Planned to perfection
RACE GLORY: SA’S MTHEMBU AND AMERICA’S HERRON POWER TO VICTORY Charne Bosman has her hopes dashed by groin injury.
Refusing to be drawn into an early tactical battle, Bongmusa Mthembu was rewarded for sticking to his race plan yesterday, delivering an historic performance with his second career victory at the Comrades Marathon.
Charles Tjiane took early control in the 87km Up run between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, charging through the halfway point at Drummond in 2:47:29, nearly two minutes clear of a large chasing group.
Though he managed to extend his advantage in the early stages of the second half, however, Tjiane was caught by the pack with 22km to go.
Gradually shaking off his opposition, as they dropped off the pace one by one, Mthembu took the lead approaching the infamous Polly Shortts climb with less than 10km remaining, and he held on to secure victory in 5:35:34.
He finished over three minutes ahead of Zimbabwean athlete Hatiwande Nyamande who took second place in 5:38:48, and Gift Kelehe finished third in 5:41:48.
Mthembu, who won the Comrades Down run in 2014, became the first South African man in 27 years to win the prestigious annual race more than once.
“I respect all those guys, but I had my plan and I focused on my- self ... and I just kept my pace to the end,” Mthembu said.
Meanwhile, in the women’s contest, US runner Camille Herron was delighted to bag her maiden Comrades title.
Herron, who had missed out in two previous attempts at the race due to illness and injury, earned a convincing win in 6:27:35.
“I fought with all my heart, and though I had troubles with my hamstring, I managed to push through it. This win means a lot to me,” said an emotional Herron.
Last year’s Down run winner Charne Bosman struggled with a groin injury but held on to finish third in 6:39:51, as the first South African woman home.
I respect all those guys, but I had my plan and I focused on myself.
Bongmusa Mthembu
2017 Comrades champion