Our favourite Comrades Marathon runner

Most residents know Frans Matjila. He is an employee of Galven Security, the company responsible for our safety.

However, few of us know that this unassuming man is also a long distance athlete of note. From 2001 to 2010 he completed ten Comrades Marathons. He is the proud holder of a green number which is awarded in perpetuity to participants who have managed to successfully complete ten Comrades Marathons.

Frans proudly showing off one of his three silver medals and his green number

Frans won three silver and seven Bill Rowan medals from 2001 and 2010. The silver medal is awarded to competitors who complete the race between 6 hours and 7 hours 30 minutes. The Bill Rowan medal, which is bronze-centred and encircled by a silver ring, requires a time of between 7 hours 30 minutes and 9 hours.

Frans recorded his best time of 6 hours 59.37 minutes for the up run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg on 24 May 2009, achieving a credible 213^th position out of 20 000 participants. He was awarded the third of his silver medals for this achievement.

Frans ran the 2005 Comrades Marathon in a time of 8 hrs 19.01 min.

Asked why he no longer takes part in this iconic race, he replied that he has not been able to afford it since 2010. However, he hopes to save up enough money to compete in the 94^th Comrades Marathon in 2019.

His training schedule includes running to and from work.