Last man home 'will be back'
2003-06-17 10:15
Pietermaritzburg - Fittingly, the last person to finish the Comrades Marathon on Monday before the dreaded firing of the gun for the last time after 12 hours was also the oldest runner in this year's race.
Zeb Luhabe (76) finally finished within the allotted time in his 11th attempt after coming agonisingly close in 1992.
"I am really happy indeed. I can't really explain how I feel," said the East London Real Gijimas runner while clutching his medal and a bouquet of flowers.
Luhabe, who retired as a first class sergeant from the police in 1964, said he felt comfortable after the race despite developing cramps at Polly Shorts. The twice-divorced father of three and grandfather of four said he missed the cut-off previously because he spent too much time entertaining and speaking to spectators along the route.
"I love coming here and I am coming back. I am going to train hard for the up run next year," said Luhabe, who took up running more than 20 years ago when he was injured in his other sporting passion - boxing.
Novice Lucas Monyana achieved the dubious honour of being the first runner to miss the cut-off, collapsing at the finish seconds after Luhabe. The runner from Pretoria, who was carried to the press box on a stretcher, developed a hamstring problem but bravely soldiered on to the finish. He was too exhausted to speak.