Morozova wins her maiden comrades marathon title

Russian runner Alexandra Morozova finally tasted the feeling of winning the Comrades Marathon after crossing the line in 6 hours, 17 minutes and 48 seconds at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday.

The Russian finished in third and second place in previous years and finally got the elusive win the 90km Down Run from Pietermaritzburg to Durban, and pocket the R260 000 prize money.

Dominika Stelmach of Poland secured second place in 6:25:09 to take R130 000 home, with novice Adele Broodryk the first South African to cross the finish line in third place in 6:26:35 to grab the prize money of R90 000.

Broodryk exceeded expectations by securing a third-place position. She had a great race, leading from the front before fading after the 65km mark and got overtaken by the foreign runners.

Before the Comrades, her furthest distances were The Ocean Marathon 56km in April and the 50km Om Die Dam race she won in June.

But she completed the 90km ultra-marathon in emphatic style to make her country proud and said she would be back next year in hopes of winning the Ultimate Human Race in 2023.

Speaking through an interpreter, the newly crowned Champion Morozova said she was it was a great feeling to run through the stadium.

œThank you so much to the citizens of South Africa for the warm greeting and congratulations. It was so special to run through the stadium and feel the warmth. Thank you for the opportunity said Morozova.

By: Charles Baloyi