"I must be cautious" - Kubheka wary ahead of Comrades debut

With just a few days to go before the 99th edition of the Comrades Marathon on Sunday 14 June, one of the athletes expected to deliver a strong performance is Sibusiso Kubheka. Although he’ll be making his best at the Ultimate Human Race, his status as being the first man on earth to run under 6 hours for 100km means that his decision to run his first Comrades has been met with some interest. 

Guided by Xolani Mabhida who coached the legendary Bong’musa Mthembu to two of his three victories, it would be difficult to rule Kubheka out of finishing in the top ten on debut. With a 5:59:02 100km personal best and a best half marathon time of 1:01:36, Kubheka boasts an impressive range which makes him a dangerous competitor even as a novice. But the 27-year-old Kubheka doesn't see himself as a contender for top honours even though he acknowledges that his training has gone well. 

Kubheka in action during the Adidas Chasing 100 in 2025. Photo Credit: Adidas.

"The training has been proper,” he told #TheTopRunner. “Even though I have spent enough time getting ready for race day, I’ll still approach it as a learning experience for me as it will be my first time running. I don't have too many expectations, I’ll just respect the race and take it as it is. It such a huge race with so many challenges that I must be extra cautious with my racing,” explains Kubheka who runs in the colours of the Xcel Running Club.

Despite his record breaking efforts of 2025, Kubheka has been scarce on the local racing scene this season. Many expected him to participate in the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon but he didn't despite being on the start list. The man who originally hails from Mpumalanga but is based in KwaZulu-Natal Natal says he decided to skip Two Oceans in order to focus on being completely ready for the gruelling 85.77km Up Run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg.

Kubheka in action on the streets of Durban. He will represent the Xcel Running Club on his Comrades debut.

"Yes you are correct, I didn't race much this year. Taking on a race like Comrades requires proper training. I respect the race so much that I needed to make sure that I am fully prepared on race day. I didn’t want to make unnecessary mistakes in the build up to the race," he explained.