The Buffalo City athletics community is gearing up for an unforgettable weekend as nine-time Comrades Marathon champion, Bruce Fordyce, arrives in KuGompo City for an exclusive talk at Oxford Striders tomorrow (Friday), followed by a landmark parkrun milestone the next morning.
The iconic club, situated on Beach Road in Nahoon, will host the ultra-marathon legend from 6pm, where he will share insights, training wisdom, and anecdotes from his legendary career in distance running.
Fordyce holds the record for the most victories in the men’s division of the Comrades Marathon, having claimed eight consecutive titles between 1981 and 1988 before securing his ninth victory in 1990.
The event comes at a crucial period for local runners preparing for next year’s historic milestone event.
“With the hype building, entries flying, ballots done and everyone already planning their journey to the 100th Comrades Marathon next year … it’s time to get inspired,” Oxford Striders announced.
“We’re excited to invite you to an evening with the legendary Bruce Fordyce, sharing his insight, stories and pearls of wisdom from the ultimate run,” the club said.
In a video message recorded while attending running events in New York City last weekend, Fordyce sent a warm shoutout to local athletes in KuGompo.
“Greetings from the Big Apple, where I have just given a speech to a whole lot of runners about the Comrades Marathon and South African marathons, and it was a glittering triumph,” Fordyce said.
“But it was not as great a triumph as my speech will be on Friday, the 2nd of October, in East London, when I’m going to give a similar talk to a much more interesting audience of Eastern Cape runners.”
Following his address on Friday evening, Fordyce will lace up his running shoes on Saturday morning to participate in Kidd’s Beach’s 600th parkrun.
“Can’t wait to be there on Friday, and then the following morning, I’m going to run Kidd’s Beach’s 600th Parkrun.”
Organisers confirmed that all members of the public and local athletes the local athletics are welcome to attend Friday evening’s talk at Oxford Striders clubhouse.
