Golden Reef legend says goodbye before riding off into the KwaZulu-Natal sunset

 Having climbed every hill, the time came to celebrate friendship with a well-earned trot into the retirement sunset.

In 1977, a handful of road running endurance enthusiasts formed what would become the centre of athletic excellence for several decades to come. Golden Reef Running Club has a long and storied history, preparing athletes for marathons of all distances, growing athletic talent and serving up a conveyor belt of good times at their clubhouse. With few founding members remaining, one has just waved his last goodbye to the Horizon View headquarters.

Approaching 80 full years of life, Bill Brough is saying farewell to the these beautiful pastures, trading western Johannesburg for the warm, salty sea air of KwaZulu-Natal. Those who have had the pleasure to share the road and bar counter with Bill gathered in the house he helped build to say farewell on November 25. Members past and present dug up memories of old in salute of one of the club’s cornerstones.

As a humble man not needing to bask in the limelight, Bill shared a few words before members chimed in with their favourite memories of their time with the man at Golden Reef. “This club has been wonderful to me over the years. We have shared so much in our time here and out on the road. It means the world to me to have all of you here to say farewell,” said Bill.

Bill has completed 21 Comrades marathons, six Ironman Triathlons and 186 parkruns. Not just a runner, Bill was an avid cricket, hockey and rugby player, playing for the old Rand Leases club throughout the 70s and 80s. Before the party stepped up a notch, current club chairman, Rikus Kranhold concluded, “Bill has been an incredible influence at the club and we cannot thank him enough for his service over the years. He has created something special here and we hope we can continue to grow the Golden Reef family.”