Ballito’s Barry Holland, the ultimate Comrades competitor [Watch]
With the completion of the recent Comrades Barry became the sole record holder for the most consecutive finishes!
Seventy-year-old Ballito resident Barry Holland has spent a lifetime honing the skill of ultramarathon running.
Two weekends ago he became the sole record holder of the most consecutive and most Comrades Marathons finishes with 48.
Since 1973, when the 20-year-old Holland took on his first Comrades, he has run the ultimate human race every single year bar the two cancellations during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Born in Durban, Holland always felt the pull of the race which took place on his doorstep.
“I was always active and kept fit, but because I only have one eye, ball sports were generally out of the question. But when I discovered I had an aptitude for long distance running, I never looked back,” he said.
In the 50 years since, Holland claimed 22 silver medals – which means finishing in under seven and a half hours – with a best time of 6.29 and best finish of 98th.
“I am generally bio-mechanically sound and picked my parents well! But at the top of any sport, there is of course an aspect of talent and I was never pushing to win the race. My goal was always to break six and a half hours and finish within the top 100,” he said.
Aside from his favourable running genetics, Holland attributes his longevity and consistency to proper preparation and smart running.
“Regardless of how fit or talented you are, there is simply no way around doing the mileage on the road beforehand.”
Holland says the best way to maintain consistency is to join a club such as the Dolphin Coast Striders, of which he is a member.
“Running clubs are great places to meet like-minded people, but crucially, they will also give you running direction, with plans and meets to ensure you do the correct training.”
Holland also credits a change in diet – cutting out bread, sugar and beer – to having the strength to persevere until the milestone of 50 is reached in 2024 – after which he plans to retire his running shoes.
Regardless of whether he completes the big 50, Holland’s legacy will continue to inspire his fellow runners to just keep running.
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