LVCC’s Mthethwa sets the bar at the Comrades
LVCC Nelspruit's Professa Mthethwa (open) was the fastest runner of the local clubs as he placed 23rd overall out of 17 031 participants in a time of 06:04:27 at the 86-kilometre Comrades Marathon up-run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg on Sunday.
In 2015 the 23-year-old ran a time of 06:54:00 and completed the downhill route last year in 07:03:00.
“My training programme changed and my hard work paid off. But eish! I am struggling with finances. If I had the necessary supplements, I would have definitely finished in the top 10. That is what I am aiming for next year. But overall I am very happy with my performance,” said Mthethwa.
Coach Butterfly Sibiya says that Mthethwa will return to the Lowveld with a gold medal in the near future.
“He is very new in the sport and I have coached him since 2015. He is still very young and had a lot of energy on Sunday.
I am so happy about his performance. Next year we are hoping for under six hours,” said Sibiya.
Hlatshwayo Lovers (open), also a member in the green colours, completed his 10th Comrades in a time of 06:35:06.
A total of 13 853 runners completed one of the world’s oldest and longest ultra-marathons.
Manda Gomes (LVCC) conquered her first-ever Comrades in a time of 09:20:52 – the fastest woman of the local clubs.
“Words from my husband which he gave to me in a key-ring form just before the race which I will cherish forever: ‘Life is Tough my Darling but so are you’. I sprained my ankle at 40 kilometres to go and I thought that was the end for me.
Also read: Locals shine in a grueling Comrades
“These words and a prayer to my Saviour, including everyone’s enormous love and support got me through the race. I would like to take a moment to thank each and every person who supported me, but most of all my God for giving me the privilege to finish the race,” said Gomes.
December Mashaba (40+) of Nelspruit Marathon Club earned his green number and was the first man in his category of all the local clubs to cross the finish line. He ran a time of 07:55:45.
Legogote’s Moris Maiga, Henry Dibakwane, Njabulo Mahlambi, Nkhensani Rihlamfu and Elijah Mantshi all achieved a Bill Rowan medal this year. Grant Bosman completed his 20th Comrades and was awarded his double green number. Christine Stoppel-Grove was Legogote’s top woman, finishing in 10 hours and 11 minutes.
Photos: www.jetlineactionphoto.com
