Zimbabwe’s Nobuhle Tshuma crawls to Two Oceans Marathon bronze

Zimbabwe’s Nobuhle Tshuma crawls to Two Oceans Marathon bronze

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Zimbabwean long-distance runner Nobuhle Nobunkosi Tshuma drew widespread attention at the 2026 Two Oceans Marathon in South Africa after she collapsed close to the finish line and crawled the final metres to secure third place in the women’s race.

According to a report carried by NewZimbabwe.com sourced from CAJ News, Tshuma completed the 56km race in 3:38:34 to claim the bronze medal and a prize of R100,000 (about US$6,000). The report said she did not speak publicly after the race.

The women’s race was won by South Africa’s Gerda Steyn, who took a record-extending seventh consecutive title in 3:27:43. Kenya’s Margaret Jepchumba finished second in 3:33:31.

Witnesses quoted in the report described the crowd’s reaction as shifting from competition to concern as Tshuma struggled in the final stretch, with spectators, officials and medical personnel responding as she made her way over the line on her hands and knees.

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Online, Tshuma’s finish sparked an outpouring of reaction, with social media users sharing messages of admiration for her determination. One commentator, Asign Muraga, wrote: “If you can’t run, walk…..if you can’t walk…….crawl……if you can’t crawl find a way to keep going……don’t stop.”

Sheunesu Chinyama Tshuma commented: “I had some tears in my eyes for this girl, I felt her determination, well done my girl.” Valentine Dube added: “56km was a lot to give up at such distance, despite that the legs surrendered, the spirit kept the fight.”

Other reactions included Antony Muraho’s post: “Money in the bank and a medal to crawl with pride,” while Epiphania Happiness Madzonga wrote: “Why am I crying thank you Sister.” Sehlie Dube Mlalazi said: “I can’t even run 5 minutes. Well done Nobuhle,” and Lenox Mhlanga added: “She did us (Zimbabweans) proud! This is the real story of the Two Oceans. True grit and determination.”

In the men’s race, South Africa’s Arthur Jantjies won in 3:09:25, with Onalenna Khonkhobe second in 3:10:00. Zimbabwe’s Blessing Waison finished third in 3:11:13, according to the same report.

The Two Oceans Marathon is one of the best-known ultra-distance road races in the region, and Zimbabwean athletics followers have continued to share Tshuma’s finish as an example of persistence under severe physical strain.

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