One last run: 50th and final year of the Stainbank Cup

IT was a bittersweet moment for the Yellowwood Park Athletic Club (YWPAC) who celebrated a milestone on December 1 when the 50th and final run of the iconic Stainbank Cup was held.

Also read: Yellowwood Park Athletic Club runner makes his marathon return after 23 years

For five decades this event has been a cherished fixture in the KZN athletic calendar. The YWPAC event, which has its roots dating back to 1974, is a long-standing favourite of runners in Durban. Originally the Stainbank Cup took a course of two laps for a total of 16km. Years later it evolved to become a one-lap 15km race that retained its unique character as parts of the course went through the Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve.

This year, over 600 athletes took part, lured by the race’s iconic mix of natural beauty and vibrant community atmosphere.

Men’s results:

1. Ncedisani Phungula- 52:56
2. Busani Nsele- 53:35
3. Abuya Mchunu- 53:38

Women’s results:

1. Andisiwe Njunguza- 1:03:31
2. Zama Mokoena- 1:09:18
3. Janene Carrey- 1:09:19

David Lamont, YWPAC’s athletics captain, expressed mixed emotions about the day. “Today was a very special day for our club with our 50th, but sadly last, race. What a super morning of running. Great to see such a good turnout from athletes and clubs, he said.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

To celebrate the history of the race, YWPAC revisited some favourite post-race activities, including an inter-club tug-of-war, egg-and-spoon race and the raucous beer mile, to provide some post-race fun. Special guests from the event’s heyday were also invited to join in the anniversary celebrations.

Lamont thanked the event’s supporters. “A big thank you to all our sponsors, especially Beds to Go, our main sponsor, and to our club members who worked tirelessly to make this event a success,” shared Lamont.

As YWPAC bids farewell to the Stainbank Cup, its legacy endures as a testament to the club’s dedication to fostering community and athleticism.

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