Moira Harding, a runner who went missing shortly after completing the Comrades Marathon in Durban on Sunday, has been found alive.
Moira Harding found alive and safe, Comrades confirm
Emergency teams confirmed on Monday that she is receiving medical care after being discovered in a critical condition.
Harding, who is from Kommetjie in Cape Town, had completed the race but could not be found afterwards.
According to the Comrades Marathon team and emergency responders, a large-scale search was launched immediately after her disappearance was reported.
ALS Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson confirmed that Harding was located in the Point Waterfront area.
“She was found after a wide-scale search was initiated for her. Paramedics, police and Metro Police managed to locate the runner. She is in a critical condition and is being stabilised at the scene before she will be taken to hospital for further care,” Jamieson said.
At this stage, there is no official word on what led to Harding’s disappearance or how she ended up in the area where she was found.
The Comrades Marathon organisers thanked the public and emergency teams for their support and help in locating her.
The 2025 Comrades Marathon took place on Sunday, following the traditional “down run” route from Pietermaritzburg to Durban. This year’s race was slightly longer than previous years—89.98km compared to 87.7km in 2023—due to the finish line being moved to People’s Park outside Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Despite the tough conditions, the event concluded with major wins in both the men’s and women’s races.
Gerda Steyn won the women’s race, crossing the finish line in 5 hours, 51 minutes, and 19 seconds. This marks her fourth Comrades title, with previous victories in 2019, 2023, and 2024.
Steyn remains the only female athlete to hold records for both the up and down runs at the Comrades.
Tete Dijana claimed his third title in the men’s race, beating defending champion Piet Wiersma. Dijana previously won the marathon in 2022 and 2023.
Thousands of runners from across South Africa and beyond took part in the ultra-marathon, known globally for its challenging distance and competitive spirit.