THE 2012 Comrades Marathon runners-up ensured their bridesmaids' tags were shed in style with superb finishes.
Bongmusa Mthembu gave KwaZulu-Natal a reason to celebrate, becoming the first racer born in the province to win the marathon since 1995, also becoming the youngest winner in nine years.
The biggest shock was that of Elena Nurgalieva, who was unable to match Bruce Fordyce's record of nine titles. She was beaten to the post by impressive Brit Eleanor Greenwood, who also won her maiden title.
Greenwood's time of 6: 18.15 was slower than her 2012 second place time of 6:08.24, but paced herself well after letting theNurgalieva siblings dictate much of the running.
The women's section did not have a lot of South African flavour, with Caroline Wostmann coming in at number six, followed by the evergreen Zola Budd-Pieterse. Martinique Potgieter and Julanie Basson wrapped up the top 10.
Mthembu's time of 5:28.34 was not a particularly fast one, but on a punishing down-run, it was the mark of a well-timed tactical run from the Nedbank team, which also saw Ludwick Mamabolo finishing second in a time of 5:33.14. He may not have won, as for most of the time he looked to be running within himself, but it marked a succinct dominance by local runners, sealing the top three places and six of the top 10 spots.
Gift Kelehe could not reprise his brother Andrew's 2001 win, but he made the most of Pinetown's unforgiving descents in a time of 5:34.39.
In a brave performance, the three-time winner Stephen Muzhingi finished fourth in a time of 5:35.18.
The win, Mthembu's third gold medal, also marked his inexorable ascent to the throne, having finished third in 2010 and second in 2012.
For the best part of the race, Mthembu never looked like being part of the top 10, but once the leading pack reached the halfway mark at Drummond, he applied some superb tactics, making the most of the Cowies Hill descent with its steep gradient.
Super Mthembu wins Comrades for KZN
THE 2012 Comrades Marathon runners-up ensured their bridesmaids' tags were shed in style with superb finishes.
Bongmusa Mthembu gave KwaZulu-Natal a reason to celebrate, becoming the first racer born in the province to win the marathon since 1995, also becoming the youngest winner in nine years.
The biggest shock was that of Elena Nurgalieva, who was unable to match Bruce Fordyce's record of nine titles. She was beaten to the post by impressive Brit Eleanor Greenwood, who also won her maiden title.
Greenwood's time of 6: 18.15 was slower than her 2012 second place time of 6:08.24, but paced herself well after letting theNurgalieva siblings dictate much of the running.
The women's section did not have a lot of South African flavour, with Caroline Wostmann coming in at number six, followed by the evergreen Zola Budd-Pieterse. Martinique Potgieter and Julanie Basson wrapped up the top 10.
Mthembu's time of 5:28.34 was not a particularly fast one, but on a punishing down-run, it was the mark of a well-timed tactical run from the Nedbank team, which also saw Ludwick Mamabolo finishing second in a time of 5:33.14. He may not have won, as for most of the time he looked to be running within himself, but it marked a succinct dominance by local runners, sealing the top three places and six of the top 10 spots.
Gift Kelehe could not reprise his brother Andrew's 2001 win, but he made the most of Pinetown's unforgiving descents in a time of 5:34.39.
In a brave performance, the three-time winner Stephen Muzhingi finished fourth in a time of 5:35.18.
The win, Mthembu's third gold medal, also marked his inexorable ascent to the throne, having finished third in 2010 and second in 2012.
For the best part of the race, Mthembu never looked like being part of the top 10, but once the leading pack reached the halfway mark at Drummond, he applied some superb tactics, making the most of the Cowies Hill descent with its steep gradient.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos