Vryheid Athletic Club (VAC) closed off 2025 in style with its annual year-end function and prize-giving last Saturday, with a lively disco theme. Barbara Dicks MC’d the evening, welcoming members and giving special thanks to the committee for the festive décor and delicious food.

Committee thanks members for a strong year

The current committee members extended their gratitude to all VAC members for their loyalty and contributions, helping to keep the club flag flying high at races throughout the year.

New committee elected for 2026

The evening began with the election of the new 2026 committee: chairperson – Barbara Dicks; vice-chair – Natasha Badenhorst; secretary – Elizma Nortjie; treasurer – PJ Du Toit; captain – Amanda Vergottini; additional members – Johan Coetzee, Daan Coetzee, Jaco Booysen and Adelle Richter.

Membership now open for 2026

Membership applications for 2026 are available from the secretary.

Sponsors recognised for vital support

The club acknowledges that its success relies heavily on sponsors whose financial support, donations and time make a meaningful difference to the club’s growth and achievements.

Awards celebrate performance, progress and spirit

Trophies were awarded strictly on merit, based on athletes’ submitted results, with additional awards recognising individuals who contribute selflessly to VAC.

Awards highlights

• Clown of the Year: Matt Cilliers – For bringing laughter and lightness to the running community.
• Male Trail Athlete: Henning Le Roux – Adventurous spirit, bodyguard during support rides, survived a snake bite in true trail fashion.
• Female Trail Athlete: Ingrid Le Roux – Completed in multiple extreme trail events, inspiring fellow runners with endurance and grit.
• Walker of the Year: Adelle Richter – Conquers long-distance walks with determination and passion.
• Midnight Runner: PJ Du Toit – Dedicated and disciplined, training before sunrise and long after sunset.
• Ladies’ Supporter: PJ Du Toit – Quietly ensures no runner is left behind.
• Club Supporter: Johann Coetzee – Unwavering dedication and quiet leadership.
• Laziest Runner: Jaco Booysen – Prefers naps over kilometres but delivers surprises on race day.
• Stirrer of the Year: Vlam De Beer – Motivates and provokes with consistency and loyalty.
• Most Active Runner: Elizma Nortjie – Competed in six races, including marathons, showing endurance and progress.
• Comrades Surprise & Vasbyter Award: Tholiwe Hlophe – Pushes through extreme challenges, exemplifying perseverance.
• Nienaber Trophy: Vlam & Andrea De Beer – Sub-10-hour Comrades finish, exceptional teamwork.
• Most Improved Female: Nicole Landman – First marathon and Comrades qualifier.
• Most Improved Male: Siyanda Mncube – Improved ultra marathon and Comrades times.
• Novice Runner: Jaco Booysen – Completed his first Comrades and other key races.
• Female Grandmaster 60+: Ingrid Le Roux – Consistent top performances across four races.
• Male Grandmaster 60+: Mandla Mnisi – Six race finishes, category wins, and outstanding cross-country league performance.
• Female Master 50-59: Paula Small – Comrades sub-11-hour finish and Hippo Marathon winner.
• Male Master 50-59: Jabulani Ndwandwe – Five races, including marathons and Comrades.
• Female Veteran 40-49: Buyisiwe Kunene – Five races, showcasing growth and grit.
• Male Veteran: Simphiwe Buthelezi – Six races, including two marathons and Loskop Ultra.
• Worker of the Year: Bongiwe Zulu – Exceptional support, energy and dedication.
• Female Athlete of the Year: Paula Small – Balance of performance, perseverance and leadership.
• Male Athlete of the Year: Simphiwe Buthelezi – Consistent excellence across multiple events.
• Chairperson’s Award: Amanda Vergottini – Extraordinary leadership, organisation and dedication to VAC.

Evening ends with celebration and reflection

The evening closed off with photos, a shared meal and reflections on the year’s achievements. Barbara Dicks delivered the final message, saying, “Thank you for your energy, spirit and dedication. Good luck for 2026. Keep setting goals, running with purpose, and inspiring others. Stay proud and passionate, and keep moving forward.”

Final club run of the year

The last LSD run with a water car will take place on December 6, starting at 05:00 from the Junction. The session will wrap up with a coffee get-together at Wimpy Junction at 07:00.

The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.