Bill Payn's 1922 Comrades Marathon run is one of the most colorful episodes in the annals of sports history, truly embodying the rugged, unyielding spirit of early 20th century athletes. Payn, a South African Springbok rugby player, not only took on the grueling 90-kilometer race between Pietermaritzburg and Durban, but he did so in his rugby boots—a choice of footwear far from ideal for the punishing distance. His nutrition strategy during the race was as unconventional as his attire, feasting on a hearty mix of bacon and eggs, chicken curry, and oranges, topped off with peach brandy. This eclectic menu, while far from what we might consider performance-enhancing today, seemed to sustain him remarkably well through the ordeal.
The day following the Comrades Marathon, in an astonishing display of stamina and resilience, Payn didn’t take a well-deserved rest. Instead, he laced up the very same rugby boots and took to the field to play in a rugby match. His ability to switch from long-distance running to the physically demanding world of rugby within such a short time frames highlights an almost superhuman level of fitness and endurance that left a mark in both sports' histories. This story not only showcases Payn’s indomitable spirit and physical prowess but also reflects the era's rugged approach to sports where formal training regimes and nutritional plans were often a secondary thought to sheer grit and determination. Bill Payn’s extraordinary feat, running a marathon in rugby boots and participating in a rugby match the following day, remains a legendary tale in South African sports folklore, inspiring awe and admiration for a man who truly tested the limits of his physical capabilities.
