At 75 years old, Louis Massyn is lacing up for his 50th Comrades Marathon… not for glory but for children with special needs who deserve a future filled with hope and understanding.
South Africa (18 May 2025) – At 75 years young, veteran marathoner Louis Massyn is gearing up for a remarkable milestone: running his 50th Comrades Marathon.
This living legend of athletics is turning decades of dedication into an opportunity to give back. Through this race, he plans to raise funds and awareness for BINAH and The Legacy Centre, two charities that provide vital support to children with special needs.
Massyn first tackled the Comrades Marathon in 1973 and since then he has completed it 49 times. He often says the spirit of the race and the camaraderie of his fellow runners keep him motivated.
“My motivation in running the Comrades Marathon year-after-year is actually my fellow runners… they really do keep me motivated,” he has said.
Now Louis is channelling that passion into helping others. He’s dedicating this 50th run to charity, partnering with BINAH and The Legacy Centre to support children with special needs.
“I’m thrilled to be partnering with BINAH and Legacy Center for my 50th Comrades Marathon,” says Louis. “This organisation does incredible work in supporting children with special needs, and I’m honoured to be able to contribute to their efforts.”
He has also set up a fundraising campaign on the GivenGain platform so supporters worldwide can contribute to the cause. Every step Louis takes will carry the hopes of young learners, proving that running can have a heart as big as the athlete’s stride.
Empowering Children with Special Needs
BINAH (meaning “understanding”) was founded by parents of children with autism to raise awareness and acceptance. They launched The Legacy Centre, a one-to-one tutoring programme where each child with special needs receives personalised education in a warm, family-like setting.
The Centre’s individualised programmes focus on each child’s strengths in a calm, low-stimulation environment, helping them thrive emotionally, socially and academically.
In March 2023, the organisation expanded its mission by opening Ons Plasie – a residential farm home in Oudtshoorn for young men with autism. On this smallholding, residents care for sheep, chickens and a vegetable garden, learning life skills and building confidence in a caring community. These initiatives give families hope and show how inclusion can create a brighter future for all.
“We’re excited to be a part of Louis’ 50th Comrades Marathon journey,” says Mariza van Deventer, representative of BINAH and The Legacy Centre. “His dedication to our cause is inspiring, and we’re grateful for his support.”
Virtual Comrades for Everyone
Louis is inviting runners around the world to join him through a virtual challenge. In the 50 days leading up to the race (19 April – 8 June 2025), participants have to cover the 90 km distance of the Comrades Marathon. That’s under 2 km per day on average, which can easily be done on a treadmill, road or trail. Runners will log their progress on a virtual map and share encouragement with each other. Everyone who completes the distance will earn a special commemorative medal and a certificate signed by Louis Massyn himself. In this way, friends and supporters can run alongside Louis and join the cause from anywhere in the world.
Join the Journey: How to Donate and Participate
Getting involved is easy. Louis has set up a champion fundraising page on the GivenGain platform so anyone can contribute to BINAH and The Legacy Centre. Every donation helps pay for extra tutoring, educational materials or housing costs at Ons Plasie. Even a small gift will make a real difference.
Runners and walkers can sign up for the Virtual Comrades Marathon event via the entry page and complete the daily distance at their own pace.
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To donate: Support Louis’s GivenGain campaign for BINAH and The Legacy Centre.
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To register: Join the Louis Massyn Virtual Comrades Marathon.
As Louis himself says, this is about showing love and support for families. By running and fundraising together, everyone helps create an inclusive future where every child can learn and grow.
In the end, the real celebration will be the smiles on those children’s faces, the true victory of this marathon. Louis’s journey shows that with passion, persistence and heart, anyone can bring hope and light to their community. What an uplifting milestone to cheer on and share!
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