Onalenna Khonkhobe has gone from pacemaker to major contender and believes he can challenge the world's best in the Comrades Marathon Up Run.
Onalenna Khonkhobe may have arrived at Thursday's elite athletes' press conference armed with a joke, but there is little doubt that one of South Africa's most exciting ultramarathon talents is being taken deadly seriously ahead of Sunday's Comrades Marathon.
Representing the powerhouse Nedbank Running Club, the runner affectionately known as the "Head of the Table" had the media room laughing when he playfully questioned whether he would be given pride of place at the main table among the pre-race favourites. Behind the good-natured humour, however, sits a ruthless athlete who has quickly established himself as one of the country's genuine podium contenders.
Khonkhobe first experienced the unique crucible of the Comrades Marathon as an elite pacemaker, selflessly pulling the field along to help others chase their respective time goals in the Ultimate Human Race. It was not long, however, before he emerged as a formidable contender in his own right.
His official breakthrough came during the 2023 edition, where he clocked a superb 5:59:08 to earn a prestigious Wally Hayward Medal and announce his arrival to the broader distance-running community. Since then, the 28-year-old has continued to assemble an incredibly impressive professional résumé.
