Kenyan ultra-marathoner Jesse Njoroge is gearing up for a major challenge as he sets his sights on breaking the Soweto Marathon course record of 2:16:28, which has stood since 2012.
Scheduled to compete on November 3, Jesse Njoroge is confident that this year’s race will be his best performance yet.
After overcoming injury setbacks, Njoroge’s goal is clear: to smash the course record and secure victory in one of South Africa’s most prestigious marathons.
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Last year, Njoroge finished in 28th place at the Soweto Marathon, crossing the line in 2:33:09—well behind local champion Mphakathi Ntsindiso, who clocked 2:19:13. Despite the challenges, Njoroge sees that race as a learning experience.
Now better acclimatized to the course and conditions, he is determined to improve on that result.
“My goal is clear—to break the course record. I’ve learned from last year’s race, and I’m much more prepared this time,” Jesse Njoroge remarked.
This renewed confidence comes from his recent performance at the World Masters Athletics Championships in Sweden, where he claimed a bronze medal in the 5,000m M40 category with a time of 14:50.53.
His bronze medal finish has provided a significant morale boost, reinforcing his belief that he can compete at the highest level.
Jesse Njoroge admits that his first attempt at the Soweto Marathon came with challenges he hadn’t anticipated.
The weather, the undulating course, and his lack of acclimatization to the conditions affected his performance. “It was my first time running the Soweto course, and I hadn’t fully acclimatized. But this time, I’m ready,” he reflected.
The Soweto Marathon is known for its tough course, with high altitudes and rolling hills. For any marathoner, it is a true test of endurance and strategy.
But Jesse Njoroge feels that with the experience of last year’s race under his belt, he can overcome these obstacles and make a serious push for the course record.
Part of his confidence comes from the adjustments he’s made to his training. Over the past few weeks, Jesse Njoroge has been focusing on long-distance runs, covering 35-45 kilometers daily in the hills of Ngong.
As he nears the final month of preparation, he plans to ramp up his speed work. “I’ve started long runs, and hopefully, this week I’ll add speed work because there’s only one month left to prepare,” he said.
While Jesse Njoroge’s recent form has been impressive, his journey hasn’t been without challenges. At the World Masters Athletics Championships in Sweden, after claiming bronze in the 5,000m, Njoroge suffered a muscle tear during the 10km road race.
Leading the race comfortably, the injury forced him to slow down dramatically, and he ultimately finished 76th with a time of 35:25.
“I suffered a muscle tear in the 10km road race after the 5,000m. It cost me a gold medal because I was ahead of the pack, but I had to walk slowly to the finish line,” Njoroge recalled.Since returning to Kenya, Njoroge has been focused on recovery. “I’ve been managing the injury since coming back home, and I’m steadily regaining full fitness. My body is getting stronger every day, and I’m confident I’ll be ready for Soweto,” he added.
Despite the setback in Sweden, Jesse Njoroge is drawing motivation from his podium finish at the World Masters. “The bronze medal is a huge source of inspiration. It’s a reminder that I have what it takes to achieve great results, and it’s pushing me to do even better in Soweto,” he said.
The 5,000m bronze medal was a significant achievement for Jesse Njoroge, as he finished just behind some of the top masters athletes in the world. Mexico’s Juan Luis claimed gold in the event with a time of 14:29.44, while Spain’s Pedro Javier took silver in 14:43.76.
Jesse Njoroge’s performance against these international competitors has only heightened his belief that he can achieve greatness in the ultra-marathon world.
Eyeing the Ksh1.8 Million Prize
Breaking the Soweto Marathon course record would not only be a career-defining moment for Jesse Njoroge, but it would also bring substantial financial rewards. The winner of the marathon stands to pocket Ksh1.8 million, a prize that adds extra incentive to Njoroge’s quest for victory.
“I’m motivated by the prize, of course, but it’s more about proving to myself and others that I can push my limits and achieve something remarkable,” he said.
While his focus is squarely on the Soweto Marathon, Jesse Njoroge has also set his sights on the 54th edition of the Two Oceans Ultra Marathon, which is scheduled for April 2025. The 56km race, one of the most challenging ultra-marathons in the world, is another target Njoroge is eager to conquer.
“I’ve always dreamed of running the Two Oceans Ultra Marathon, and after Soweto, I’ll shift my training focus towards that race. It’s a big goal for me next year,” he revealed.
For now, though, Jesse Njoroge’s primary goal is clear: to conquer Soweto, break the course record, and prove that his comeback is complete. As he trains and prepares for the race, his eyes are fixed on victory, and his determination is unwavering.
With less than a month to go, Jesse Njoroge is entering the final phase of his preparations. And for fans eager to see if he can achieve his goal, platforms like Jambobet offer live betting options, allowing them to follow every step of the race as it happens.
