Comrades Marathon champion and running legend Bruce Fordyce has praised the rapid growth of the Orient Beach parkrun, describing it as one of the most beautiful routes he has experienced in his extensive parkrun experience.
The 70-year-old former world record holder, best known for winning the Comrades Marathon a record nine times between 1981 and 1990, visited the KuGompo City event on Saturday and was impressed by the enthusiastic community support.
“We had such a battle for many years trying to get the Nahoon Point one sited again, which we have never been able to do.
“But this is great compensation. It’s lovely and it’s nice to see how many people come out. The community has really embraced it,” Fordyce told the Go! after he smashed the 5km run.
Fordyce, who has completed an impressive 632 parkruns around the world, said the global movement continued to attract him because of its unique atmosphere.
“I keep coming back to parkrun because it’s fun. If there’s one word to describe parkrun, it’s a very simple adjective: happy,” he said.
“People love being here. They all get together. The run is an excuse — it’s all about getting together, having fun and getting healthier.
“But the main thing is coming together as a community.”
Looking ahead, Fordyce said parkrun’s next major goal was expanding into neighbouring African countries.
“For the next five years, we want to take parkrun into countries like Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mauritius and Kenya. They’re all screaming for parkrun,” he said.
He also highlighted the importance of introducing parkrun to underserved communities and townships across SA.
“That’s a challenge because people don’t always understand the volunteering concept.
“On a Saturday morning they have other commitments such as funerals, shopping and family responsibilities.
“But if we can get parkrun running in the townships, that would be fantastic. There should be at least five parkruns in Mdantsane every Saturday morning, and currently there isn’t one.”
Fordyce revealed that Yellowwoods had successfully applied to establish its own parkrun event.
“Yellowwoods is coming. They’ve submitted all the necessary documentation and, in about two months, it should be up and running.
“But the real one we need is Mdantsane.”
Describing the Orient Beach route, Fordyce said it ranked among the most scenic courses he had experienced.
“You’ve got the sea and a lovely route. The only problem is that the [Orient] pier is a little tricky, so you can’t spend too much time looking at the view because you’re going to trip if you do that,” he joked.
The veteran runner also reflected on his family’s ties to KuGompo City.
“My mother was born here. She attended Clarendon Girls’ High School and later studied at Rhodes University.
“My grandfather was a district surgeon and lived in Bunkers Hill. I’m an East London boy.”
Fordyce encouraged aspiring elite runners from the region to consider training at higher altitudes if they hoped to compete at the highest level.
“At high altitude your body produces more red blood cells, which improves your oxygen-carrying capacity.
“For me to run here is easier because I have more red blood cells.
“If you stay here that’s fine, but if you want to be elite and win races, then you need to go upcountry.”
Reflecting on this year’s Comrades Marathon, where he once again formed part of the television commentary team, Fordyce said the race was outstanding but urged caution when comparing records.
“It was a fantastic race, but I don’t want to talk too much about the records because the route was about 2km shorter than usual.
This year also marked the end of an era for Fordyce, who bid an emotional farewell to the Two Oceans Marathon after decades of involvement.
For the first time in many years, he did not participate in the event as a competitor or commentator.
