Notes from the 1967 Comrades:
Another record of 600 entrants; threats from traffic authorities to stop the race because of congestion.
The winner, Manie Kuhn crosses the line 12 inches (maybe 30 cm) in front of Tommy Malone collapsing and lunging; there was no finish tape or line, just a post, until at last minute one was produced. Spectators got in the way. Choas.
“There was a motley assortment of fourteen unofficial runners” – those pirate runners who don’t want to pay but want to be part of the experience.
A deeper thought from the 312th placed finisher:
“The marathon does something for a man which you can’t put into words. It is as if once you have started, nothing can stop you. And if you are once successful in finishing you cannot wait for the next Comrades.”
(Source as always with admiration: The Comrades Story, Morris Alexandra, Juta)