#Comrades2016 – Here’s how many people managed to run – or walk – 89km

31 May 2016 - 22:57 By TMG Digital

The Comrades Marathon is a challenge that ordinary South Africans can’t resist‚ the lure being the spirit of camaraderie and sheer endurance required to complete the route between Pietermaritzburg and Durban. Some quick Comrades 2016 statistics issued by the organisers on Tuesday night show just how many were up for it on race day.A total of 18‚597 people qualified for the Sunday’s event. Of this‚ 16‚807 started. But as the cramp‚ heat and sore muscles weighed on the competitors‚ the number who finished was 14‚431.Buoyant tributes to the race were still being posted on social media on Tuesday.“I still can't believe I ran and finished the Comrades Race. My wife says I am officially crazy now. I have never experienced such support in my life‚” Sibusiso Ndlovu ‏@khanda1 tweeted.“Sports is my 1st love. @ComradesRace I had a great run & definitely coming next year‚” shared Babalwa Mafongosi ‏@babesmafongosi.Signalling how tough the event is‚ Mfuneko Joko ‏@sboyzjoko posted: “It really humbled me. I am happy I made it to the finish line. Life lesson‚ great race”.Carel Bosman @BosmanCarel felt Proudly South African: “My realization on the last few days is this‚ we have the greatest people in the world. Our diversity is our strength. We need to stand together”‚SA’s Sports and Recreation Minister Fikile Mbalula could get to feel the spirit of the event for himself‚ as the Comrades Marathon’s coach Lindsey Parry has offered to train him.“Minister of Sport @MbalulaFikile I will happily write you an @ComradesRace programme. Let me know when you are ready for the challenge‚” Parry tweeted.The Ekurhuleni Mayor‚ Mondli Gungubele‚ could also offer advice to the Minister – he has just managed to finish his seventh Comrades. Gungubele is planning his preparations for next year’s race because “I plan to run this race for as long as I feel strong“.The men’s race was won by David Gatebe in a time of five hours 18 minutes‚ followed by previous Comrades Marathon winner Ludwick Mamabolo.The first woman to cross the winning line was Charne Bosman with a time of six hours 25 minutes‚ followed by Caroline Wostmann‚ which was only the second time since 1993 that two South African women finished first and second...

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