ELITES
CONTENDERS for the Ultra Crown
A number of ‘ new kids on the block ’ look set to challenge defending champion Bong ’ musa Mthembu ’ s supremacy in the men ’ s Ultra , while Gerda Steyn is favourite to make it three wins in a row amongst the women , but there are other contenders sure to throw their names in the hat this year for podium positions . – BY MANFRED SEIDLER
With a resumé that includes two team gold medals and individual silver and bronze medals from the World 100km Championships , three Comrades Marathon titles , and the win at the 2019 Two Oceans Marathon in 3:08.40 , which was the 12th-fastest time ever run over the 56km route , defending champion Bong ’ musa Mthembu is arguably the best ultradistance athlete in the world , and has to be regarded as the favourite to successfully defend that title come 17 April .
Should the 39-year-old defend his title from 2019 , then he will be the first male athlete to win back-to-back Two Oceans titles since Marco Mambo in 2004 and 2005 . ( Mambo would win again in 2008 , equalling the record of three wins set by Siphiwe Gqele .) But whilst Mthembu ran the almost perfect race in 2019 to reel in the early leaders , Justin Cheshire and Sintayehu Legese , the next generation of runners , including the likes of Nkhosikhona Mhlakwana and Sboniso Sikhakane , pose possibly the biggest challenge he has faced yet .
Bong ’ musa Mthembu
Throw in the likes of veterans of the race such as David Gatebe , Mapothile Lebopo , Lebenya Nkoka and dark horse and dangerman , Jonas Makhele , and you have all the makings of yet another battle for the ages around the Peninsula and over the climbs of Chapman ’ s Peak and Constantia Nek .
Bull ’ s Eye on His Back
As defending champion and pre-race favourite , Mthembu has a big bull ’ s eye plastered all over his back . The entire field will be watching him and feeding off his every move . In 2019 , he was considered a serious contender , but all eyes were focused on the two Kenyans , Justin Cheshire and Abraham Kiprotich , who had made it publicly known they were in Cape Town for one reason and one reason only – to break the 31-year-old course record of Thompson Magawana ( 3:03:44 set in 1988 ). So , while the field was content to let the two go and chase the record , Mthembu stuck to a carefully laid out race plan , which ended in his victory of 3:08.40 .
Mthembu ’ s ran somewhat under the radar in 2019 , but that will not be possible in 2022 , as the entire men ’ s field will now be watching his every move . And with that comes a certain amount of pressure . Of course , that Mthembu can handle pressure as race favourite is not in doubt … his back-to-back Comrades wins of 2017 and 2018 are testament to his racing mettle and mental fortitude . And being the consummate professional , it is guaranteed that come race day , Mthembu will have done his homework and preparation in the meticulous fashion that he is renowned for .
The Challenge of the ‘ Pitbull ’
In the past it has always been about the known big guns and contenders , but 2022 could very well be quite different . Two athletes , in particular ,
Images : Action Photo SA & courtesy Ann Ashworth
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