'I surprised myself' - Shelmith Muruiki makes Comrades history

Shelmith Muriuki continued her wonderful form this year, delivering a resounding Comrades Marathon debut as she clocked an excellent 6:07:51 to finish third in the women's race behind Alexander Morozova (5:55:56) and overall winner Gerda Steyn (5:51:19). In doing so, Muriuki became the first Kenyan female athlete to win a Comrades gold medal. She also became the first black woman to stand on the podium of the world's oldest ultra marathon. Muriuki expressed excitement to move into the podium which came as a huge surprise to her since she was unfamiliar with the race.

Muruiki on the podium alongside Steyn and Morozova. Photo Credit: CMA Media.

"I'm super excited. I don't know what to say," she told #TheTopRunner this morning (9 June) during the Comrades Champions Breakfast. "Coming into the race, my plan was to run comfortably and just finish the race. I knew that winning wasn't possible since I was running it for the first time," explains, Muriuki who resides in Pietermaritzburg while she is racing in South Africa. 

"The race is tough. Especially with the Down Run. I struggled a bit because I'm not used to running either on a flat or a downhill course. I love to run on a hilly course because I'm a strong hill climber. So during the first half, I focused on managing myself and not going out too hard. I surprised myself because I never ran further than 60km in my life. To be on the podium means a lot to me."

Muruiki in action during her Comrades debut. Photo Credit: Thami KaQoma.

In April, the 41-year-old grabbed second place at the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon in an outstanding 3:37:51 and then went to win the Prince Mangosuthu 52km race in a record three times in a row. Pocketing R315 000 in prize money for her third position at The Ultimate Human race, Muriuki, who runs in the colours of the Entsika Running Club, says the money will go a long way as she has ten people depending on her. 

"I'm going to save some money. I'm also going to assist ten orphans in Kenya that are depending on me. They are made of relatives and some in the community. So they are going to be happy since they will have their life in order."