Nedbank Green Dream Team star, Bongmusa Mthembu, aiming to win
Comrades Marathon.
369Communications releases athlete and event information, Comrades Marathon, Bongmusa
Mthembu, Body Dynamics, Nedbank Running Club
Pietermaritzburg, (RSA) — Bongmusa Mthembu, 2nd in Comrades 2012, intends
winning in 2013.
The 2013 edition of Comrades Marathon is on many athletes’ minds with the 42km
qualifier events happening every weekend around the country. Last year’s runnerup, Bongmusa Mthembuhas set his sights on reaching the top step of the podium,
following the dramatic turn of events following the 2012 race. This year will be the
88th running of the world’s most competitive ultra distance event on June 2, 2013.
Last years edition of the race produced a South African winner for the first time since
2005 when Sipho Ngomane crossed the line first, however foreign athletes seem to
have dominatedthe up-run version of Comrades with both male & female record
holders on the up-run being the Russians, 05:24:47 by Leonid Shvetsov in 2008 and
06:09:24 by Elena Nurgalieva in 2006. A South African last won the up-run in 1992
when Jetman Msutu won in a time of 5:46,11.
South Africa’s strongcampaigner for the title, Bongmusa Mthembu has confirmed he
will be going for a win this year, even considering his less than favourable up-run
record, relative to his down-run performances. Mthembu, who recently signed with
the Nedbank Running Club (NRC)has made adaptations to his training programme to
counter his relative weakness on the hills, with this year’s racevertical ascent
beingaround 1800m over the journey from Durban to Pietermaritzburg.
“Nedbank are excited to see the Nedbank Running Club have been bolstered by the
pedigree of Pietermaritzburg local Bongmusa Mthembu, a three times gold medalist
in the last four editions of the Comrades Marathon. We look forward to seeing this
likeable young man leading many events in the distinctive green colours of the
brand,” says Nedbank sponsorship portfolio manager Patrick Baransky
Comrades Marathon has confirmed their first-place prize atR300 000 for the men and
women’s winner.There is an additional R300 000 bonus for breaking the fastest
times.This, connected with the prestige of winning the Comrades Marathon title,
attracts athletes from around the globe.
Nick Bester, Manager of the NRC, and former winner of the Comrades in 1991 had
this to say about Bongmusa, “A South African can win the up-run and Bongmusa has
the ability to do this. He needs to work hard on his training and be injury-free in the
build up to the race. Given his past record, we know he can do it and with his strong
support team, he has every chance in the world. We are backing him all the way.”
Mthembu has engaged in a complete body conditioning and strength-training
programme, which has been managed and supervised by Andre’ Pienaar (PhD) of
Body Dynamics in Pietermaritzburg. “It’s a pleasure working with ‘Musa as he is so
dedicated as well as being a humble person. His drive and enthusiasm will give him
the results he is aiming for”, said Pienaar, who has worked with many athletes over
the past 16 years as owner of the facility, including New York Marathon winner, Willie
Mtolo.
On the 2nd June the best ultra-distance athletes from around the planet will once
again be here to entertain all in what is revered as the greatest long-distance foot
race in the world. The South African courage and competitive spirit will be on show
when the 18000 runners attempt to challenge themselves while the top athletes will
be challenging the clock in pursuit of fame and glory.
For all the latest news and updates log on to www.comrades.com
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Number of words:621 (inc foot-note)
Prepared by:
Graham Daniel - 369Communications
Contact: 0827456708
E-mail: graham@369communications.co.za
Comrades inquiries:
Delaine Cools
Mobile: 0839492837
Email:delaine@comrades.com