'I won't put myself under pressure' - Bong'musa Mthembu on Comrades 2026 and balancing running with being an ambassador

Bongmusa Mthembu is delighted to be receiving recognition from race organisers across KwaZulu-Natal in particular saying his continued relevance in marathon and ultra marathon circles is testament to his success as an athlete and that always comes first. The three-time Comrades Marathon champion has recently been named as an ambassador for various road running events. 

Earlier this month, the Harry Gwala District Municipality appointed Mthembu, Jenet Mbhele, a multiple Comrades Marathon gold medalist, and Thobani Chagwe as ambassadors for the Harry Gwala Marathon, scheduled to take place on 22 March between Ixopo and Umzikhulu. Speaking at the launch of that race, Mthembu conveyed his excitement about being given a role, especially from the district he hails from.

Mthembu celebrating one his three Comrades Marathon victories. In 2026 Mthembu could equal Alan Robb's men's record of twelve gold medals if he can finish inside the top ten again. Photo Credit: CMA Media.

"I'm very pleased that Harry Gwala District managed to recognize us and make us race ambassadors. My wish is to see them helping more athletes to realise their dreams and grow this event even further. At my age, to get such recognition from the area I'm coming from makes me proud, " said 42-year-old Mthembu who hails from Bulwer outside of the Pietermaritzburg. 

According to Mthembu, he is careful to make sure that his ambassadorial responsibilities which also include other KZN races such as the Best of the Best Marathon taking place on Sunday, March 1st, do not impact negatively on his training regimen. He makes certain to gain a comprehensive understanding of what the role requires of him before committing to any project.

Mthembu seen here working as an ambassador for the 2025 Best of the Best Marathon. He has been called upon to represent the race again in 2026. Photo Credit: Tumelo Mabua.

"I think there must be a proper understanding between the two parties as I'm an athlete who always train hard. Planning is key. I always appreciate people who tell me something prior so I can make time. At the end of the day, I must train to prepare for the races while making time to attend to my responsibilities as a race ambassador," explains Mthembu who also won the Two Oceans Marathon and was a race ambassador for The Best of The Best Marathon in 2025 as well.

Now Mthembu, who has 11 Comrades gold medals which is just one shy of Alan Robb's men's record of 12 gold medals, has already started to train for The Human Ultimate race. But he doesn't want to speak of any ambitions, preferring to focus on the process rather than the outcome.

"I have already started preparing for the Comrades as I have left KwaZulu-Natal Province to train hard. A lot happens in the background before people seeing me running for 5 hours on race day. There are lot of sacrifices that I have to make and trust that I'm not doing so much that I pick up an injury. I have to trust God to carry me through. I won't put myself under pressure of breaking the record of gold medals or looking for a top ten finish. The main priority is to be healthy when I line up at the start of the Comrades on 14 June."