Running the Soweto Marathon had been a long-held dream for Mapaseka Makhanya but she never imagined it would turn into such an emotional 42km when she eventually made her debut in the popular kasi race and took second place yesterday.

Makhanya, 32, finished in two hours, 44 minutes behind compatriot Irvette van Zyl for a South African 1-2 - a rare double victory. It was also the first time in eight years that a local woman won since Ren Kalmer's victory in 2009.

On a more personal note, Makhanya dedicated her medal - which came with a R120 000 runner-up purse - to her younger brother, 26, who is recovering from a car accident.

"My little brother was involved in a very bad car accident on September 22 and I passed through the spot where their car rolled over on Koma Road in Molapo," said Makhanya, who was born in Naledi.

"I have never been at the accident scene before and, today [yesterday] through the race, brought so much emotions in me and I was doing it for him," she added.

Makhanya lost five weeks of training time owing to hospital visits.

That her mom was among the cheerleaders alongside the street made it even more soul-stirring. She also paid tribute to the residents, saying they pushed her over the line.

"My mom was in Jabulani and she screamed at me as I passed through. She has never watched me race live before. I had goose bumps because people were shouting my name along the streets. People took me through the marathon and if it wasn't for them, I wouldn't have finished second."

Makhanya could have won it but her lack of fitness saw her lose to Van Zyl.

"It was about time we reclaim victory in our own race. Soweto Marathon is an iconic race and I'm so proud of Irvette," said Makhanya, who turned down an invitation to run the Shanghai Marathon in China on Sunday in favour of her hometown race.