Blog

Louis Massyn: Running A Life That Works

Louis Massyn – Running a Life That Works Running a Life That Works, tells the extraordinary story of Louis Massyn, a South African ultramarathon runner who exemplifies Charlie Munger’s guiding principle: “Take a simple idea seriously.” For Louis, that simple idea was to run the Comrades Marathon — once. But he took it seriously. Over five decades, that one decision evolved into a life-defining journey marked by commitment, humility, and endurance. Now 74, Louis is set to become the first person to complete the Comrades Marathon 50 times, a feat that places him in a league shared by fewer than ten people worldwide across all marathon events. Through consistent effort, unwavering discipline, and an almost reverent respect for the sport, Louis transformed a modest beginning into an astonishing athletic legacy — 147,000 kilometres run, over 3,400 marathons’ worth of distance, 49 Comrades medals, and countless friendships forged on the road. Yet this is not just a story about racing. It’s about a man who chose to live with intention, showing what becomes possible when a person takes one idea seriously and never lets go. With his wife Rita as his steadfast supporter, Louis has built a life of meaning — one pair of running shoes, one race, one step at a time. As he prepares for his 50th Comrades in 2025, he runs not just for himself but for others — dedicating his race to children with special needs. His story is a quiet testament to the power of consistency, grit, and the courage to keep showing up. “The soul of the Comrades lies in those who persist, no matter their pace,” Louis says. And perhaps, the soul of a meaningful life lies in doing just that.