“Just to be present. That is the best.”
South African Comrades Marathon legend Louis Massyn (75) says simply taking part in running events is a highly enjoyable privilege.
Massyn, who became the first human to finish 50 Comrades Marathons last year, joined the Windhoek Parkrun for an informal 5km run on Saturday.
He said he was visiting Namibia to run the Bachmus Coastal Marathon from Swakopmund to Walvis Bay on 3 October for a third time.
“I’m struggling with my breathing a bit,” he said while running on Saturday, explaining that training at his hometown, George, in the Western Cape, is easier on the lungs since it’s at sea level.
Massyn’s autobiography, ‘403 – The Louis Massyn Story’, written by Francois van Zyl, was published late last year.
The title refers to his permanent green Comrades number.
Earlier this year, he was unable to finish the Comrades ‘up run’ from Durban to Pietermaritzburg, but this is not holding the legendary athlete back.
Next year, Massyn will attempt a 51st finish during the centenary edition of the 88km ultramarathon, also referred to as ‘the ultimate human challenge’.
In April 2025, he finished the Two Oceans ultramarathon in Cape Town for a 48th time and will be aiming for his 50th finish in 2028.
Massyn, who used to work in the automotive industry and then as a medical representative, says his career has granted him many opportunities to take part in global running events.
It was also his work as medical rep that cemented his connection with Namibia.
He says his job required him to spend time in a ‘green zone’ country, and he chose Namibia due to its proximity to South Africa.
This categorisation involves being a low-risk country in terms of global safety rankings.
SAND AND SEA … Louis Massyn during a previous edition of the Bachmus Coastal Marathon.
Massyn has finished the Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York marathons, earning him the World Marathon Majors Six-Star medal.
“It’s not easy being Louis Massyn, but I’ve brought this upon myself,” he quips, adding that speed used to matter to him, but now he just enjoys participating in events.
“It’s moer lekker,” he said on Saturday.
Massyn will be celebrating his 76th birthday with friends and family at George on 24 October.
403 – The Louis Massyn Story’ is available at selected bookstores in Namibia.
