BAC celebrates 50 years of resilience and growth
It was a glamourous celebration where BAC stakeholders reminisced about the past 50 years.
Fifty years after a handful of determined runners first took to the streets of Boksburg, the Boksburg Athletic Club (BAC) has grown into far more than a sports organisation. It has become a living legacy of endurance, inclusivity and community spirit.
That legacy was celebrated recently at a glamorous golden jubilee dinner at the Protea Hotel OR Tambo, where past and present members gathered to honour a club that has stood strong across five decades of transformation.
The evening brought together generations of athletes, from the club’s earliest pioneers to its newest Comrades qualifiers all united by a shared pride in what BAC has become.
Keynote speaker Bob Harvey described the milestone as a celebration of identity and resilience, telling attendees that “BAC is not just a running club, it’s an institution steeped in rich history.”
He added that throughout its journey, the club has “always come out on top because its members are filled with passion, enthusiasm and commitment to a single goal of fostering the spirit of athletics in all spheres of life.”
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A club forged through challenge
Founded on October 29, 1974, with membership fees of only R6 for adults and R2 for juniors, BAC quickly established a reputation for determination.
Harvey recounted how, in its early years, the club faced significant political pressure as many sporting codes were still segregated.
He reminded guests that during the early era of amateur sport, most sporting codes did not have a lot of female participation.
“Once the sporting barriers were removed, women no longer stood on the side of the road and actively took part in different events, and the club saw some great female athletes.”
Harvey also reflected on what he called the club’s most turbulent decade, the 1980s.
In 1980, BAC made a historic decision to relocate its clubhouse after becoming the first club affected by the Boksburg Town Council’s controversial sports policy.
Harvey explained that the move was driven by principle rather than preference, noting that one of the club’s constitutional aims was to ensure “no hindrances to individual members on racial, political or any other grounds.”
Building a racing legacy
Harvey highlighted the club’s early racing history, explaining that BAC’s first road race took place in 1976, a 10-mile (16km) event costing just R1 to enter.
By 1979, the club had secured Colgate as a sponsor, which he described as “arguably one of South Africa’s longest-standing road race partnerships.”
He also emphasised the importance of the Bloodhill Blitz, calling it arguably the oldest town race in South Africa, and reminding members why attendance at the event remains significant.
Reflecting on the club’s move to the Boksburg Stadium in 1993, Harvey said the venue had become the perfect home for future champions.
Closing his speech, he wished the club continued success: “May the next 50 years and beyond be filled with new achievements, enduring friendships and unwavering pursuit of excellence.”
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Recognising legends of the road
The celebration honoured several athletes for historic achievements:
• Comrades gold medalist: Lesley Train (Austin).
• Triple Green Number: Josiah Makoro.
• Spirit of Comrades Award recipient: Anne McCrindle (Kouvarellis).
• 20 consecutive Comrades and Two Oceans: Louis Liebenberg.
• 20 Comrades and 20 Two Oceans (female): Carolyn Wridgway.
• Oldest club member: Ray Beyrooti.
Annual trophies were also awarded to standout athletes including Rieghardt Rautenbach, Sheree Rogers-Chapman, Maphuti Majetja, Christina Silale and Paul Kasu.
