- Moira Harding, 54, completed the 89.9km Comrades Marathon but briefly disappeared.
- Family, friends, and runners rallied, using social media to amplify the search.
- Authorities and the Comrades Marathon Association confirmed her safe recovery.
A Tense Disappearance After the Race
The 98th Comrades Marathon on June 8, 2025, drew over 22,000 runners for the 89.9km down run from Pietermaritzburg to Durban. Moira Harding, 54, finished at 4:52 p.m., as confirmed by the Comrades Marathon Association. But after reaching People’s Park, she vanished, sparking widespread concern among her family and the running community.
Last Known Moments
Harding, wearing race number M33485, was last seen in her running gear, with her photo shared across X and other platforms. Her sister, Gords Reid, issued an urgent plea, asking for tips at 082 064 3030. “She crossed the finish line, then disappeared,” Reid told East Coast Radio. The urgency of her appeal gripped the ultra-marathon community, with X users spreading the word rapidly.
A Community’s Swift Response
The running world mobilized, with outlets like IOL and Magic 828 broadcasting Harding’s details. The Comrades Marathon Association worked with authorities, voicing concern for her safety. “We’re fully committed to finding her,” a spokesperson told The Citizen. Fears of disorientation or injury—rare but possible in ultra-marathons—fueled the urgency, as reported by News24.
Found in Critical Condition
On June 9, 2025, Moira Harding was found alive but disoriented near Durban’s port after a search involving police, paramedics, and loved ones. Discovered in a critical condition, she was airlifted to a Durban hospital, as reported by East Coast Radio. Video footage captured the helicopter transport, underscoring the urgency. The Comrades Marathon Association confirmed her recovery on X, thanking supporters. While her condition remains serious, the news brought relief to a worried community.
A Marathon’s Lasting Impact
Harding’s ordeal briefly overshadowed the victories of Tete Dijana and Gerda Steyn. Yet, her safe return highlighted the ultra-marathon community’s unity and resilience, proving that even in moments of crisis, hope endures.
Sources:
- Watch: Comrades Runner Found, Airlifted to Hospital: East Coast Radio
- Concern Grows as Runner Goes Missing After Comrades Marathon: News24
- Family Searches for Missing Comrades Runner: East Coast Radio
- Friends and Family Desperately Search for Missing Comrades Marathon Runner Moira Harding: IOL
- Comrades Marathon Runner Moira Harding Found After Going Missing: TimesLIVE
- Friends and Family Desperately Search for Missing Comrades Marathon Runner Moira Harding: Magic 828
- Comrades Marathon Runner Vanishes After Completing the Race: The Citizen
