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Comrades Marathon runner Onalenna Khonkhobe
The 98th Comrades Marathon got underway in near-perfect conditions from Pietermaritzburg early Sunday morning.
The elite athletes and top qualifiers set off just before 6am, making their way along the challenging 89.98km route to Durban.
South Africa’s Onalenna Khonkhobe reached the halfway mark in an impressive 2 hours and 25 minutes, building a strong lead despite beginning to battle cramps.
In the women’s race, Zambia’s marathon national record holder Elizabeth Mukoloma took the early lead.
Defending champion and down-run record holder Gerda Steyn is still in the chase, pursuing the Comrades novice in what’s shaping up to be an exciting second half.
Young Mahikeng residents, who wish to run the ultramarathon in future, say they are already preparing.
“I began running in 2015 at primary school, representing my school team. I’ve since joined the Mahikeng Road Runners and hope to tackle the Comrades Marathon,” says one aspiring runner.
“I discovered running in 2016 and have loved it ever since. It’s a great way to stay off the streets, and one day I plan to take on the Comrades,” adds another.
