and Under | — | South Africa | 7:02 min/km |
4 | 2078 | 36:31 | Abby Van Rhyn | Senior - Female 20–39 | — | South Africa | 7:18 min/km |
5 | 194 | 39:50 | Faydene Fourie | Senior - Female 20–39 | — | South Africa | 7:58 min/km |
6 | 244 | 41:27 | Mlenagh Papier | Senior - Female 20–39 | — | South Africa | 8:17 min/km |
7 | 368 | 41:34 | Lisa Claasen | Senior - Female 20–39 | — | South Africa | 8:18 min/km |
8 | 168 | 44:46 | Zane Mulder | Junior - Female 19 and Under | — | South Africa | 8:57 min/km |
9 | 155 | 44:57 | Maritza Mulder | Veteran - Female 40–49 | — | South Africa | 8:59 min/km |
10 | 152 | 44:57 | Werner Mulder | Veteran - Male 40–49 | — | South Africa | 8:59 min/km |
Community Spirit and Organisational Success
This year’s Oppikampus Let’sGo Potch Marathon once again cemented its place as one of North West’s signature running events. The collaboration between local clubs, sponsors, and volunteers ensured seamless coordination, while the turnout reflected a community united by sport.
The event’s success highlights Potchefstroom’s ability to host top-tier athletic competitions that not only attract elite performers but also inspire everyday runners to push their limits.
Potch Painted in Racing Pride
From sunrise sprints to marathon triumphs, the Oppikampus Let’sGo Potch Marathon 2025 was more than just a race, it was a showcase of passion, resilience, and the enduring spirit of athletic excellence.
As the final runners crossed the finish line and cheers echoed across Cachet Park, one thing was clear: Potchefstroom has once again proven itself a powerhouse in South African road running.
#TheGoToGuy #OppikampusMarathon #LetsGoPotch #PotchefstroomAthletics #NWUPukkeAC #PotchTrackClub #NedbankRunners
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