Comrades’ oldest finisher keeps it simple
Bluffite gets his name engraved on trophy, following 2016 Comrades finish.
BLUFFITE Mike Evered-Hall has been immortalised with his name engraved on the Comrades Marathon Founders’ Trophy after being the oldest runner to complete the 2016 Comrades Marathon.
Annually, the oldest competitor to complete the marathon is rewarded by having their name added to the trophy, which sits in the Comrades House museum.
The 75-year-old Bluff Athletics Club runner was astounded when he found out.
“I did my own research after the run to find out how many people my age had finished. Through this I realised I was the oldest to run across the finish line this year. That was achievement enough,” said a smiling Mike.
It was later that a friend of his told him this meant his name would be added to the trophy.
“What an honour – I didn’t even know they did this. According to my research there were nine people older than me who competed but they didn’t finish the race this year and there were 16 people over 70 who did finish. That is amazing.”
His 23rd Comrades run was not without incident. In the first stages of the race he slipped on a cat’s eye in the road and fell, injuring his back, arms and face.
“One of the great things about this race is the comradeship – not only from the runners, but the spectators too. People rushed onto the road and helped me up, they pinned my number back to my shirt, sat me down and made sure I was OK. I thank them for their support. It shows the spirit of the Comrades.
They asked if they should call the medics but I said I wanted to struggle on.”
And struggle on he did, finishing the gruelling marathon in a time of 11.31.51.
“I am an ordinary ‘Joe Soap’ – anyone can accomplish what I have. I just follow the ‘word of wisdom’, which I learned through church. I keep away from caffeine, tobacco and other harmful substances; I eat fresh fruit and vegetables of the season, get lots of exercise and sufficient sleep.”
Read also:
Silver finish for YWP AC’s top Comrades finishers
Triple number Comrades milestone for Basil
Do you have more information pertaining to this story?
Feel free to let us know by commenting on our facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.
DID YOU KNOW?
Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics.
To receive news links via WhatsApp, send an invite to 061 876 3179
The Southlands Sun is also on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest – why not join us there?
