Glen Hills runner reflects on incredible Comrades achievement
THIS year's Comrades Marathon provided an incredible feat of history as Louis Massyn became the first athlete to complete 50 Comrades Marathon.
However, a little known fact is that there was another runner in that field of 20 000 who was also on the start line for the 50th time.
Glen Hills David Williams was aiming to complete his 43rd Comrades finish.
The Savages Athletics Club member, who crossed the finish line with just 10 seconds to spare from the final 12-hour cut-off received a Vic Clapham.
Also read: Dijana, Steyn win Comrades Marathon titles
The 73-year-old now has one Silver, 32 Bronze and 10 Vic Clapham medals to his name.
What must be celebrated though is Williams' drive and determination to get across the finish line.
Of his last eight Comrades runs, he had six that did not finish, but not for want of trying.
For this year's race, Williams had failed to qualify at three marathons and only qualified on the last Comrades qualifier, the Durban International Marathon.
Again a testament to his fortitude and self-belief, it would also come to describe his finish at this year's 98th Comrades Marathon where he crossed the finish line bent over.
'It was the most unusual experience I've ever had. I was coming down from Tollgate Bridge and picking up speed. I was feeling good and began to accelerate down the hill. At some point as I entered the Durban CBD I had a strange sensation where my legs were going, but my body wasn't coming with me. I spotted the 12-hour bus in front of me and suddenly my body began leaning forward. I kept kicking litter bins placed on the side of the road because I couldn't see.
Also read: Northlands Primary School learner praised for embodying Comrades spirit
'As you can imagine I was bent over, with a cap on, so my line of vision was distorted. The closer I got to the finish line the lower I was bent over. Despite the help from a DHS Oldies runner and volunteers at the Community Chest water table to help set me back straight again, my body kept keeling forward. As I got nearer the finish line, which I imagined was the finish line because I couldn't see anything, I kept hearing crowds shouting 'go', 'go' 'don't stop here'. I kept running bent over and at some point I remember Alain Dalais, the general manager of the Comrades Marathon Association and a race official holding on to my arms. I never heard the finish gun but I did hear the crowd countdown the final 10 seconds. I was worried that I hadn't made it,' he said.
Williams then made his way to the finish pen where race officials scan runner's bibs to determine what medal would be given.
'In my head I felt I hadn't finished. However, the incredible thing was the minute I began walking I was able to stand upright again. The lady scanned my bib and Vic Clapham. I wanted to say 'I think you made a mistake' but I held on to my medal. I was so pleased but shocked at the same time,' he said.
While he is yet to decide on next year's Up Run, Williams said he is targeting the 100th running of the Comrades Marathon in 2027.
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