Westville Athletics Club turns 50
Westville Athletics Club is one of the oldest club in the Highway area and has a rich history with many members representing the club at provincial and national level and a strong affiliation with Comrades Marathon.
WESTVILLE Athletic Club will host its annual awards function on Friday, November 8. In addition, they will be hosting a family fun day on Saturday, November 9, to celebrate the club’s 50th anniversary.
The awards evening is a formal function with RSVP essential, but the family fun day is open to all.
Bruce Fordyce, the renowned South African marathon and ultramarathon runner, will be a guest for the
Friday’s event. Fordyce is best known for his record nine wins in the Comrades Marathon, of which eight wins were consecutive.
The club’s vice-chairperson, Kylie Griffin, said that having Fordyce present is especially meaningful as he was the one who officially opened the clubhouse many years ago.
On Saturday, everyone is invited to join in the festivities to celebrate this milestone.
Also read: Westville’s senior race-walker breaks world record
“There will be a social run, fun run, food vendors, live music and a beer garden. Families are welcome, and the public is invited to come and celebrate with us,” she said.
Chairperson Carlo de Oliveira shared that the Westville Athletic Club was originally started by 10 members out of the back of someone’s car.
“After signing a lease with the municipality, they raised funds and took on the work themselves to clear the field and extend the clubhouse.”
He added that the club has a rich history, with many members representing the club at provincial and
national level and a strong affiliation with Comrades Marathon.
“Individual and team performances have put the club on the map. This year, 84 members took part in the Comrades Marathon Up Run.”
Iain Robertson, the men’s captain, noted that they are more than just a running club – they also welcome walkers.
“We have a development programme and a Zero to Hero programme aimed at encouraging people into the world of walking or running.”
This year, it will mark the 30th Illovo Westville Christmas Challenge, an annual event hosted by Westville Athletic Club in December. The event is known for its vibrant atmosphere, where runners and walkers often dress up and embrace the Christmas spirit.
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