Running the Comrades Marathon is an achievement in itself, but for one veteran athlete from the Roodepoort Athletics Club, crossing the finish line has become a remarkable tradition spanning more than four decades.

At this year’s Comrades Marathon Up Run on June 14, 61-year-old Johan Breydenbach completed the race and earned his 31st medal after crossing the finish line in an impressive time of 11:35:17 and securing a Vic Clapham medal.

During an interview with the Roodepoort Record, Breydenbach mentioned that his passion for the sport began in 1983 while he was in matric. Inspired by his late brother-in-law, he took up running and never looked back.

He completed his first Comrades in 1985 alongside his brother-in-law while representing the South African Police Services running club, and continued running consistently until 1990.

However, in 1991, Breydenbach stepped away from the sport due to personal reasons. Nearly a decade later, he returned to running and joined the Roodepoort club in 1999.

Since then, he has completed 25 consecutive Comrades Marathons, except for 2022 when he was unable to start the race after contracting Covid-19.

His commitment and perseverance have earned him a permanent Green Number with three laurel leaves — a prestigious achievement awarded to runners who have completed 30 or more Comrades.

The laurel leaves signify milestones reached, with one laurel awarded for 10 to 19 finishes, two for 20 to 29 finishes, and three for 30 or more.

“The plan for this year was to do a sub11 hours [under 11 hours], but I’m happy with the result. I must admit I’m getting older and it becomes more difficult to run,” he said.

Although he encountered no major challenges along the route, Breydenbach believes the true test of the Comrades only begins after the 60km mark.

“After 60km, it is the unknown. The reason I say this is because, during training, the longest run you normally do is around 60km. Beyond that point, mental fortitude and resilience take over,” he explained.

Among his many Comrades memories, Breydenbach’s best performance came in 2003 when he completed the race in 9:47:54. His most difficult experience was the 2013 race, which was run in extremely hot conditions.

“The weather was very hot, and runners were collapsing and fainting. It was one of the toughest races I have experienced,” he recalled.

When asked what it takes to complete 31 Comrades, he said it simply takes courage, commitment and passion.

“Comrades is my passion, and it’s a lifestyle that I have dedicated myself to. Anyone who runs and finishes the Comrades can tell you what an incredible feat it is to make it to the finish line. I’m thankful to God that at my age, I’m still able to use the talent and skills of running that He gave me.

“There were years when I wanted to quit, but every time I cross that finish line, I’m reminded that I can do it.”

Looking ahead, he hopes to reach another major milestone of completing his 35th, and after that, he will make a decision if he wants to continue or not.

For aspiring runners dreaming of tackling the Ultimate Human Race, Breydenbach has a simple message.
“Everybody can do it. Stay positive, believe in yourself and never stop believing that you can achieve your goals.”