Royalty of the runners’ world Bruce Fordyce squares off with Dolphin Striders and boasts with new book

Sunday morning was no ordinary club run for the Dolphin Striders when they were joined by running legend Bruce Fordyce.

Fordyce joined the club for an 8km run before settling down to a buffet breakfast and a presentation of his new book, Winged Messenger.

The book, which he completed during lockdown last year, chronicles the journey Fordyce took to run his first Comrades, the hard work, setbacks, and sacrifices he endured to arrive at the moment of running the iconic 90km race.

The book is told through a series of journal entries, the first being June 8, 1976 a watershed moment for Fordyce after logging his first run (10 minutes around Wits rugby fields) culminating in his debut Comrades marathon run on May 31, 1977.

He placed 43rd out of a field of 2 212 in his first attempt completing the up run in a respectable time of 06:45.

Five years later Fordyce not only took first place, but he also ushered in a new era of dominance that cemented his status as one of history’s greatest long-distance runners as evidenced by his 8-year wining streak from 1981 to 1988 and once more in 1990.

He ran his last Comrades in 2012.

In total, Fordyce completed 30 Comrades and has run over 400 ultra-marathons and marathons, including winning the famous London to Brighton ultramarathon 3 times.

His 1983 record for the 50 miler stood for 36 years.

In 1989 Fordyce set a new world record for the 100km challenge, completing the race in 06:25.

Despite the gruelling physical and psychological demands of the ultramarathon, Fordyce continues to promote the joy of running and is passionate about the sport.

He is also responsible for introducing the mass participation event, the Park Run, to South Africa.

Fordyce spoke about the refreshing sense of camaraderie running provides that brings people together from all walks of life, and the special and long-lasting friendships built along the way – one that many other sports struggle to match

If you are mustering up the gumption to step up the distance and looking for a little motivation, read Winged Messenger – which Fordyce wrote specifically for Comrades novices.

At worst, you will be highly entertained with his anecdotes and learn a few things about the history of the ‘Ultimate Human Race’.

At best, you will find a new level of love and satisfaction in running.

Fordyce claims there is no adventure quite like that of running your first Comrades Marathon.

The journey is life-altering – but don’t take his word for it.

Give it a go and see if you can prove him wrong?