'I'm gunning for a top three' - Tshuma ready to become first black female Comrades Marathon podium finisher

Entsika Running Club elite athlete Nobuhle Nobukhosi Tshuma aims to make history by becoming the first black woman to finish on the Comrades Marathon podium. Since, the women were allowed to compete in the race back in 1975, no black woman has managed to accomplish that feat. She believes that It's time to end this trend and says runners like Jenet Mbhele, who obtained an eighth place finish in 2024 to secure back to back gold medals, also have the ability to be podium performers at the world oldest ultra marathon on June 8.

"I'm gunning for a top three at the Comrades Marathon this year. I know I have what it takes to get it," said Tshuma, who made a resounding 6:12:19 debut last year as she became the first black woman to finish inside the top five on an Up Run.

Tshuma says she is fit and ready to attack the podium at Comrades on June 8. Photo Credit: Givemore Mudzinganyama.

"The women's race has been dominated by white people in the past. I think it's our time to shine. Ladies like Jenet can challenge for the race too. She has done well in the past and I think if we can work together, we can achieve so much more. I train hard just like other athletes and on race day, we are the same. I'm going there to achieve my target of being on the podium. If I fail then I'll settle for top 10," she told #TheTopRunner.

Asked if there will be any pressure on her to replicate her last year's success? Tshuma declared that pressure doesn’t bother her. The outspoken Tembisa resident said it's all about focusing on your own race.

"I don't feel any pressure at all. I don't pay much attention to other athletes and I don't go to races to beat them. I focus on what I can do better on race day. Since I did well last year, there is nothing that have changed. I'll approach the race in the same way. I still have a huge respect for the race. The most important thing I have set aside is to improve," said Tshuma, who is coached by 2004 New York champion Hendrick Ramaala.

Buhle says she has been inspired by Comrades Marathon record holder Gerda Steyn. Photo Credit: Supplied.

In preparation for the race, Tshuma - who is wife to 2023 Two Oceans Marathon Champion Givemore Mudzinganyama - has done a number of races. In February, she ran 2:50:50 for fifth overall at the FNB Kazungula Marathon in Botswana. In April, she placed sixth overall at the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon in a spirited 3:51:12 and followed that up by setting a new standard marathon personal best time of 2:40:00 at the London Marathon three weeks later. Then just six days after her run in the UK, the 31-year-old claimed second position at the N12 50km in 3:16:05.

"I'm not over racing. People will always have opinions but I know my body. What people must understand is that even last year when I was preparing for Comrades, I did a similar thing. Sometimes I go to races as part of my training. It's a part of putting a mileage on my legs. I believe it's good to do races because you can see the shape you are in. It is all about polishing and getting ready for the big day. N12 was the last race, I did. I'm done with the long runs and preparations for Comrades,” she explained.