KwaZulu-Natal Premier Senzo Mchunu has congratulated the mens winner of the 2014 Comrades Marathon, Bongumusa Mthembu, and those who took part in the race.
“The Comrades Marathon is about endurance, determination and perseverance. I want to salute all the runners for being an inspiration to all of us. Importantly, I want to pay tribute to Bongumusa Mthembu for putting KwaZulu-Natal province firmly on the map.
“We are cognisant of the immeasurable global marketing opportunities offered by the Comrades Marathon. Having the winner (hail) from KwaZulu-Natal province is bonus. This will enhance our efforts aimed at positioning this province as a sporting and economic destination of choice, always ready to host sports lovers, business tourists and all other categories of visitors,” said Premier Mchunu.
The 2014 edition of the world-famous marathon took place today. While Mthembu took the men’s title, Briton Eleanor Greenwood took the top spot in the women’s division.
Premier Mchunu also expressed his appreciation to the leadership of the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) for having chosen KwaZulu-Natal for the 20th World Congress Association of International Marathons and Distance Races.
In the women’s race Britich runner Ellie Greenwood came in first.
Greenwood finished in 6 hours, 18 minutes and 15 seconds to end an 11-year run of Russian winners. She came from behind to overtake the Russian twins, Elena and Oleysa Nurglaieva, who came second and third respectively. Between them they had won the previous 10 races. Ellie’s fellow Briton, Jo Meek, came fifth.
Greenwood, 35, admitted she had a “pretty terrible race” but added: “I didn’t come all the way here to give up.”
Ellie Greenwood wins Comrades 2014 pic.twitter.com/OIQoQBWM4d
— ComradesRace (@ComradesRace) June 1, 2014
Bongmusa Mthembu wins #Comrades2014 pic.twitter.com/vYrFJh16V7
— ComradesRace (@ComradesRace) June 1, 2014
