Comrades enjoys 'doping-free' year

Cape Town - The South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) has confirmed that none of the top 10 athletes in the 2016 Comrades Marathon men’s and women’s races have tested positive for any banned substance.

"We are pleased to be able to report that no athlete in this, or these, groups (i.e. the top ten men, and top ten women), tested positive for any prohibited substance(s) as per the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List 2016," SAIDS General Manager Fahmy Galant said.

"Therefore, prize monies to the top 10 men and women finishers can be paid.’"

The 91st Comrades Marathon on May 29 saw South African runners claiming the winning positions once again, with TomTom Athletic Club’s David Gatebe breaking the 'down-run' best time by 2 minutes and 22 seconds and Nedbank Running Club’s Charne Bosman claiming the women’s top position.

Top 10 men

1. David Gatebe 5:18:19

2. Ludwick Mamabolo 5:24:05

3. Bongmusa Mthembu 5:26:39

4. Mike Fokoroni 5:35:09

5. Rufus Photo 5:35:40

6. Claude Moshiywa 5:36:25

7. Siphiwe Ndlela 5:36:56

8. Max King 5:37:27

9. Charles Dibate Tjiane 5:37:40

10. Mncedisi Mkhize 5:38:34

Top 10 women

1. Charne Bosman 6:25:55

2. Caroline Wostmann 6:30:44

3. Kajsa Berg 6:39:04

4. Sarah Bard 6:42:35

5. Yolande Maclean 6:43:24

6. Kerry-Ann Marshall 6:48:51

7. Colleen de Reuck 6:50:21

8. Fikile Mbuthuma 6:56:32

9. Julanie Basson 6:58:10

10. Salome Cooper 7:10:02