Local hero Bongmusa Mthembu claimed victory in a time of five hours 35 minutes and 34 seconds at the Comrades Marathon ‘up-run’ from Durban to Pietermaritzburg on Sunday.
Zimbabwean Hatiwande Nyamande took second in a time of 5:38:48, while former champion Gift Kelehe was third in 5:41:48.
Another former champion crossed the line in the top four, with Ludwick Mamabolo placing fourth in 5:42:40.
Charles Tjiane, who led at halfway, claimed fifth place in 5:45:26.
Mthembu adds the 2017 title to his victory in the 2014 Comrades to complete the ‘down-run’ and ‘up-run’ double.
He takes home R425 000 for the win and will also earn bonus prize money as the first South African home and as the first KZN athlete across the finish line. That should take his earnings to well over R500 000.
– African News Agency (ANA)
