Q: Hi Joseph, well done on your recent second place at Soweto Marathon, superb achievement. It was a 02:18:54 that you ran. Was a tough battle that you had with Onalenna Khonkhobe, who has had an incredible year. You must be happy with your performance?
A: Thank you! I am really pleased with my performance at Soweto Marathon. It was a challenging race, especially going head-to-head with someone as talented as Onalenna Khonkhobe. Finishing with a 2:18:54 was a great result, and it’s always motivating to compete at such a high level.
Q:How are you enjoying your time with Hollywood Bets Athletics Club?
A: I’ve been thoroughly enjoying my time with the Hollywood Bets Athletics Club. The support from the club and my teammates has been fantastic, and it has made a real difference in my training and race preparation. Being a part of a team that values athletes so highly is a privilege and really helps me level up my performances.
Q: You were wearing the Under Armour Velociti Elite shoes when you ran the race, tell us how these shoes make you feel? How are you finding the carbon plates work for your style of running?
A: The Velociti Elite shoes have helped me take it to the limit a lot more for a lot longer. The carbon plate works seamlessly with my running style, offering the right amount of propulsion without feeling too rigid. They feel fast, responsive, and give me the confidence to push harder in races.
Q: What would your advice be to the standard marathon runner out there, running a marathon between 4 -6 hours on carbon plated shoes, should they buy them, or would you recommend they stay in shoes without carbon plates and your reasons for this?
A: For marathoners running between 4–6 hours, I would say carbon-plated shoes can be beneficial if you are comfortable with the investment. However, they work best for those who have trained with them and can use the propulsion effectively. If not, a good pair of traditional trainers might be more forgiving and comfortable for longer durations.
Q: You are obviously racing in the Under Armour Velociti Elite shoes, which shoes do you do your daily runs and high mileage in?
A: For daily training and high mileage, I use the Under Armour’s HOVR Infinite range. They are durable, offer great cushioning, and keep my legs feeling fresh even after long runs. Having a reliable training shoe is key to staying injury-free and consistent.
Q: What is the next big focus race for you in South Africa from a racing point of view, as we move into a quiet time on the racing calendar?
A: As we enter the quieter part of the racing calendar, my next big focus will be on the Two Oceans Marathon. This quiet time provides me with an opportunity to refine my training and strategy as I aim to build on the momentum and achievements of this year’s and push further to elevate my performance to new level.
Q: Under Armour is making great strides in the road running market, why should someone who has run in other brands give them a try?
A: Under Armour has really stepped up in road running. Their focus on innovation, comfort, and performance is evident in the Velociti Elite and other models. For anyone hesitant, I’d recommend trying them—you’ll notice the difference in how responsive and well-engineered their shoes are.