When winner Kenyan Reuben Kosgei, who won the 3000-metre steeplechase at the Sydney Games in 2000, crossed the finishing line to win the 39th City2Surf in 64 minutes, 18 sec after the starter's gun released the mass of contenders, Mr Garbut was still crossing the electronic starting point.

By comparison, Mr Garbut's assault on the 14 kilometre course took 6 hours, 51 minutes and 38 seconds yet the bearer of number 62643 was not just pleased with his performance, he was delighted.

Six years ago Mr Garbut, then 46, emerged from a major stroke and a three week induced coma in Sydney's North Shore Hospital.

He had totally lost the use of his left leg and his left arm and could barely speak.

"It was a nightmare. It happened one Saturday night in bed. My career as a public servant came to a halt as did my normal life as a father of three children and a husband," Mr Garbutt said.

Twenty years ago the major hemorrhage in Mr Garbut's brain would have killed him.

"I was fit, being a keen competitive sailor who didn't smoke and who did get a lot of exercise, and I think it was that and my family's support which helped me to survive," he said.

Four weeks at Rankin Park for rehabilitation was followed by nine months rehabilitation in Toronto's multi purpose clinic. Then, two years ago, Mr Garbut joined the Heart Moves Club run at Bayside Retirement Village.

"That's a fantastic course, it's fun and I believe it is helping me gradually get back to normal. It certainly made it possible for me to complete the City2Surf, including coping with the Heartbreak Hill," he said.

As a stroke survivor, Mr Garbut is also a director on the board of the Stroke Recovery Association in Sydney where fellow director, Bruce Williams, encouraged him to take up the challenge of the race.

"The City2Surf was a real challenge. I finished last, tired and sore but I finished and that was a wonderful achievement for me. I now play lawn bowls and I am busy getting my life back. The real message for stroke survivors from me is don't give up. You can and will win," he said.