WITH 32 bronze, one silver and nine Vic Clapham medals to his name, there is no doubt that Glen Hills resident David Williams is a legend in the Comrades Marathon.

With his permanent number of 1 550, Williams is among an elite group of runners with four laurels around his name and, this year, is aiming to run his 43rd Comrades Marathon.

The Savages Athletics Club member will be joining another legend of the Comrades, Barry Holland, who is planning on running his 50th, the most ever by any athlete in the fabled marathon.

Incredibly, both athletes ran their first Comrades Marathon in 1973, and in 2022, they happened to cross the finish line a few minutes apart.

“I’ll be linking with Barry this year – he is putting together a group of family and friends for his 50th, and I asked if he would accept me into the crew. He was gracious enough to do that, and if all goes to plan, we aim to finish together. He has an incredible record and has done so well over the years, so the motivation is there for me to finish the race in good time,” he said.

Williams, who is coming off the back of a hamstring injury, also shared his training regime.

“Traditionally, I’m slower on Up Runs. Having said that, I was maintaining and averaging 100km for six or seven weeks before the injury. I’ve gone back to my training schedule from a few years ago,” he said.

The 72-year-old also spoke about his future Comrades plans.

“I always say I’m a true African in that I never give up. I also don’t plan too far in advance. Every year is different, and as long as I have my health and I’m not damaging my body, I will continue running the Comrades Marathon. I run every Sunday, and I have missed very few races this year – there’s a benefit to being over 70 because the entries are free,” he quipped.

Williams also made special mention of his family who have been on the sidelines, supporting and seconding him for the last few decades.

“My wife, Sandy, has been seconding me for 40 years – and my daughter, Lauren (who has run two Comrades), as well as my son, Justin. The support they’ve given me has been incredible. I will also have my granddaughter, Kyla Bouer, supporting me on the route this year, and this will be the start of her seconding. She will be supporting both her grandfather and father, Trent, who is running the Comrades this year, as well,” he said.

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