Human spirit adds the fizz to this brew

It was not the fastest race in history, nor was it the biggest, but the dramatic intensity and bizarre quirks that wove the tale of the 2017 Comrades Marathon will no doubt establish it as one of the best chapters in the 97-year story of the gruelling contest.

Protagonists last week ranged from a beer-drinking elite American athlete who controlled the women’s race from start to finish, to a Rastafarian beekeeper who ran the entire race backwards.

Camille Herron, who earned her maiden title, played a pivotal role throughout the day as the dramatic story unfolded.

After taking an early lead, and breaking every rule in the book, she held on for a brave win.

Heading towards the finish, however, Herron mistakenly thought she had crossed the line before she reached the home straight, wobbling back and forth like a wind-up toy which had stepped on its string.

Sensing her trouble, a tap on the shoulder from a fellow runner urged her forward, as she lunged back into motion. With her closest competitor less than five minutes back, visions of Herron emulating the race’s most dramatic finishes evaporated as she earned a superb victory.

After the race, Herron revealed she had chugged back two beers during the 87km journey, though as a brewer by hobby, this was nothing out of the ordinary.

Perhaps the most topical athlete of the day was Russian Alexandra Morozova, who faced all sorts of accusations after taking second place in the women’s division. According to organisers, Morozova had received clearance to compete as an individual (sidestepping a ban on the Russian federation) but she was later alleged to have been paced by former men’s winner Oleg Kharitonov.

She was even accused, according to reports, of running under a false name.

As things stand, however, Morozova’s name remains listed in the unofficial results and only time will tell if her performance will hold firm to scrutiny.

Of all the people raising money and awareness for various causes, Farai Chinomwe again stood out by running the entire race backwards to showcase the plight of bees, while Tumelo Mokobane and Hazel Moller embarked on a 900km trip on foot over 10 days in aid of pets.

The best performance of the race must be reserved, however, for men’s winner Bongmusa Mthembu, who timed his run perfectly to bag his second win, establishing his position as one of the most formidable athletes on the global ultra-running circuit.

Charles Tjiane, who held on for fifth place after making an early break in the men’s race, also deserves a tip of the hat for a gutsy effort, while former winner Shaun Meiklejohn finished the race for the 29th time, lifting his tally to an astounding 10 gold and 19 silver medals.

Though some runners complained of water shortages, seemingly unfounded rumours were spread of the deaths of two participants, and the SABC was again slammed on social media for its poor broadcast quality, the race was again a spectacular show which displayed the true strength of the human spirit. From barefoot battles to marriage proposals, the 2017 Comrades Marathon was packed with its fair share of intensity and dramatic twists.

And though the organisers will always be criticised when they fall short, it was a race to remember.