Long-standing member of the RWFL Toti celebrated
He is also not shy to dress up for women's or charity races
At 75-years-old, long-standing member Reginald Groves is seen as an inspiration, legend and mentor to the members of Run Walk for Life (RWFL) Amanzimtoti.
An individual who is always prepared to stop and listen, share advice with a smile on his face and has a great sense of humour is just a few words they said.
Reginald joined the club in 2000 and started with a 2km run around the field and never looked back since.
Initially, I had no interest in joining an athletics club. I was a gym junkie but I lost interest and later discovered that my cholesterol levels were high. I would then rather take a walk on the beach on Fridays. It takes discipline to run for 20 years. I started on the field by doing equal amounts of three sessions and progressed to more within the years. As soon as I joined the club, my diet also changed. This contributed positively towards my health, he said.
Throughout his athletics journey, he has in total ran 40 000km, marathon after marathon and race after race.
He looks up to South African marathon and ultra-marathon athlete, Bruce Fordyce best known for having won the Comrades Marathon a record nine times, of which eight wins were consecutive. He labelled him as a true comrade’s legend.
Graeme Saunders, the franchisee of the Amanzimtoti branch said, “Reginald like all other members started off slowly and after 20 years has achieved such an amazing milestone for himself. He is also not shy to dress up for women’s or charity races. It is a privilege to have him at our branch. Although there are a number of elite and provincial athletes in our club, our focus is on new or entry level athletes and individuals who are looking to get active. It is also a chance to lose weight, meet new people or run and walk their first 5km, 10km or marathon.”
Sessions are held at the Amanzimtoti Civic Centre on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. 5pm in winter and 5:15pm in summer. Membership costs from R190 per month and discounts are offered for students and pensioners.
For more information contact 082-846-1328 or visit amanzimtoti@runwalkforlife.co.za.
