The Russian retired in 2009, but still holds the Comrades Marathon records, both in the up and down runs.
Shvetsov won the 2007 down run Comrades Marathon in a record time of 5hours 20 minutes and 41 seconds before repeating the same feat in 2008 when he won the up run in a time of 5hours 24 minutes and 47 seconds.
The record still stands as Muzhingi has failed to beat the records despite winningthe race on three consecutive occassions.
The four-time Comrades gold medalist and two-time winner returns to the world’s greatest ultra-marathon on June 3 in the colours of South Africa’s Nedbank Running Club.
“I have been told that he is making a dramatic comeback to the event and that is good news to me. This will actually relieve pressure from me as all athletes will be looking forward to beating Shvetsov because he is the record holder. I am not afraid of him, bring him on June 3, I will beat him,” Muzhingi said.
“Every athlete has his own style of running but this time I have to hang on him and aim to beat him in the last five kilometres like what I did to Fanie Matshipa last year. I know he does not have the speed that I possess,” added Muzhingi.
The Russian confirmed that he will be on the starting lineup for this year’s Comrades Marathon on June 3 in Pietermaritzburg.
The 42-year-old Shvetsov did not stop training upon his retirement in 2009 and claims he only needs four months to sharpen himself for this year’s race.Shvetsov, with four gold and one silver medal to his name, will be running his sixth Comrades Marathon.
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His training partner, another fast marathon runner with a best time of 2 hours and 10 minutes, Sergey Lukin, will make his debut this year in the Comrades Marathon.
