Missing Comrades Runner Found in Critical Condition
DURBAN - Moira Harding, the Comrades Marathon runner who went missing after completing the race on Sunday, has been found in critical condition. A widespread search was launched after Harding disappeared near the finish line. Appeals for information were widely circulated on social media, sparking concern among the running community.
According to ALS Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson, Harding was located on Mahatma Gandhi Road in Durban. "She was found in a critical state and was transported to hospital by helicopter," Jamieson stated. "Advanced life support paramedics, SAPS, and Metro Police Search and Rescue were all on scene near the NSRI base at the end of Mahatma Gandhi Road (Point Road)."
Harding, representing the Fish Hoek Athletic Club, had finished the grueling Comrades Marathon in under 11 hours, according to the Comrades live tracker app. Her disappearance after crossing the finish line prompted immediate concern and a coordinated search effort.
Sean Baldwin, Harding's brother-in-law, expressed relief that she had been found. "She was found near the port and we are waiting at the hospital," he said, adding that the family is anxious for her recovery.
Harding, originally from Durban but now residing in Cape Town, ran the Comrades Marathon alongside her sister Fiona. They ran together for much of the race, separating around the 70km or 80km mark, with Fiona finishing approximately 20 minutes ahead. Reports indicated that Moira was last seen in the runners' pen.
A missing person's case had been opened at the Durban Central police station. The circumstances surrounding her disappearance and the cause of her critical condition are currently under investigation.
The running community and the public at large are sending their best wishes for Moira Harding's swift and full recovery.