A tribute to an old and loyal Johannesburg Harriers member

Dudley Murphy, a member of Johannesburg Harrier Athletic Club (JHAC), was born in September 25, in 1939. He died on August 13. He was 80 years old.

Dudley Murphy was a true old school person, honouring traditions, and living according to old school values, such as respect, honesty, helpfulness, integrity, manners and credibility. All the characteristics of a good human being.

These are the same values he instilled in us, his two sons, and we are so honoured to have had such a great role model. He spoke his mind and didn’t like changing traditions.

He was a devoted husband and father, and did everything with his wife, Elaine, during their 55-year marriage. He joined Harriers in 1983, and was always involved in every event it hosted, whether as a water point helper or a marshal out on the roads or helping at the finish.

He was involved with transporting juniors to races, whether local or out of town, such as the Harrismith Mountain Race, which the Harrier’s juniors won several times in a row.

Over the years, he has influenced so many runners to join, improve or increase their running. He was active his entire life with many sports, and still went to gym three times a week until lockdown forced gyms to close in March.

He loved being on the road in his 4×4, and never shied away from a challenge, having done many difficult drives through tough terrain. He also participated in several overland trips through Southern Africa. A trip that was on his bucket list, which he was hoping to do soon, was to drive Van Zyl’s pass in Namibia as part of a longer overland trip.

His notable achievements (running and non-running) include hockey, squash and soccer for southern suburbs. Other achievements include:

• Comrades finish
• London Marathon finish
•  New York Marathon finish
•  Kilimanjaro Summit in 2001 at the age of 61
• Victoria Falls bungee jump
• Zambezi White water rafting
• Several multi-day hikes carrying everything required, including food. Some of these were Fish River Canyon, Outeniqua, Mac Mac, Fanie Botha and Blyde Rivierspoort hikes.
• Two hundred and fifty park runs.

He will be sorely missed by everybody who knew him. Rest in peace.

Murphy’s time was taken up, with Elaine, either in completing our clubhouse. Keeping our store clear and ensuring that our trophies, photographs and all mementoes were carefully looked after.

He will be greatly missed when next we are able to host the Jackie Gibson Marathon. The year 2020 would have been the 75th running, and Dudley designed the medal, so sad that he will not be there to personally take part in the preparation of our next race.

Our thoughts and prayers go to Elaine and family.

Cathy Munn, JHAC secretary