SERGIO Motsoeneng, who pocketed R20000 after winning the Zululand District Muni-cipality ultra marathon at the weekend, says the race has prepared him mentally, physically and emotionally for the Comrades Marathon.

SERGIO Motsoeneng, who pocketed R20000 after winning the Zululand District Muni-cipality ultra marathon at the weekend, says the race has prepared him mentally, physically and emotionally for the Comrades Marathon.

The 32-year-old Central Gauteng Discovery Athletics Club runner won the 56km race with ease as he clocked 3hrs:24min on Sunday morning. Monica Kativu from Zimbabwe won the women's race and also scooped R20000.

"The race was perfect, and so was the course. It needed one to be well prepared as there were a lot of down and up runs, which put me in the right state of mind for the Comrades," Motsoeneng said. "I think I am ready for the Comrades. Everything comes from the commitment and the focus. I am focused and determined because I run for a living and with the support I get from my team, I hope for the best."

Before winning the Nongoma to Ulundi marathon, Motsoeneng won the Adidas marathon in February.

Men's top 10 finishers: Motsoeneng, Bongumusa Mthembu, Sandile Makhaye, Victor Ngubelanga, Vusi Sokhela, Albert Phungula, Jabulani Mabaso, Bongani Msimango, Arnold Motsoeneng and Justice Nkosi.

Women: Kativu, Jane Mudau, Onkemetse Nkane, Dimakatso Menong, Fikile Mbuthuma, Sarah Mahlangu, Paulina Phaho, Thobile Ngwane, Hleziphi Ncayiyana and Iris Ndlovu.