This weekend, against the dramatic silhouette of South Africa’s most iconic mountain range, South African ultra-trail running elites Kennedy Sekhuthe and Nicolette Griffioen were crowned champions of the RMB Ultra-trail Drakensberg (RMB UTD) Miler. The pair conquered 163 relentless kilometres across the wild highlands of Lesotho and the rugged spines of the Southern Drakensberg
Trail runners from across the globe converged in the Southern Drakensberg this weekend to compete in one of Africa’s most challenging and majestic trail running events. The competition attracted international elite ultrarunners alongside exceptional local South African talent, creating a fiercely competitive yet supportive atmosphere that showcased the finest aspects of trail running culture.
The event commenced with the ultimate test of human endurance, the UTD Miler (160km), beginning at 10:00 on Friday, 26 April 2025, from the rooftop of Southern Africa, Lesotho. The first section of the relentless 163-kilometre route took runners on a loop along the remote Lesotho highlands guided by Basotho shepherds on horseback, before traversing the rugged spines of the southern Drakensberg escarpment. These athletes battled isolation, altitude, and challenging weather conditions before re-entering South Africa via Sani Pass at nightfall.
Just over 24 hours later, on Saturday morning, after dominating the lead position throughout, Kennedy Sekhuthe, a police constable from Roodepoort, entered Race Village to claim victory in an emotionally charged but decisive finish (25:08:26). Veteran miler Martin Malherbe crossed the finish line in second place, having secured this position in the early hours of Saturday morning and maintaining it to the finish (25:38:58).
Hot on Malherbe’s heels, leading the women throughout the race, the remarkable Nicolette Griffioen crossed the finish line in third place overall (25:56:06), successfully defending her 2024 UTD Miler women’s crown. Throughout the race, she battled with Matthew Thomson (4th in 26:33:21) and Matthew Cross (5th in 28:27:08).
By lunchtime, Race Village was buzzing with excitement as the GCU65 (Giant’s Cup Ultra) elites approached the finish. In this heavily contested and fast-paced race, which began at 07:00 from the Silverstream Trading Post, last year’s UTD Miler men’s winner, Zimbabwean Admire Muzopambwa, stormed to the finish line (06:01:44). Muzopambwa approached the race strategically, pacing himself and waiting for the perfect moment to surge ahead. In a close second-place finish, Mvuyisi Gcogco crossed the line (06:18:27), just four minutes ahead of Kyle Bucklow, who claimed third place (06:22:11).
The women’s GCU65 race was dominated by French athletes, with Olivia Dubern delivering a masterclass, blending bold pacing with technical brilliance to take the women’s title, placing 7th overall (07:08:28). Fellow French competitor Victoria Devouge secured second place and 11th overall (07:31:17). South African Ruth Cozien claimed third place, crossing the finish line seven minutes later (07:38:22).
As evening descended and temperatures dropped, athletes competing in the UTD100 approached an electric race village. This 100km race, tracing raw ridgelines, steep escarpments, and sweeping valleys, was dominated by Thato Kabeli, who led from the start. When it mattered most, he broke away—finishing with unstoppable strength to claim the RMB UTD100 title (11:53:33). South African Nicholaas Du Plessis secured second place (13:45:15), while third place was shared by international athletes Andre Gayraud from the US and Jesse Bonwitt from Germany (13:53:47).
In the women’s UTD100 category, defending champion Melissa Laing retained her title, being the first woman to cross the finish line (14:28:23). Neelke Stadler took second place (16:05:00), followed by Australian Ayesha Makim-Specker (16:49:07).
RMB UTD pushing the boundaries of human endurance
What sets RMB UTD apart is the extraordinary challenge it presents, pushing the boundaries of human endurance. This year, each of the five distances, whilst challenging, caters to various experience levels. Athletes navigate technical rocky paths, river crossings, and breathtaking high-altitude sections where weather conditions can transform in moments. The routes showcase the Drakensberg’s iconic features—Sani Pass, the legendary Giant’s Cup Hiking Trail, and sections along the escarpment offering spectacular panoramic views into neighbouring Lesotho.
“Ultra-trail running isn’t just a sport; it’s a journey of self-discovery. Our courses through the Drakensberg push runners to their limits while surrounding them with some of the most awe-inspiring scenery on the planet. From the jagged peaks to the hidden valleys, these routes offer a true test of endurance and willpower,” says Stuart McConnachie from Summit Events and Race Director for RMB Ultra-trail Cape Town.
From humble beginnings in 2017 with just 250 participants, the event has experienced steady growth to welcome nearly 1,000 athletes across five breathtaking races. This remarkable expansion reflects trail running’s surging popularity as South Africa’s fastest-growing sport. For the first time this year, the event secured a title sponsor, Rand Merchant Bank (RMB), resulting in an increase in the total prize pot to R161,000 with equal distribution between men and women.
“Having RMB on board is a game-changer for UTD and will allow us to elevate the event to the next level. With RMB’s support, we can improve all facets of the UTD experience for all athletes, enhance the prize money for the elites, and increase the levels of support we can offer our conservation partners. It allows UTD to come of age on the South African trail landscape,” says UTD Founder and Race Director, Spurgeon Flemington.
2025 Winners
UTD MILER MEN
|
Position |
Name |
Finish |
Country |
|
1 |
Kennedy Sekhuthe |
25:08:26 |
South Africa |
|
2 |
Martin Malherbe |
25:38:58 |
South Africa |
|
3 |
Matthew Thomson |
26:33:21 |
South Africa |
UTD MILER WOMEN
|
Position |
Name |
Finish |
Country |
|
1 |
Nicolette Griffioen |
25:56:06 |
South Africa |
|
2 |
Cecilia Ballam |
37:19:02 |
South Africa |
|
2 |
Carien De Bruyn |
37:19:02 |
South Africa |
|
2 |
Cornel Metcalfe |
37:19:02 |
South Africa |
UTD100 MEN
|
Position |
Name |
Finish |
Country |
|
1 |
Thato Kabeli |
11:53:33 |
South Africa |
|
2 |
Nicholaas Du Plessis |
13:45:15 |
South Africa |
|
3 |
Andre Gayraud |
13:53:47 |
United States |
|
3 |
Jesse Bonwitt |
13:53:47 |
Germany |
UTD100 WOMEN
|
Position |
Name |
Finish |
Country |
|
1 |
Melissa Laing |
14:28:23 |
South Africa |
|
2 |
Neelke Stadler |
16:05:00 |
South Africa |
|
3 |
Ayesha Makim-Specker |
16:49:07 |
Australia |
GCU65 MEN
|
Position |
Name |
Finish |
Country |
|
1 |
Admire Muzopambwa |
6:01:44 |
Zimbabwe |
|
2 |
Mvuyisi Gcogco |
6:18:27 |
South Africa |
|
3 |
Kyle Bucklow |
6:22:11 |
South Africa |
GCU65 WOMEN
|
Position |
Name |
Finish |
Country |
|
1 |
Olivia Dubern |
7:08:28 |
France |
|
2 |
Victoria Devouge |
7:31:17 |
France |
|
3 |
Ruth Cozien |
7:38:22 |
South Africa |
SDR36 MEN
|
Position |
Name |
Finish |
Country |
|
1 |
Robbie Rorich |
3:10:51 |
South Africa |
|
2 |
Kane Reilly |
3:15:10 |
South Africa |
|
3 |
Bongani Mbanjwa |
3:22:18 |
South Africa |
SDR36 WOMEN
|
Position |
Name |
Finish |
Country |
|
1 |
Samantha Reilly |
3:32:01 |
South Africa |
|
2 |
Nicola Vahrmeijer |
4:07:33 |
South Africa |
|
3 |
Mari Rabie |
4:10:54 |
South Africa |
DRJ25 MEN
|
Position |
Name |
Finish |
Country |
|
1 |
Eric Ngubane |
2:12:13 |
South Africa |
|
2 |
Brode Gleeson |
2:15:22 |
South Africa |
|
3 |
Mdu Dlamini |
2:19:22 |
South Africa |
DRJ WOMEN
|
Position |
Name |
Finish |
Country |
|
1 |
Mila Geldenhuys |
2:33:54 |
South Africa |
|
2 |
Nita Van Rensburg |
3:06:36 |
South Africa |
|
3 |
Liesbeth Slabbert |
3:06:37 |
South Africa |