Running on Comrades wings to earn his 50th medal

It may have been a church sermon that inspired Western Cape pensioner Louis Massyn to run his first Comrades in 1973, but this year it was the Comrades camaraderie that helped him cross his 50th ultra-marathon finish line with just six minutes to spare on Sunday. 

The Outeniqua Harriers runner, now 74, was moved by a rousing sermon by Bishop Amoore in a Bloemfontein church about the “unmatched” race.

“I sat in the congregation and thought it was something I might do,” he said.

And so, at 22, he did, finishing in 10 hours 13 minutes, and placing 1,090th.

“In those days, there was no need for a qualifier and you needed your own seconders. The entry fee was R4,” he said.

This year he finished the race in 11 hours 53 minutes, bagging the Vic Clapham medal in the gruelling 89.98km down run from Pietermaritzburg to thunderous applause from his family and friends who were waiting for him with a 50th Comrades cake.

Massyn said after the race: “I don't know how many muscles are in the body, but each and every muscle is quite sore. It was an absolutely emotional moment... it was a dream come true. I always said, that's my goal... to finish 50 Comrades Marathons. I managed it very, very well.”

He described the race as an emotional affair, marked by messages of support from fellow athletes throughout the run.

“It was an exciting experience and I was overwhelmed by the support I received from some runners,” he said.

He said though the actual running experience was difficult, he was grateful to have finished the race within the allotted time.

“It was an indescribable experience when I was greeted at the finish by my friend Barry Holland,” said Massyn.

Massyn missed the 2022 Comrades edition owing to a knee injury and the ultra-marathon was not held in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid-19.

Now he has set his sights on completing the next two editions of the marathon — including the 100th Comrades Marathon in 2027.

Massyn wasn't fazed about this year's new street finish outside the Moses Mabhida stadium.

“Most world majors have street finishes and this for me proved to be iconic. There are of course some aspects of the race which need improvement, but everything from the start line was well planned,” said Massyn.

Massyn, who is currently a guest at the Oyster Box hotel in uMhlanga — thanks to some friends — said he was yet to get through the treasure trove of messages from well-wishers who are still astounded by his achievement.

“There are over 1,500 messages on my phone and these are from all over the world. It is humbling and gratifying to be getting them. I have also been receiving interview requests from the media and for some podcasts,” said Massyn.

He said his club plans to celebrate the Comrades athletes in the coastal town of George next week and for now he has enjoyed a few pints at various pubs in Umhlanga.

Massyn has pencilled the Bachmus Coastal Marathon in Namibia in October into his training schedule.

“I was invited to this particular race last year and I loved it. It’s the biggest marathon in Namibia, attracting over 925 athletes. I want to get my qualifier there and hope South Africans rally behind our neighbours,” said Massyn.

Like Massyn, his long-time friend and Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) board member Holland plans to run the 100th edition in 2027.

Holland, who has over 40 runs under his belt, didn't participate in this year’s run after he failed to finish last year.

“I have been badly affected by long Covid and I just want to sort out my blood and then I will be all good,” said Holland.

Holland applauded Massyn for his feat, describing him as an “absolute hero”.

“He has had an incredible journey. What he has done is amazing,” said Holland.

Meanwhile the CMA has dismissed rumours that two runners died while running the marathon.

General manager Alain Dalais said it had been brought to the CMA’s attention that some digital media outlets or accounts were reporting two deaths.

“The CMA and its medical team can confirm no deaths have been recorded at the 2025 event,” said Dalais.

“As can be expected from an event of this nature and size, there were some cases of runners being transferred to hospital from the route for various medical reasons,” said Dalais.

He said the CMA medical, emergency, safety and health protocols are excellent and focused on the safety of runners.

“The CMA distances itself from any fake news or rumours and suggests our community rely on reputable sources of information starting with our own channel,” said Dalais.