Earlier this month the South African community at large was gripped by the story of Comrades runner Moira Harding, who was reported missing after completing the ultramarathon in Durban, before eventually being found more than 12 hours later in a critical condition.
The 54-year-old was largely unresponsive, in a critical condition and hypothermic when she was found by construction workers after battling some inclement weather conditions throughout the night.
Harding was found near the National Sea Rescue Institute base in The Point area of Durban, and was quickly airlifted to a hospital in Umhlanga where she has received extensive treatment for dehydration, hypothermia and other related conditions.
After lengthy periods under sedation, the latest information gathered by The South African reveals that Harding has made encouraging recovery progress, and should be discharged from hospital this week.
Recovery of Comrades runner Moira Harding described as a ‘miracle’
One of the mysteries that has remained is just how Harding ended up so far from the finish at the People’s Park in Durban, although there have been some suggestions that the chaotic, crowded and poorly controlled finish could have contributed to her being led astray.
However, Harding had fortunately been wearing an ‘in case of emergency’ (ICE) bracelet with her emergency contact details when she was found, apparently lying on her back near Durban’s harbour.
In the latest update, it’s believed that Harding walked as far as an additional 10km after the run, but despite passing through a Durban area that is known to be dangerous – particularly at night – she was said to have been found unharmed and without any valuable belongings missing.
It’s understood that Harding in fact walked in circles, seemingly disoriented, for quite some time before collapsing just a short distance away from the edge of the harbour water.
The manner in which she was found, as well as her recovery from a critical condition, has been described as a ‘miracle’, with Harding soon expected to begin her rehabilitation out of hospital.
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