Here’s our choice of the top 10 runners, and their winning odds, most likely to be on the top step come Sunday’s ‘Up’ Run…

David Gatebe (TomTom Athletics Club)

Gatebe stormed to victory in the 2016 race to set an extraordinary new ‘down’ best time. He returns this year, hungry to dominate the podium once again and is in top shape. He claimed a silver medal in the 2015 up-run but will be expected to challenge for honours especially if he is able to run alongside his stablemate, Gift Kelehe.

Odds: 4/1

Teboho Sello (Maxed Elite Athletics Club)

The man from Lesotho comes into the race with a fantastic third place finish at the 2017 Two Oceans Marathon. This will be the 38-year-old’s fifth Comrades and he will be looking to add to the maiden gold he won in 2015. On form, he’s a serious contender.

Odds: 8/1

Bongmusa Mthembu (Arthur Ford Athletics Club)

Mthembu – who hails from Bulwer in KZN is another fan favourite. He had a tough up-run in 2015 where he finished in 17th but bounced back to claim a wonderful third-place finish last year. Mthembu is in fine form having captured second place at the 2016 World 100km championships in Spain. The former winner (2014) has five gold medals and although erratic, has the pedigree to win again.

Odds: 8/1

Gift Kelehe (TomTom Athletics Club)

The 2015 winner is a force to be reckoned with and is looking forward to defending his up-run title. The policeman from Rustenburg has four gold medals to his name finishing in a credible ninth position at the 2016 100km World Championships in Spain.

Odds: 10/1

Ludwick Mamabolo (Nedbank Running Club)

The six-time gold medallist and winner from 2012 is one of the most consistent ultra-distance runners in the country. With three runner-up finishes to his name, the man from Limpopo is a consummate professional and is desperate to win the race once again.

Odds: 10/1

Mike Fokoroni (Nedbank Running Club)

The Zimbabwean heads into this year’s race buoyed by his fourth place finish in 2016. In 2013 he secured an up-run gold by finishing in eighth position. Could be expected to work as pace maker for his team but his class is undoubted.

Odds: 12/1

Stephen Muzhingi (Zimbabwe)

The three-time champion finished eighth at this year’s Old Mutual Two Oceans and knows how to win. He may have been off the boil the last few years but a slow pace could favour his fast-finishing style. An outsider chance.

Odds: 15/1

Women’s Race

Charné Bosman (Nedbank Running Club)

Bosman won her first Comrades title last year when she passed a cramping Caroline Wöstmann en-route to Durban. The 41 year-old finished as runner-up in 2015 and wants to add back to back victories to her name. Comes into the race on the back of a second place finish at the 2017 Old Mutual Om Die Dam Ultra Marathon and with Wöstmann out with injury, is the big favourite.

Odds: 4/1

Ann Ashworth (Born2Run)

The John Hamlett-trained, Ashworth is targeting her first-ever Comrades gold medal. She clocked her best ultra-marathon (3:32) in April this year on her way to victory at the Loskop Marathon. The seasoned campaigner has six Comrades finishes to her name as well as two silver medals and according to Hamlett is ready to challenge for the podium.

Odds: 6/1

Jasmin Nunige (Nedbank Running Club)

The Swiss athlete is an accomplished trail runner and will be attempting her first Comrades Marathon. She won the UltraVasan 90km last year in a time of 6:54. Could be an outside contender for gold this year.

Odds: 10/1

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