By Irene Kuppan
Robert Mtshali ran the Comrades Marathon 70 years ago, but he is only to receive recognition for his achievement later this year.
Although Mtshali was the first black person to complete the 89km distance between Pietermaritzburg and Durban, he did so unofficially - in 1935 the race was not open to black people or women.
Now, seven decades later, the Comrades Marathon Board of Trustees has plans in place to honour Mtshali.
This year's race marks the 80th anniversary of the running of the Comrades and as part of the celebrations, a statue or plaque has been commissioned to commemorate Mtshali.
Little is known of Mtshali's background or his performance in the race, said Bobby Maharajh, chairperson of the Comrades Board of Trustees.
"Our archives mention Robert Mtshali completed the distance, was heartily cheered by the crowds and received a presentation from the mayor of Durban.
"However, we would love to know more about the man and his background. We are appealing to anyone who might be able to assist us in learning more about Robert Mtshali to contact our office at 033 897 8650," said Maharajh.
Although the race was officially opened to women and people of all races in 1975, women and non-white men had been competing unofficially before this. These runners are also to be rewarded for their efforts.
The Comrades Marathon Association is preparing a special exhibition to be featured in the Comrades Marathon Museum in Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, said Maharajh.
The exhibition will be called The Forgotten Comrades and will be dedicated to the men and women who participated unofficially in the event before 1975.
Celebrations for this year's down run include an award of R80 000 to one lucky runner .
According to Maharajh, more than 70 000 runners have run the race since its inception. To mark the 80th anniversary, the runner who will become the 80 000 person to cross the Comrades finish line will be awarded R80 000.