Mbuthuma was diagnosed over the weekend with a stress fracture on the ankle and is now in a moonboot. After her long run of 30km followed by speed the next day, Mbuthuma felt discomfort and sharp pain in her ankle and an MRI scan confirmed the fracture.

“It’s always hard to deal with injuries mentally, but I like to think of this as a new beginning,” Mbuthuma said. “I will not be resting completely as I will still be cross training and doing core exercises so that I return stronger.”

Mbuthuma who recently represented the Country in the World 100km championships and a former Comrades Marathon gold medalist still has time to be in tip top shape come 9 June as she aims for yet another Comrades gold medal.

This was the 2nd blow to the Nedbank Green Dream team after Annie Bothma was injured in a freak accident whilst training. “I was doing my tempo run and was going at a fast pace when all of a sudden an Uber opened its door which hit me on my chest and pushed me into the ground,” Bothma recalled the incident. “It happened so quickly and I immediately got up to see the extent of injuries and as that happened, the driver just drove away.”

This has put a damper on Bothma’s preparations where she was to make her marathon debut. Since the incident Bothma has been struggling with her back, so much so that she will be operated on. “It’s unfortunate as in America I was in 2 bad accidents and ever since returning home I’ve been on an upward curve only for this to now happen.” Being positive is something that Bothma has learnt to deal with. “I will do a lot of rehab and I know I will be back stronger.”

The Nedbank Running Club wishes both Mbuthuma and Bothma a speedy recovery.