Local runner finishes gruelling road race
The race is long and brutal, but she crossed the finish line with purpose.
Joelene Moodley has recently completed one of South Africa’s toughest and iconic ultra-distance road races, known as the Washie 100 Miler. The race is a 160km overnight run from Port Alfred to East London.
“This year marked my second Washie 100 Miler, because clearly, once wasn’t enough! My first was in 2024, and while I may have mumbled dramatic farewells to ultra-running at that finish line, something about the experience lured me back,” Joelene shares.
Reflecting on what was going on in her mind during the race, Joelene shares that ultramarathons can do strange things to your mind.
“In the toughest moments of the race, when my legs had all but filed for early retirement and even the moon seemed to be judging me, I found myself arguing with a streetlamp about why they were watching me with glowing disapproval.”
Joelene shares that preparation for this race was part discipline, part delusion, some night runs, mental rehearsals of finishing strong, and the occasional bribe to herself involving chocolate.
Also, representing Panorama Running Club was an honour for Joelene.
“This club isn’t just about kilometres and medals; it’s a vibrant community that shows up for one another on roads, trails, and in life. Let’s be real, quitting wasn’t even a thought with the Panorama crew in my corner. They bring the kind of energy that makes you run harder, laugh louder, and proudly wear the blisters like badges of honour.”
Without the support of her seconding team, her husband Des, and son Ray, Joelene shares that this race would have stayed a distant dream.
“Their support was serious, their humour delightfully deranged, and without them, I’d probably still be having existential chats with that street lamp. To every Washie supporter out there, you are the pulse of this race. Thank you for making the madness magical.”
To anyone wishing to do the ultra race, Joelene says, “Your body will whisper ‘no’, your brain might scream ‘why?’, but if your heart still says ‘go,’ then honour it. Pace yourself, be kind to your doubts, and surround yourself with people who believe in you even when you don’t.”
