Can he break the world record? That will be the question on everyone’s lips when Medshield Member Bong’musa Mthembu lines up at the start of the Nedbank Runified: Breaking Barriers 50km World Record attempt in Gqeberha on Sunday, 23 May.
The 3x Comrades Marathon champion and 2019 Two Oceans Marathon winner is in fine racing form and could cause an upset, should he take the victory over top male contenders that include Ketema Negasa from Ethiopia, Shadrack Kiptoo Kimaiyo of Kenya and South Africa’s Phillimon Mathiba.
According to the Guinness Book of Records, the current 50km ultra-distance record for men stands at 02:43:38, set by Thompson Magawana during the Two Oceans Ultramarathon in 1988. The race starts at Marine Drive, with race entrants having to complete the 10km course loop five times in their quest to claim victory.
The total cash prize for the winner is a handsome R100 000, with R150 000 each awarded to the man and woman who sets a new world record in their respective categories.
Medshield wishes Bong’musa the best of luck for race day, with full support as he puts one foot in front of the other in the pursuit of world record glory.