BRINGING IT HOME:
Two Oceans Marathon winner Lungile Gongqa and his wife, Ivy, at their home in Khayelitsha. Gongqa is the only Cape Town athlete to win the 56km marathon since Don Hartley in 1973.
THIS year’s winner of the Two Oceans Marathon returned from his greatest triumph to his humble home in Khayelitsha and spent the next 24 hours celebrating.
Lungile Gongqa had beaten all the odds to cross the finish line in first place in a time of 03:09:43.
Gongqa was born and bred in Engcobo in the Eastern Cape but moved to Cape Town in 2009 to pursue his passion for athletics. While in the Eastern Cape he represented the Transkei region.
He came to Cape Town to participate in various races up until he joined the Nedbank running club where he represented Western Province.
“I have always had an interest in athletics as I started running in primary school. It was a sport I enjoyed taking part in,” said Gongqa.
In 2004, he won his first race for which he received a T-shirt and R50 prize money.
It was in that year he developed his love for marathons which he would often watch on TV. Two years ago he participated in a marathon, and to his surprise came second.
Gongqa said: “I watched the Two Oceans last year. While I was seated in the grandstand I realised could win because I have speed.”
Last year, while hoping to qualify for the Rio Olympics, he made a vow he would race in this year’s Two Oceans.
“As a South African I realised we can also win the race. What used to be a dream has become a reality for me and my family,” said Gongqa.
“Winning the marathon will change our lives as we are renting this small flat, but we will soon be able to buy the house of our dreams,” said his wife Ivy.