Mothibi reflects on being the last South African winner of Comrades Up Run

The eagerly anticipated 85km race from Durban to Pietermaritzburg takes place on Sunday, with the starter’s gun set to fire at 5:30am.

The first man and woman across the finish line will each pocket R925,000 in prize money in the 99th edition of the world-famous ultra-marathon.

Mothibi etched his name into Comrades history when he won the 2019 Up Run in the colours of Nedbank Running Club.

Seven years later, he remains the last South African male athlete to claim victory in the challenging uphill race.

Now representing Hollywood Athletics Club after joining the “Purple Team” in January, Mothibi says he is not putting pressure on himself to chase another title. Instead, his focus is on securing a place in the top 10 and earning a sixth Comrades gold medal.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Mothibi said he still cherishes the memories of his historic triumph.

“It means a lot to me to be remembered as the last South African Up Run winner. Many people still support me and see me as a role model, and I appreciate that,” said Mothibi.

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“But times have changed. We have many young and talented runners coming through, and I don't want to put pressure on myself by talking about winning again. My goal is to run a good race and hopefully finish in the top 10.”

The experienced ultra-marathon runner believes he has prepared well after spending time with his teammates at a training camp in Dullstroom, Mpumalanga.

Mothibi says joining Hollywood Athletics Club has given him renewed motivation.

“Moving to the Purple Team has been a great experience. They give us a lot of support and guidance, and they help us grow as athletes,” he said.

While he remains focused on his own race, Mothibi is also hoping to see his teammate and three-time Comrades champion Tete Dijana make history by winning his first Up Run title.

“I believe this could be Tete’s year to win his first Up Run. We call him ‘Mr Down Run’ because of his success in that race, and it would be special to see him add an Up Run victory to his achievements,” said Mothibi.

“If he can win, that would be fantastic for the team, but the competition is very strong this year, so we will have to wait and see what happens on race day.”