At 73, Louis Massyn Prepares For His 48th Two Oceans Marathon

LOUIS Massyn runs a bit too fast for a septuagenarian. At last years Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon, Massyn ran his best time in 11 years the then 73-year-old finishing in 6:30.

That he could roll back the years the way he did is because he has returned to his roots Massyn having trekked back to his birth town in the Western Cape following many years in the Free State.

I have just recently moved back to George, and I now run for Outeniqua Harriers, and that has made a huge difference for me. Where I live there is a steep hill just outside my yard which I use for hill-repeats and that has really helped me. I am looking forward to this years race. I am excited, he said.

The South African road running aficionado will be all too familiar with the name Louis Massyn. This after all is a man who holds the record of the most Two Oceans races completed, Massyn set to run his 48th race next weekend. He has not missed a single Two Oceans race since he first laced up for the 56km Mother City ultra as a 25-year-old in 1976. It is an incredible feat and Massyn has his sights on clocking up the magical 50 races.

Of course, the goal is to get to 50. But I will keep on going even after that if my legs allow me to, says the man who has attained the coveted Two Oceans silver medal on six occasions and boasts a Personal Best PB time of 3:41.