KLOOF resident, John Pilling was among thousands of runners who participated in the Comrades Marathon Centenary Hope Challenge virtual race on Sunday, 13 June.
The 92-year-old completed the 5km challenge supported by his personal trainer, Kaylee Rumney.
ALSO READ: Clermont pensioner bears the ‘fruits’ of his labour
More than 13 000 runners from more than 50 countries took part in the marathon. The entries-distance breakdown was that 2 292 people chose the 5km, 3 079 the 10km, 4 837 the 21km, 2 079 the 45km and 861 the gruelling 90km, for a total of 13 148 entries before the start of running.
Pilling started athletics at the age of 15 and was a sprinter who represented Amateur Athletic Association (England) and retired at the age of 26.
He emigrated to South Africa with his family and joined the Pinetown and Districts Athletic Club and eventually completed two Comrades Marathons, the Dusi Canoe Marathon and started the Umkomaas 50km Canoe Race.
The inspirational nonagenarian does not accept the limitations of old age and continues to train three days a week with his personal trainer which includes weekly walks in the neighbourhood.
* Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news
Dear reader, As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19. Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).
