North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo has applauded Gift Kelehe for his spectacular performance that earned him third place and a gold medal in the 2014 Comrades Marathon.
“Thirty-year old Kelehe has made the country and the province proud as our ambassador in the highly competitive and ultimate human race following in the footsteps of his legendary older brother Andrew who won 11 Comrades Marathon gold medals and scooped the 2001 championship. With three gold medals to his name, Gift has stamped his authority as a force to be reckoned with on the road running and ultra marathon circuit. He is an inspiration and a role model for our youth,” Premier Mahumapelo said on Sunday.
The Premier said that the provincial government joins the Kelehe family and communities across the province in congratulating Kelehe who clocked 5:34:39 behind Bongumusa Mthembu who won his maiden Comrades Marathon after clinching the 2014 ‘down run’ title by a comfortable 5:28:34.
Mthembu finished the 89.28km race over four minutes ahead of Ludwick Mamabolo, the defending ‘down run’ winner from 2012 recorded a time of 5:33.14
Three-time former champion Stephen Muzhingi of Zimbabwe came fourth clocking 5:35.18 after Kelehe.
Meanwhile, the woman’s race was won by British-born Canadian, Eleanor Greenwood, ahead of the Nurgalieva twins, Elena and Olesya.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele (Spokesperson)
Tel: 018 388 3705
Cell: 083 629 1987
Fax: 018 388 3157
E-mail: LKgwele@gmail.com
