Honouring the legacy of a Comrades Marathon champion

THE running community is mourning the loss of Comrades Marathon legend and former champion, Jetman Msuthu, who died on Monday, just days after his wife’s death.

- KAREN SINGH

Born in 1957, Msuthu completed the Comrades Marathon 14 times between 1988 and 2016, earning three gold medals, 10 silvers and one bronze, with his most famous result being the win in 1992.

The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) said Msuthu was a beloved figure in the marathon community.

“It is with a deep sense of sadness that we join the running fraternity in mourning the loss of our legend and former winner, Mr Jetman Msuthu, who is part of a generation of athletes who participated in our event when we did not even pay prize money,” said CMA chairperson Mqondisi Ngcobo.

Ngcobo said Msuthu’s generation ran this oldest and biggest ultra-marathon out of sheer passion, dedication and determination.

Msuthu burst onto the Comrades scene in 1990, securing sixth place and a gold medal, followed by three silvers. His most notable year was 1992, finishing second (5:46:11) behind Charl Matteus (5:42:34).

However, Matteus was later disqualified for a banned substance, which resulted in Msuthu being declared the winner. In 1993, he helped South Africa win team gold at the 100km World Championships.

He earned another Comrades gold in 1994 and achieved two more finishes under the six-hour mark. From 1998 to 2002, he accumulated five silver medals in the 40-plus category.