Bruce Fordyce is a renowned South African marathon runner, having won the Comrades Marathon a record nine times in a row, from 1981 to 1989. This feat cemented his place in the history books as one of the greatest ultra-distance runners of all time.
Early Life and Career
Bruce Fordyce was born on 3rd December 1955 in Hong Kong, as his father was stationed there as a diplomat. However, the family moved to South Africa when Fordyce was just four years old, and he spent most of his childhood in Johannesburg.
Fordyce began his running career in high school, where he was a member of the school athletics team. In 1974, he enrolled at the University of the Witwatersrand, studying for a Bachelor of Law degree while continuing his athletic pursuits.
The Comrades Marathon
The Comrades Marathon is a 90-kilometer (56-mile) ultra-marathon that takes place annually in South Africa between Durban and Pietermaritzburg. It is one of the world's oldest and most prestigious ultra-distance races, and is steeped in tradition and history.
Fordyce's first Comrades Marathon was in 1977, when he finished in eighth place. However, it was the following year, in 1978, when he finished second, that he began to make a name for himself in the ultra-running world.
From 1981 to 1989, Fordyce won the Comrades Marathon a record nine times in a row, a feat that has never been matched. He was known for his exceptional endurance and mental strength, and his ability to maintain a steady pace throughout the grueling race.
Training and Preparation
To achieve his record-breaking feat, Fordyce trained rigorously and followed a strict diet and exercise regime. He would often run up to 200 kilometers (124 miles) a week, and would also include strength training and core exercises in his routine.
Fordyce also believed in the importance of mental preparation, and would use visualization techniques to help him stay focused and motivated during the race.
Later Years and Legacy
After his retirement from competitive running, Fordyce continued to be involved in the sport as a commentator and ambassador. He was inducted into the International Association of Ultrarunners Hall of Fame in 2011, and his legacy as one of the greatest ultra-marathon runners of all time lives on.
Personal Life
Bruce Fordyce is married with three children, and lives in Johannesburg. He is also a successful motivational speaker, and has written several books about his life and experiences as a runner.
