Ballito’s Barry Holland sets all-time Comrades Marathon record

Almost 100 local runners took on the Comrades Marathon on Sunday, with at least three silver medals among them and Ballito’s Barry Holland claiming the record for most races completed with his 48th finish.

70-year-old Holland’s race crowned him as the sole holder of the record after Louis Massyn (47 consecutive runs) was unable to enter this year.

“In a sentence, this year’s race was the hardest ever. I have not cramped for decades, but really struggled with it this time around. I also had an early fall which cut up my elbows and knees. It was extremely tough,” said Holland.

The legendary runner credits Ballito’s Warwick Taylor with helping him to get to the finish line, providing mental support throughout. Both finished in 11:42.

“Every year my age has a huge impact on my ability to finish. I am under no illusions of what the next one will take, but if my body holds up, I hope to reach 50,” he said.

The best local finisher this year was Elston Naicker from the Tongaat Panthers Athletic Club.

He finished in a blistering 6:27, good enough for 67th overall and comfortably grabbing a silver medal, which is awarded to runners who finish in under 7:30.

“It was my first Comrades and I was not sure what to expect. I was aiming for silver, and just kept pushing,” said Naicker.

He works as an operator for Tongaat Hulett, commuting from his home in Tongaat to Clairwood near the Bluff daily.

“I tried to get as much training done as possible, but it was often difficult with my work schedule. I ran two good times in two marathons, so I was quietly confident. I never expected a 6:27 though.”

He was one of eight finishers from Tongaat Panthers.

The remaining two silver medalists, Nic Acampora (7:26) and Vulindlela Zweni (7.26), both hail from the Dolphin Coast Striders club.

“It was my second Comrades, so I was pleased to get the back-to-back medal. With my training partner Dave Fick, we were hoping to run as close to seven hours as possible. We both found it difficult, however, with Dave dropping back at about halfway and my last 15 kilometres feeling almost impossible,” said Acampora.

Dealing with a lingering hip injury and seizing muscles in the last section, Acampora said walking was sometimes the only option.

“I stopped a few times and luckily just had enough time to play with to still make it for silver,” he said.

Eight KwaDukuza municipality employees also finished the race – Tammy Colley, Sibusiso Jali, Fisokuhle Mhlongo, Gift Mlotshwa, Sipho Mzobe, Mthandeni Nene, Sithembile Ngcamu and Billy Mokoena.

So too did The North Coast Courier’s graphic designer Nicole von Metzinger, who grabbed the Robert Mtshali medal (under 10 hours) in her first Comrades.

The race was won by North West Province security guard Tete Dijana in a phenomenal 5:30, with Russian Alexandra Morozova winning the women’s gold in 6:17.

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