President Jacob Zuma has congratulated the South African winners of the Comrades Marathon 2016 in the men and women categories respectively as well as all the runners who participated in the ultra marathon down run from Pietermaritzburg to Durban today, 29 May 2016.
Mr David Gatebe won the race in the men's category in the record breaking time of 5 hours 18 minutes, followed by previous Comrades Marathon winner Mr Ludwick Mamabolo at 5 hours 24 minutes, then Mr Bongmusa Mthembu to complete the trio.
The first woman to cross the winning line was South African Ms Charne Bosman with the time of 6 hours 25 minutes, followed by another South African, Ms Caroline Wostmann, the only second time since 1993 that two South African women finished first and second.
"We congratulate Mr Gatebe and Ms Bosman for winning the Comrades Marathon 2016 men and women races respectively and for raising the South African flag so high. We also congratulate all the runners who took part in this annual marathon. We would like to especially commend the incredible spirit of friendship, encouragement and endurance that is demonstrated by all the athletes every year," said President Zuma.
The President has also welcomed the continued international participation in the marathon.
Enquiries:
Dr Bongani Ngqulunga
Cell: 082 308 9373
E-mail: bongani@presidency.gov.za
