Comrades rhino runner robbed

A Comrades Marathon runner who plans to take part in the race in a 10kg rhino suit has been robbed.

The Saturday Star reported that the British national, who raises funds for projects aimed at curbing rhino poaching was robbed of his bag containing about R3000, an iPhone, an Apple Mac, an iPad and his passport while at the Comrades Expo in Durban on Friday.

Vincent O'Neill was conducting media interviews and taking photographs with supporters when he realised his red backpack was no longer where he had left it.

This was minutes after he arrived at the expo, which was crowded with thousands of people, the newspaper reported

Despite the incident, O'Neill said he remained focused on his goal.

"I was a bit devastated by the theft but I do understand that these things can happen anywhere in the world," he was quoted as saying.

"My goal though remains the ultimate human race and pushing myself to the limit."

This would be O'Neill's first race in South Africa. He previously ran the London Marathon -- also wearing the heavy rhino gear.

The 87km Comrades race will start at 5:30am in Durban on Sunday.

Runners are expected to reach the finish line in Pietermaritzburg later in the day.