Bruce Fordyce
Bruce is considered to be the world’s greatest ultra marathon runner. He is a highly-entertaining motivational speaker and his self-deprecating sense of humour creates a wonderful platform on which he shares his unique stories of determinatstion, perseverance and the will to overcome and real the finish line first – but NOT at all costs.
Bruce is also a writer, running coach and sponsored runner and when not on the track, he presents to businesses, sports clubs, schools and charities.
Bruce is Ambassador of The South African Sports Trust.
He ran his first Comrades Marathon in 1977 and went on to win the Comrades eight times in succession, missing out in 1989 to run the Standard Bank 100km Ultra. He then returned to Comrades to win again in 1990.
His fastest Comrades Marathon was in 1986 in a time of 5hrs 24, a record which stood for 21 years. He was the first runner to break 5 and half hours for the up run and is the only runner who has broken the barrier 3 times.
He is the World record holder for 50 miles, which he set in 1983 while running the London to Brighton Marathon. He also holds the U.S. 50 mile ‘All Comers’ record.
AWARDS
- Awarded Honorary Doctorate from Wits University Graduation November 2007
- Nelson Mandela State President’s Gold Award for Sport 1997
- Transvaal Athlete of the Year 1986
- Wits Sportswriters’ Sportsman of the Year 1982 & 1983
- S.A. Ultra Marathoner of the Year 1981-1990
- Sportsman of the Year 1979-1983
He is the CEO of Parkrun SA, the Assistant Manager of the Nedbank Running Clubs and CEO of the Nedbank Running Club Central Gauteng.