Local Comrades legend captures memoirs of the road

Dolphins Striders runner Barry Holland has an extraordinary story to tell.

In his book, The Barry Holland Story, Holland an ultra marathon runner documents the story of a comrades running career that spans more than 40 years and covers over 125 000 km’s on the road.

The autobiography traces Holland’s reluctant beginnings as a 15-year-old boy profoundly changed after watching the unfolding drama of the 1967 Comrades marathon finish between the legendary Tommy Melone and Manie Kuhn who battled it out for the closest finish in the history of the ultra marathon.

“That was the moment when I knew I had to run the Comrades Marathon.

“Being a witness to that part of history, I knew I had to do something, be someone, and become part of something bigger than myself. It was a moment that changed my life forever.”

Five years after the historic event, at the age of 20, Holland found himself at the starting line of his first Comrades Marathon.

Also read: Ballito athlete tackles Sabie’s wildest trail endurance event

From that year he went on to accomplished what no other South African has achieved and earned himself a special place in the country’s running history. Completing an unbroken string of 40 consecutive Comrades Marathons.

“In the years to come, I would realise that the most incredible thing about running the Comrades Marathon is that ordinary people can achieve something extraordinary. They are extraordinary because they have run the greatest road race in the world.”

Despite the vastness of his time-line, covering almost five decades of running, Holland maintains an integrity in the recounting of his memoirs.

“Through the journey of my life, Comrades Marathon stands as a pillar of rock. Comrades has been the source of great pain and huge satisfaction but above all a wonderful sense of fulfillment.

“With whatever talent I was given, I know I have run this unique race as fast as I could and I couldn’t have asked more of myself. I have demanded of myself that I keep enjoying it. And I can only do that because of the people around me. The people and the 40 years of the memories they are part of.

The Barry Holland Story is not simply an account of his extraordinary achievement. Instead Holland recounts a compelling story that explores his growing preoccupation with running that set him onto a deeper path of discovery woven into the tapestry of his life.

His frank self-searching keeps the reader solidly on his side.

In capturing his narrative with as much art and truth as he can muster he takes the risk of being ordinary, and therefore human. Holland details the struggles he faced to become the ultra-marathon runner he is today.

The story of his determination demonstrates that sheer force of will, more than physical ability, is the true mark of a champion.

Holland’s book will certainly appeal to comrades and ultra-distance runners but it should find a wider audience among those who are curious as to the challenges, costs and rewards that come to those who strive for success in any field.

For in the Barry Holland Story, Holland shows himself to be a winner not only on the road, but also in the ongoing race called life.

The Barry Holland Story is available on-line through Modern Athlete, SA’s largest on-line running magazine.

Be the first to receive breaking news straight to your device with our newly launched push notifications! Simply visit our website and click on the icon shown above.

Do you want to receive news alerts from The North Coast Courier via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 061 718 4438.

Please read our WhatsApp broadcast list disclaimer.
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram