We spent a fun afternoon with Greg Bisset (1977G), who came all the way from Sydney.  His last visit to the Mitre was eight years ago when he joined his classmates for a reunion. Greg marveled at how the school has evolved since those stern days when Mallet was the headmaster.

While in the neighbourhood he popped in to buy some memorabilia and to ensure he still had the correct contact details for his 81-year-old cousin, Mac Bisset (1960G) who he had last visited in Rondebosch.  Greg's family is deeply connected to Bishops. Both his father and grandfather went to school at the College.  This time, though, Greg had more than nostalgia on his agenda.

Greg is not in Cape Town  just for a leisurely visit, but for a grueling challenge. He is taking part in the epic Sanlam Cape Town Marathon this weekend. The race is  no walk in the park; Greg is ready to tackle the full 42.4 kilometers.

Greg openly admits that he despised sports during his school days. Back then, he would go to great lengths to escape any athletic activities.  His school friends would surely remember him as the one who avoided sports like the plague and they might be surprised at his passion for running!

After school, he pursued a Business Science degree at UCT, followed by an MBA at Stellenbosch. His career has been firmly rooted in the world of business since his graduation. Presently, he is based in Sydney, serving as the COO at Cancer Council, a position that he has held for the past six years.

However, amid a busy career, it is running that holds the true key to Greg's heart. Last year, he proudly completed the World Marathon Major Series, an incredible feat that encompassed six iconic cities: Boston, New York, and Chicago in the USA, and London, Berlin, and Tokyo.

Interestingly, both Cape Town and Sydney have applied to become part of the World Marathon Majors, a development that could bring substantial benefits to both cities. Greg hopes that, if successful, Cape Town could join the prestigious ranks by 2025, boosting the local economy and tourism in the Western province. Should this event land in Cape Town, it would give Greg yet another reason to visit regularly.

Among his countless memories associated with Bishops, he thinks fondly of his wedding day when he married Lesley in 1991 at Brooke Chapel. They have two daughters, Nicola and Kirsten, who both are also living in Australia where the family has been for more than two decades.

As he enjoyed his coffee and reflected on his life journey, Greg shared some sage advice for those embarking on their own paths:

"Never paint yourself into a corner - you never know what you may become and how you may change."

His own story is a testament to the unexpected and delightful twists life can take.