SA Comrades winner?

There's a good chance of a South African winner in this year's Comrades Marathon according to Runner's World editor, Mike Finch. He says the Russian runners, who are very strong on the 'up run' from Durban to Pietermaritzburg, will face a strong challenge from the South Africans this year.

Finch believes the Comrades runner to watch on Sunday, from a South African point of view, is Brian Zondi. "I think Brian Zondi on the last 'up run' was probably the biggest surprise. He went away from the field about 30km into the race and almost held on for a surprise victory."

Meanwhile the women's race could see another Russian blitz with favourites, twins Elena and Olesya Nugalieva, expected to dominate.

Organisers are hoping for a memorable, but safe race this year, after two deaths tainted last year's event. This year's Comrades theme is 'the definition of self' and organisers say it's not just a race, but a journ! ey that defines runners, and either makes or breaks them.