Pietermaritzburg – South African Gift Kelehe cruised to victory in the 90th Comrades men’s marathon up run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg on Sunday.
Kelehe was the first person to cross the line in the 2015 87.7km extended route in a time of 5 hours 38 minutes 42 seconds (unofficial).
Mohammed Husien of Ethiopia took second as he jogged and then walked his way over the line in 5:46.12. South African Hatiwande Nyamande took third in 5:48.16.
For his efforts, Kelehe will collect R375 000 for the win after coming third in the race last year.
undefinedAt Cato Ridge 57.7km into the race, Kelehe was down in fifth place but only 1:20 behind. But Kelehe started powering his way past his opponents at that point to lead by1:39 with 70km gone and 17km remaining. His advantage was further increased as he went through Polly Shorts as he enjoyed a 6:15 cushion.
Shortly after crossing the line, Kelehe proceeded to jog back onto the final straight and began doing push-ups as he failed to contain his excitement.
In the women’s race, Caroline Wostmann was also on track to blow away the field with a mammoth 14:29 minute lead at the 70km mark.
South African runners claimed first and third places in the 2015 Comrades Marathon men’s top 3 finishers on Sunday:
1 Gift Kelehe, South Africa, Samancor Chrome Marathon Club, 5:38:36
2 Mohammed Husien, Ethiopia, Nedbank Running Club, 5:46:14
3 Hatiwande Nyamande, South Africa, F1 Xcallibre Running Club, 5:48:19. – ANA