Khumalo eyes his tenth Comrades Marathon

Two-Times Comrades Marathon gold medallist Prodigal Khumalo says he looks to add another gold medal to his tally after finishing eighth in the last edition of the ultra-marathon back in 2017.

Khumalo, who has completed nine Comrades Marathon races, is excited to back in action and cannot wait to take on the 90km Down Run on August 28.

œThis year I am going for tenth one, I™ve really made so much mistakes along the way but it™s been amazing and rewarding journey. What really excites about this year's Comrade I mean after the lock down we were not even running, we were not allowed to run races, it feels good to be back on the road again after two years of no comrades said Khumalo

The 40-year-old experienced athlete says the spirit of running the Comrades Marathon is incomparable and he loves the camaraderie amongst the Comrades runners. For the past two years, he did the virtual Comrades Marathon but indicates that nothing comes close to the real race.

The long distance runner is currently busy with his preparations in Underberg for altitude training with his teammates. He says he is caution about his body to avoid unnecessary injuries before the race.

œWhen you talk of injury my body is prone of injuries, if I remember clearly in every comrade marathon that I participated I have encountered injuries during the preparations but I™m happy that I managed to finish nine with those challenges that are there. I mean another thing I know how to manage my body and I know what really works for me and what does not work for me Khumalo added.

His main challenge is dealing with the cramps and he advised his teammates not to put themselves under unnecessary pressure.

By Charles Baloyi