Kandiero, with a personal best of 2hr 16 min 33sec, will be making his debut in the world’s most popular ultra-marathon – run annually between Durban and Pietermaritzburg – and hopes that competing alongside hot favourite Muzhingi will power him to a podium finish.
“I am getting some tips from him, as my workmate and he has requested that I run the first lap with him, but I am planning to go further alongside him,” said Kandiero, who turns 34 this Saturday. He was, however, very coy regarding his chances of toppling his compatriot, who will be gunning for a fourth successive title in this year’s edition.
“It is not my first big race and I know that there are a lot of surprises in such races.”
Kandiero, who is signed to the Harmony stable in Johannesburg, has previously shone at international meets such as the Standard Chartered Bank World Marathon in Singapore, the Nedbank Two Oceans, Soweto Marathons in SA and the Victoria Falls Marathon back home.
But he remains under Muzhingi’s shadow going into the Comrades, his more illustrious countryman being the bookmakers’ favourites ahead of the June 3 meet.
About 18 000 athletes have entered to participate in the 90 km-marathon.
Post published in: Athletics