Nobukhosi Tshuma Makes History With Comrades Marathon Silver
Zimbabwean long-distance runner Nobukhosi Tshuma etched her name into the history books after securing a remarkable second-place finish at the 2026 Comrades Marathon in South Africa on Sunday.
Tshuma crossed the finish line in an impressive time of 5 hours, 53 minutes and 36 seconds, becoming the first Zimbabwean woman to claim a podium finish at the prestigious ultra-marathon, widely regarded as one of the toughest endurance races in the world.
Historic Achievement for Zimbabwe
Competing against some of the continent’s strongest ultra-distance athletes, Tshuma produced a determined performance over the challenging route from Durban to Pietermaritzburg.
Her runner-up finish marks a significant milestone for Zimbabwean athletics and further strengthens her growing reputation as one of Africa’s leading ultra-marathon competitors.
The result also represents a major improvement from her Comrades Marathon debut in 2024, when she finished fifth in a time of 6 hours, 12 minutes and 18 seconds.
Building on Recent Success
Tshuma’s latest accomplishment comes on the back of another strong outing earlier this year. In April, she finished third at the Two Oceans Marathon, a 56-kilometre race in South Africa, signalling her rise among the elite runners on the continent.
Her consistent performances in major ultra-marathon events have highlighted her endurance, discipline and ability to compete at the highest level.
Steyn Retains Dominance
South Africa’s Gerda Steyn once again proved why she is considered one of the sport’s greatest athletes, winning the women’s race in 5 hours, 44 minutes and 53 seconds.
The victory secured Steyn’s fifth Comrades Marathon title and saw her break her own up-run record, improving on the mark she set in 2024.
Another South African, Irvette van Zyl, completed the podium after clocking 6 hours, 2 minutes and 30 seconds.
Britain’s Naomi Robinson finished fourth in 6 hours, 7 minutes and 55 seconds.
Another Strong Zimbabwean Showing
Zimbabwe also had reason to celebrate through Loveness Madziva, who delivered a commendable performance to finish sixth in the women’s race with a time of 6 hours, 9 minutes and 54 seconds.
Several Zimbabwean athletes took part in the iconic race, but Tshuma and Madziva stood out with performances that showcased the country’s growing strength in ultra-distance running.
Record-Breaking Men’s Race
The men’s contest produced its own fireworks as South Africa’s George Kusche claimed victory in 5 hours, 15 minutes and 56 seconds, setting a new up-run record.
Dutch athlete Piet Wiersma finished second, while South Africa’s Mbuti Mollo completed the podium in third place.
Continuing Zimbabwe’s Comrades Legacy
Zimbabwe has a proud history at the Comrades Marathon, with runners regularly featuring among the competitors over the years.
The country’s most celebrated performer remains Stephen Muzhingi, who achieved an extraordinary hat-trick of victories between 2009 and 2011.
Tshuma’s breakthrough podium finish now adds another memorable chapter to Zimbabwe’s Comrades Marathon story and signals a bright future for the nation’s ultra-distance running prospects.
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