Robin Williams’ Comrades Marathon journey is a true testament to Arthur Ashe’s words: “Start where you are, use what you have, and do what you can.”

Currently training for his fifth Comrades, the 77-year-old Springs resident defies the norm. Unlike many seasoned runners who start young and hone their skills through years of coaching, Williams started running at 69 after retiring.

Recognising his restlessness, his wife, Gail, and daughter, Megan, encouraged him to take up running.

“I would run around our neighbourhood and come back to tell my wife how far I’d gone. A few months later, they signed me up for a 10km race in Edenvale and I came first in my age category,” Williams said.

After that initial success, he participated in a series of 10km races, securing several first-place finishes in his category before progressing to longer distances.

“I used to run really fast in the first half of marathons and slow down in the second. I was advised on how to pace myself because that is what long distance requires,” he explained.

He joined Team Vitality Running Club before moving to the Spring Striders Athletics Club.

“When I joined the Striders, they were training for the Comrades Marathon, and I decided I would do it the following year. After doing it the first time, I said I would never do it again, but a few months later, I changed my mind,” he said humorously.

Following his debut, he participated in marathons across the country, including in Istanbul.

Throughout his journey, he has not allowed age or injury to deter him, often driven by a competitive spirit.

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“Everybody told him, ‘You’ve got to rest for a couple of months,’ and he would rest for two or three weeks, decide he felt better and try to run, only for it to be sore again,” Gail said.

Last year, Williams could not finish the gruelling marathon after experiencing pain at the 22km mark.

“I was warned that if it got worse, I would never be able to run again. When the pain started in my hip, I decided enough is enough; I’m not going to push my luck, so I had to get on the bus,” Williams recalled.

However, this year is different; it is a comeback. After months of rest and targeted training, he is prepared for June.

“For me, the Comrades is just another run, but it is also life-changing. After completing your first one, you become a totally different person,” he said.

Williams noted that he doesn’t run for accolades.

“The only way that I’m happy is if I get the medal. I don’t run for prizes or podium finishes; I run because I enjoy it and I have a medal to show for it,” he said.

Beyond running, Williams is a devoted family man. Athletics clearly runs in the family: his son Garth (41) was a sprinter, Bevan (40) did high jump, and daughter Megan (35) grew up doing long-distance running.

Even Gail started running after getting bored with always waiting for her husband at the finish line.

Williams says his family and club are his backbone.

“My wife always encourages me to rest and take care of myself, so he’s at every doctor’s appointment. And my club pushes me to aim for my best. I look forward to this year’s Comrades because I know I’m not doing it alone,” he said.