BAC celebrates top performers, reflects on successful year

The Boksburg Athletic Club (BAC) honoured its standout runners at a spirited awards evening held at Dias 88, celebrating a year marked by dedication, community spirit, and impressive performances on the road.

Among the top honours, Rieghardt Rautenbach and Christina Silal took the titles as the first man and woman home respectively at the Two Oceans Marathon, with Silale also claiming the first senior open lady and first veteran lady (40–49) categories.

Paul Kasu was recognised as the first senior open man and the run of the day award, along with Isabella Dicks, who also earned the title of fastest back-to-back female.
Other key category winners included:

Isaac Mokgola: First veteran man (40–49)
Dieter Muller: First master man (50–59)
Larissa Donker: First master lady (50–59)
David Gamede: First grandmaster man (60–69)
Rita van Wyk: First grandmaster woman (60–69)
Luyolo Gxumisa: First male novice
Brigitte O’Connor: First female novice
Felix Banda: fastest back-to-back male
Keagan Sutherland: youngest finisher
Ian Manchest: oldest finisher and last athlete home
Johan Burger: fastest Green Number
The Most Meritorious award (Comrades Double Green) went to David Jones, Cosnath Zitha, and Teresa Peyerl for their remarkable endurance over years of running South Africa’s ultimate ultra-marathon.

A strong year for the club
The club also held its AGM, where chairperson Gary Corin reflected on a year of growth and achievement. He commended the committee and volunteers for their dedication behind the scenes, from organising major races to maintaining the club’s facilities and supporting athletes across all levels.

“Whether you’re chasing podiums, parkruns, or just the post-race beers, you embody what BAC stands for – community, commitment, and camaraderie,” said Corin.

He paid special tribute to treasurer Teresa Peyerl, vice-chairperson Huntley Harris, and secretary Caron Harrisfor their tireless efforts and to president Sheree Rogers-Chapman, who offered her legal expertise pro bono to modernise the club’s constitution.

Races and growth
BAC’s signature Colgate 15/32 km race once again shone as one of Gauteng’s premier road events, drawing over 7 000 participants. The Tommy Malone 15 km Road Race was a success, doubling its field size and generating a profit of about R43 000 after a difficult 2024. Sponsorships from CTM, Hammond Pole Attorneys, 32GI, Aquelle and others boosted the club’s success, with total sponsorship value reaching around R80 000.

Furthermore, the club also reintroduced Wednesday morning runs and a monthly long run, while cross-country running returned as a growing discipline under the guidance of David Gamede.

Running achievements and club spirit
The year saw strong representation at both the Comrades Marathon and Two Oceans, with BAC fielding 68 Comrades entrants and celebrating 51 finishers, including two silver medallists. Rising stars such as Dinekhi Buti, Charlotte Venter, and veteran stalwarts like Isabella Dicks and Felix Banda were highlighted for their impressive performances.

Beyond the road, the club continued to build its trademark camaraderie through events like Steve’s Mile Challenge, the Chairperson’s Run, and the BAC Christmas Run, ensuring that “family, food and fun remain the real finish line”.

Looking ahead
As BAC celebrates its 50-year milestone this year, plans are already in motion for a stronger 2026, with greater focus on developing junior and social runners, expanding club runs, and deepening community involvement.
Closing his address, Corin reminded members what keeps the club moving:
“Running clubs aren’t just about medals or training logs, they’re about people. That shared nod at 05:30, that cheer at the finish line, that’s what makes BAC special. The road is long, but we’re built for distance.”

Also Read: Boksburg Athletic Club shines at Benoni Northerns race day

Also Read: Roberts twins win fun run at Tommy Malone Memorial Race