18/11/2025
MEDIA STATEMENT
Media Update: Diamond and Dorings Kimberley Big Hole Marathon
For Immediate Release
Kimberley, 18 November 2025
Preparations for the much-anticipated Diamond and Dorings Kimberley Big Hole Marathon, taking place on Saturday, 22 November 2025, are at an advanced stage.
The inaugural event has already attracted almost 2 300 participants and is officially recognised as a qualifier for both the Comrades Marathon and the Two Oceans Marathon, marking a significant milestone for the region.
Local Economic Impact
In support of local economic development, organisers have ensured that two-thirds of all race-related goods and services are procured locally. This guarantees that Kimberley-based businesses benefit directly from the event, strengthening the local economy while enhancing community involvement.
Operational Readiness
Preparations on the ground are progressing well. The race route is fully certified, and extensive readiness and maintenance work is under way to ensure world-class standards of safety and quality for both athletes and spectators. Approximately 30 water points will be positioned along the route to keep runners adequately hydrated.
Safety remains a central priority, with a robust security plan in place, including strong police visibility and comprehensive safety measures across the marathon footprint.
Marathon Expo
The excitement extends beyond race day. A four-day programme begins on Tuesday, 18 November 2025, with the opening of the Marathon Expo at the Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre. The Expo will serve as the central hub for race pack collection for athletes participating in the Marathon, as well as the 5 km, 10 km, and 21 km events that form part of this inaugural celebration of road running in Kimberley.
Elite Athlete Line-Up
The Marathon has drawn a powerful contingent of elite athletes from across the African continent.
Men’s elite field:
Tete Dijana (South Africa) – 2025 Comrades Marathon champion
Onalenna Khonkhobe (South Africa)
Lucky Mohale (South Africa)
Joel Mmone (South Africa)
Namakoe Nkhasie (Lesotho)
Daniel Paulus (Namibia)
Jesaja Matheus (Namibia)
Ndahangwanasho Nghilyeendele (Namibia)
Local favourite: Arthur Jantjies (Kimberley) Women’s elite field:
Dikeledi Majara (Lesotho)
Meseret Biru Fita (Ethiopia)
Siftolina Daba Chemenda (Ethiopia)
Prize Money
The prize purse underscores the event’s stature. The men’s and women’s overall winners will each receive R200 000, while second and third places will earn R70 000 and R30 000 respectively. Prize money extends to the top 10 finishers in the 42.2 km event, and the leading performers in the 5 km, 10 km, and 21 km races will also be rewarded.
An additional R50 000 incentive has been allocated for the first Northern Cape male and female finishers affiliated with Athletics Griqualand West or the North West Cape Federation.
Road Use Advisory
Residents and motorists are advised that several intersections along the race route will be affected by marathon activity. Roads will not necessarily be closed but will be manned by traffic officials to ensure traffic flow and runner safety.
The main routes affected include:
Oliver Road, Landbou Road, R31 towards Barkly West, Green Street, Sechowareng, Hulana Road, Seleke Street, Barkly Road, Cecil Sussman Road, Phakamile Mabija Road, Hull Street (Boshoff Road), and Long Street.
The organising committee appeals for patience and cooperation from the public and encourages community members living along the route to come out and cheer the runners, showcasing the warm hospitality for which Kimberley is renowned.
Broadcast Information
To ensure nationwide access, the 2025 Diamond and Dorings Kimberley Big Hole Marathon will be broadcast live on SABC Sport from 05h00 to 10h00.
Media Briefing by the Premier
The Premier of the Northern Cape, Dr. Zamani Saul, will address the media on Friday, 21 November 2025, regarding state of the Diamond and Dorings Kimberley Big Hole Marathon
Details:
Date: Friday, 21 November 2025
Time: 10:00
Venue: Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre, Kimberley
/source:conradfortune
