24th Blood Buddy Memel to Newcastle Walk a resounding success – (Gallery)

This year marked the 24th anniversary of the race, and saw thousands of runners from across the country arrive in Memel in the early hours of the morning, to take on the approximately 52-kilometre route back to Newcastle.

August 17, 2018

F.C. Pelser 2 minutes read

Johan Pieters and James Small with the group of friends who started the Memel Walk in 1994.

After months of preparation by eager runners, the long awaited Vlam Panelbeaters Blood Buddy Memel to Newcastle Walk took place on Women’s Day (August 9).

ALSO READ: ARE YOU READY? Blood Buddy Memel to Newcastle Walk promises great fun

This year marked the 24th anniversary of the race, and saw thousands of runners from across the country arrive in Memel in the early hours of the morning, to take on the approximately 52-kilometre route back to Newcastle.

The 413 Racing team finish the race in high spirits.

72-year-old Rina Bekker and 73-year-old Francis Steel inspires everyone. They both walked the full 52 kilometre walk.

The Leaving a Legacy Team finish the race. They took on the Memel to Newcastle Walk to raise funds for Esperanza special needs school.

The Tequila Squad get warm on their way home after the race.

The Ni-Da Team supports Nico Oosthuizen after finishing the race.

The first team to finish the race, the Trail Blazers.

Mandara Spa give the runners massages after a long race.

The event is one of the biggest annual races on the Newcastle sporting calendar.

This year was no different, with some runners participating to raise money for charity, others seeking to test their endurance and push themselves to the limit, and a few looking to better personal best times.

Craig Cynkin was the first male runner to cross the finish line, in a time eight minutes faster than last year’s winner.

He achieved a gold medal finish in three hours and 28 minutes, and has earned himself the accolade of representing South Africa at the 100km World Championships in Croatia next month.

Lanxess has some fun and show team spirit next to the road.

The women from DBM Attorneys cheer on the runners halfway through the race.

Newcastle 911 supports the runners and has some fun next to the road.

The Ni-Da team who took part in the relay.

Participants are in high spirits as they start the race in Memel.

Lucinda de Waal, Lance the Lanxiss Bull, Lidia de Waal, Debbie Eloff and Melanie Guelpa.

The twee Tjops: Johan Basson and Armand Myburgh.

In a time of five hours, Jo Claassen successfully defended her title as the fastest woman in Newcastle and beat her personal best time for the race.

She now plans to take on the Comrades Marathon next year.

ALSO READ: IT’S HERE: The Blood Buddy Memel to Newcastle Walk is tomorrow! – (Watch)

As usual, organisers and entrants hailed the Memel to Newcastle Walk as a resounding success, where not even the cold and wet weather could to dampen the spirits of the athletes and their supporters.

Next year, the race reaches a quarter of a century – don’t miss out!

To celebrate the milestone, organisers have decided to introduce a new 25-kilometre route for runners to enjoy.

According to co-founder and co-organiser, Johan Pieters of Champ Marketing, he and the team are very excited to see what new challenges the 25km run will bring.

“We decided to add a 25km route to commemorate our 25-year celebration. We are really excited to see what the future has in store for the Memel to Newcastle Walk and we want to invite everyone in Newcastle to join us next year and make 25 our biggest year yet,” he concluded.

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