Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has congratulated Ludwick Mamabolo, the 2012 winner of the Comrades Marathon.
Mamabolo, who hails from Segopye Village in Limpopo, became the first South African in seven years to win the marathon when he snatched the title on Sunday.
He ran the 89km from Pietermaritzburg to Durban in five hours, 31 minutes and three seconds.
"We are very proud of his achievement. It is evidence that hard work pays, and that discipline and dedication are vital in succeeding," Zuma said.
He added that he hoped "one day soon Mr Mamabolo will accept my invitation to meet him so that I can congratulate him in person and also get some tips on winning the comrades".
Zuma further congratulated all runners who participated and finished the race
