Elite British runner forced to pull out of race after being mugged at knifepoint in South Africa

A former British Army captain has been forced to pull out of a race after he was mugged at knifepoint in South Africa.

Ultramarathon runner Tom Evans, 31, says he was “attacked” and “beaten up” while training on Friday and had all his possessions stolen.

“Everything that I had with me was taken,” he said in a video posted on Instagram.

“Physically my body’s okay. I’m pretty beaten up, I’m incredibly sore today, but I’ll be ok.”

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Mr Evans said he was “incredibly gutted” not to be taking part in the race, but said safety has to come first.

“Mentally, it’s just trying to get over something like this, doing something that you love and it just seems so unexpected and happens so quickly.”

Once the youngest captain in the British Army, Mr Evans reportedly discovered his passion for endurance running during his time in the military.

He had been due to take part in the Ultra-trail Cape Town event next weekend, which features distances ranging up to 100 miles.

“For those in Cape Town, look after yourself and those around you and please stay safe,” he said.

“It’s been an awesome year and I won’t let two criminals spoil my year on the trails.”