Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has congratulated the South African winners of the Comrades Marathon 2016 in the men and women categories respectively, says the Presidency.
The Presidency on Sunday said the President also congratulated the runners who participated in the ultramarathon down run from Pietermaritzburg to Durban on Sunday.
David Gatebe won the Comrades in the men's category in the record breaking time of 5 hours 18 minutes, followed by previous Comrades Marathon winner Ludwick Mamabolo at 5 hours 24 minutes, then Bongmusa Mthembu to complete the trio.
“The first woman to cross the winning line was South African Charne Bosman with the time of 6 hours 25 minutes, followed by another South African, Caroline Wostmann, the only second time since 1993 that two South African women finished first and second,” said the Presidency.
"We congratulate Mr Gatebe and Ms Bosman for winning the Comrades Marathon 2016 men and women races respectively and for raising the South African flag so high.
“We also congratulate all the runners who took part in this annual marathon. We would like to especially commend the incredible spirit of friendship, encouragement and endurance that is demonstrated by all the athletes every year," said President Zuma.
He has also welcomed the continued international participation in the marathon. - SAnews.gov.za
