A female runner who had been reported missing after completing this year’s Comrades Marathon has been found alive more than 15 hours later, sparking widespread relief and concern. The woman, identified as 54-year-old Moira Harding, was discovered early on Monday morning near the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) station at The Point in Durban.
Found Several Kilometres from Finish
Harding was located behind the NSRI base, situated roughly 7 kilometres away from the marathon’s finish line at People’s Park near Moses Mabhida Stadium. NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon confirmed that she had been found at the location and that emergency services were immediately summoned to the scene.
“She is currently being transported to hospital by ambulance,” Lambinon stated, adding that she was found in a state that required urgent medical attention.
Critical Condition Upon Discovery
ALS Paramedics’ representative Garrith Jamieson confirmed Harding had been found near Mahatma Gandhi Road, close to the beachfront. Due to her critical condition, the road had to be cordoned off to allow for a medical helicopter to land. Paramedics provided advanced life support on-site before airlifting her to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment.
Jamieson emphasised the seriousness of her condition, saying, “Paramedics are working to stabilise her before she can receive further medical care in hospital.”
Family Yet to Respond Publicly
Attempts to reach Harding’s family for comment have been unsuccessful. Her relatives had previously raised the alarm when she failed to arrive at the Pinetown and District Athletics Club’s tent after finishing the race. She was last seen at around 16:52 on Sunday, looking disoriented but having officially completed the grueling 89.9km ultra-marathon from Pietermaritzburg to Durban.
At the time of her disappearance, Harding was wearing a yellow running vest with black and white stripes and her Comrades number – M33485 – along with black tights.
Concerns Over Route Through Dangerous Area
Her disappearance sparked concerns given the route she may have taken after the race. The 7km stretch from People’s Park to The Point area includes sections known for high crime rates. While parts of The Point precinct have undergone urban renewal, several nearby zones remain poorly lit and considered unsafe, especially for someone travelling alone on foot.
It’s believed she might have unintentionally wandered into this area while disoriented after the race, raising fresh concerns around safety and post-race support for runners.
Largest Field in Comrades History
This year’s Comrades Marathon featured a record number of over 22,200 participants tackling the daunting 89.9km journey between Pietermaritzburg and Durban. The event, renowned for its intense physical and emotional demands, also carries logistical challenges, especially in ensuring runners are accounted for once they cross the finish line.
Safety Measures Under Scrutiny
Harding’s ordeal has prompted questions around security and support for athletes once they complete the race. While race officials provide medical and logistical support at the finish zone, the incident may lead to calls for stricter protocols to ensure runners are reunited with family or escorted to secure areas post-race.
The running community and general public alike continue to hope for Harding’s full recovery as authorities monitor her progress in hospital. Her situation serves as a stark reminder of the physical toll such extreme events can take – and the vulnerabilities athletes may face even after crossing the finish line.
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