Harry Botha (84) finishes Sydney Marathon, earns seventh World Majors star

Ballito octogenarian Harry Botha joined an elite list of international runners when he earned his seventh World Marathon Major star in Australia on Sunday.

The 84-year-old enjoyed beautiful conditions at the Sydney Marathon, finishing comfortably under the seven-hour cut-off in a time of 6:47:41, despite a tough final few kilometres. Harry’s Sydney medal now joins those he earned in New York, Boston, Chicago, London, Berlin and Tokyo – collectively known as the Abbott World Marathon Majors.

Sydney was added as a Major for the first time this year, making Harry’s ‘Seven Star’ status at the first attempt a remarkable feat – all the more so at his age. He was one of just four runners over the age of 80 in the field.

“It was an incredible feeling to cross the finish line, which was only made possible only by months of dedicated training to reach fitness,” said Harry.

“I worked with Professor Andrew Bosch at UCT, who created a training programme that I followed since last November. I could not help but pull myself out of marathon semi-retirement to chase that seventh star.”

Harry admitted it was far from easy and said he nearly gave up the goal when struggling with fitness in June. Nevertheless, he persevered with the help of his family and made it to the start line on Sunday, alongside 35 000 other hopefuls.

“It started okay and it was just a case of constantly monitoring my time because it was quite a hilly course. After a few kilometres, I was grateful to join a ‘bus’ aiming for a 6:45 finish so I could just focus on the race,” he said.

“That went well until about 40 kilometres in, when something happened – my legs went wobbly, and I fell, getting a few scrapes on the road.”

Harry had taken blood thinners for the long flight to Australia and a cut on his face started bleeding profusely.

“Luckily there were paramedics on hand who patched me up and got me standing again. From there, it was just a matter of holding onto the railing, walking and doing whatever I needed to finish.”

Spurred on by his daughter Heather in the final stretch – who burst into tears upon seeing her father’s bloody condition – the Dolphin Coast Strider made history down under.

Harry is now enjoying some well-deserved rest with extended family in Australia, but he will be back on the road once he returns home. The Cape Town and Shanghai Marathons are expected to be added as the eighth and ninth Majors in the next two years and Harry plans to give them a shot if his body allows.

Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.

Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.