Silver medals for Menzi and Mavela at Comrades Marathon ‘Down Run’
The race can bring out the very best in human tenacity and camaraderie.
Quite why people want to run from Pietermaritzburg to Durban in half a day or less is quite beyond most couch potatoes.
But this won’t stop them (the couch potatoes) watching the runners put themselves through absolute agony as they complete – or hope to – the 90 odd kilometres between the two cities that is the annual Comrades Marathon.
ALSO READ: Flashback to 2017 Comrades Marathon
For some it looks easy, like defending champion Bongmusa Mthembu who won for the second year in a row.
He reached the finish line at Moses Mabhida Stadium in 5:26:39.
He was followed by another South African, Joseph Mphuthi in second spot in a time of 5:35:14.
For others it’s tough going, like those who have to withdraw, despite all the training.
More than 21 000 runners started the race, according to the Director of the Comrades Association.
Race stats show that the province of Gauteng had the most participants in the marathon with over 10 000 runners, followed by KwaZulu-Natal.
On the local front, Ugu Athletics Club was represented by 20 runners with 18 finishers. One did not finish and one did not start.
The club’s best result on the day was from novice Menzi Tshayiza who received a silver medal, finishing in a time of 7:03:42.
A total of 36 South Coast Striders made it to the end in one piece, with seven withdrawing during the race at various stages, including race legend Zwelitsha Tiger Gono who pulled out after 30km.
Gold medals go to the first 10 men and women.
After that it’s: Wally Hayward (sub six hours); silver (sub seven and a half hours); Bill Rowan (sub nine hours); bronze (sub 11 hours) and Vic Clapham (sub 12 hours).
RESULTS
South Coast Striders:
Mavela Nyembezi 7:25; Brother Moyo 7:30; Goodman Nqayi 7:51; Scelo Shusha 7:56; Mfundiso Mvunguse 8:09; Frances Vusi Simamane 8:40; Eric Mqadi 8:53; Heinrich Lotz 9:06; Chris Bheki Mqadi 9:12; Arthur Flascas 9:15; Pieter Viljoen 9:20; Zandile Dunywa 9:32; George Cele 9:47; Vusi Vezi 9:48; Christopher Mortimer 9:52; Deborah Berridge 9:53; Mthobisi Mgedezi 9:54; Wiseman Ncane 9:55; Lenard du Toit 10:01; Graeme Milligan 10:10; Bongani Mbhele 10:25; Lionel Berridge 10:26; Isak Ludick 10:26; Hennie Kanfer 10:21; Ziyanda Mkuzo 10:52; Daan van Niekerk 10:58; Nkosinathi Shonga 11:22; Martin Venter 11:22; Donnovan Mulder11:22; Gary Lennon 11:24; Anton Rossouw 11:29; Johannes Ungerer 11:38; Lennox Mtengwane 11:48; Raymond Gaze 11:48; Lindelani Itabor 12:01; Fikile Mkutyukelwa 12:15.
Did not finish: Mark Smith 80km; Riaan van der Wath 70km; Maxwell Mkhize 70km; Mary-Lou Schoeman 67km; Stephen Lattin 60km; Wilma van der Walt 45km; Zwelitsha Tiger Gono 30km.
Ugu Athletics Club:
Menzi Tshayiza 7:03; Siyabonga Xolo 7:33; Timothy Shangase 8:16; Mthokozisi Cele 8:20; Xolani Mbhele 8:53; Emmanuel Ngcongo 9:58; Njabulo Ndelu 9:59; Alfred Lushaba 10:08; Reshen Sookooram 10:14; Sbonelo Shozi 10:27; Selvanathan Ramaloo 11:16; Bhoni Nqoko 11:26; Morgan Moodley 11:34; Rakesh Ramdhun 11:35; Vijaykumar Chetty 11:35; Diloshan Chetty 11:44; Yoganathan Appanna 11:44; Emmanuel Thusi 11:45; Jabulani Bhengu 12:00.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
For news straight to your phone, add us on BBM 58F3D7A7 or WhatsApp 082 421 6033
