Comrades record tumbles
2008-06-15 22:06
Norrie Williamson
Pietermaritzburg - Westville's Dave Rogers broke the record for the most Comrades marathon finishes when he completed his 43rd Comrades marathon in 11 hours nine minutes and five seconds on Sunday.
In the process, he beat over 4 000 of the 10 500 runners who undertook the 86.9km Durban to Pietermaritzburg run.
On crossing the line he was greeted by 77-year-old Clive Crawley, the first runner to accumulate 42 medals.
"It was a hard run, and I struggled a bit on Polly Shortts, but I will be back for next year and intend doing them for as long as I can," said Rogers, who took a couple of minutes to recover.
His association with the race began in 1961, taking 10 hours 13 minutes to collect his first medal in the down run, but went on to win three gold medals between 1974 and 1976.
His fastest time came with a third position in the 1976 down.
"It's a fantastic run by Dave. He was the youngest of my chasers and considerably more talented.
"I have no doubt he can add a good few more," said Crawley who was on duty handing out the coveted Green Numbers to finishers.
Rogers' racing streak took a knock in 2003 when he underwent a resurfacing of his hip joint, resulting in his slowest time and his only other Vic Clapham medal in 2004.
- The Witness