WAC celebrates 40 year milestone
Dozens of runners gathered at the Westville Athletics Clubs home grounds to raise a toast to 40 years of running.
THE members of the Westville Athletics Club celebrated a milestone in the club’s history when it turned 40 years old recently.
It was an emotional evening for some as a few of the founder members had not seen each other since the early days of the club’s inception. Derek Kay, one of the founder members, travelled from Australia to take part in the auspicious occasion.
“The club was formed by a group of training partners who decided that there was a need for a club between Durban and Pinetown. At a meeting at the Berea Hotel, the name was decided upon and the colour red was adopted in appreciation of the province’s finest beer, Lion Lager,” said Craig Dennill, honorary member of the club.
In March in 1974, the club’s application was approved and on Sunday 2 April 1974 the club made its appearance at the Savages Marathon, dominated the races and announced itself to the local running community. One of the challenges the club faced during its early days was a place to call home and meetings were held wherever a venue could be found. The Westville Athletics Club was later offered the defunct Westlea United Soccer Club’s grounds.
“In January 1985 the club members took occupation and commenced with a long journey to build and create a home for the club’s growing membership. The group moved into the premises in March 1985 and in April, a time trial attended by 84 runners signalled the opening of the club. The lease was signed in July 1985 and the Westville Athletics Club had a place to call home,” said Craig.
As a collective, the club has won gold medals in the Two Oceans marathon, the Comrades Marathon, taken top spots in many local races and scooped a host of trophies.
Tammy Dennill, the first woman to chair the club, is said to continue to motivate and inspire its membership to compete and attend races.
“Many congratulations to Westville Athletics Club on a fantastic achievement, and thanks must go to the organising committee for a memorable evening and we look forward to the next milestone in 2024,” said Craig.
