Mamabolo said he was not worried about the drug scandal, which arose after his urine sample tested positive for a banned substance following his historic Comrades Marathon victory.

He said he would be back on the road as early as next month.

"I don't smoke or drink alcohol. I have never taken drugs in my life because I was brought up in a Christian family. I still maintain that I'm innocent. I have a very good team of lawyers," said Mamabolo.

"I'm highly impressed with the manner they are representing me in this case ," said the 35-year-old Mamabolo, whose prize money of R300000 has been withheld by the Comrades Marathon Association pending the outcome of the case.

"I've decided to leave everything in the hands of my lawyers while I continue with my training for both the Two Oceans and Comrades marathons."