Another gold medal in 2026 will give Bongmusa the joint most of all time
Run win, where Mthembu remained composed to take his third title in 5:26:34, as the standout moment of their collaboration.
“ He didn’ t panic when the early pace went out hard. He sat back, ran his own race, and came through when it mattered on Fields Hill. That’ s Bongmusa in a nutshell … calm, patient, and ruthless when it counts. He is an exceptional endurance athlete, both on and off the road. During the time I worked with him, he consistently displayed dedication and hunger, both in training and competition. In one word, he is a beast – an athlete with exceptional match temperament and the ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most.”
Friends & Competitors
Meanwhile, former Comrades winner Gift Kelehe( 2015) reflects on a memorable moment with Mthembu, when they trained together with David Gatebe( 2016 winner) in preparation for the 2017 race. Although Mthembu had found the Up Run tougher in previous years, he defied expectations by winning that 2017 race in 5:35:34.
“ Bongs is a beast, and a man who understands the mission. As he was struggling with the Up Run, he came into our camp and asked for advice on how to master the hills,” says Kelehe.“ So, we trained together at Dullstroom in preparation for the race, and he wasn’ t afraid to ask questions. He is one of the most disciplined athletes I have come across, and went on to win the race that year. It was a great thing to witness.”
Kelehe and Mthembu were both part of the South African team for the 2016 World 100km Championship in Spain, where Mthembu finished second in a new SA Record 6:24:06. They have remained friends through the years, and Kelehe concludes by wishing Mthembu all the best in his pursuit of the record tally of golds.“ I think he can do it. One thing about him is that he’ s a thinker, and knows when it is time to go. He has done it successfully numerous times, and can do it again. He deserves all the achievements he has obtained in his career.”
85