The Benoni Northerns Athletic Club (BNAC) paid tribute to their Double Green (20 Comrades) and Green number (10 Comrades) recipients at a function at the club at the end of September.
Ten Comrades finishes - Marc Daniel receives his award from BNAC chairperson John Ansell
Pounding the road for hours on end for 89km in one of the toughest ultra-marathons, the Comrades Marathon, takes courage, fortitude and exceptional mental strength.
But once that ‘running bug’ has bitten, for many runners that human instinct to constantly improve just kicks in and the race draws them back year after year, some to the point of obsession.
The 2019 up-run saw four members of BNAC awarded their double green numbers and a further five gained green numbers. As is tradition, their names were inscribed on the club’s honours board.
Cornel Smith, Perry Todd, Sanyana Bhuda and Stephen Msimango joined the elite Double Green club and Dale Griffiths, siblings Grant Wright and Kim Wright-Jones, Marc Daniel and Themba Msibi earned their Green numbers.
Of the 155 BNAC runners who lined up at the start in Durban in June, 134 finished, with a healthy overall medal spread – one silver, 17 Bill Rowan, 29 Robert Mtshali (9-10 hours), 39 bronze and 48 Vic Clapham medals.
The City Times attended the function and here are some photos:
Double green number recipients with their names inscribed on the honours board: Stephen Msimango, Cornel Smith, Perry Todd, Sanyana Bhuda and John Ansell (BNAC chairperson).
It’s a green – Dale Griffiths receives his acknowledgement from BNAC chairperson John Ansell.
It’s green at last – Kim Wright-Jones with BNAC chairperson John Ansell.
Double Green – BNAC chairperson John Ansell (right) congratulates Sanyana Bhuda on his milestone.
Green number recipient Themba Msibi with BNAC chairperson John Ansell.
Veteran of the Comrades – Perry Todd, who earned his Double Green number, with BNAC chairperson John Ansell.
Massive accomplishment – Stephen Msimango (Double Green) with BNAC chairperson John Ansell.
Roll of honour – Comrades Green Number owners Dale Griffiths, Kim Wright-Jones, Grant Wright, Marc Daniel and Themba Msibi with BNAC chairperson John Ansell.
Many hours on the road – Cornel Smith (Double Green) congratulated by BNAC chairperson John Ansell.
Awesome foursome – Comrades Marathon Double Green number recipients Sanyana Bhuda, Perry Todd, Cornel Smith and Stephen Msimango.
Ten completed Comrades Marathons behind him – Grant Wright acknowledged by BNAC chairperson John Ansell.
Comrades Green number recipients Themba Msibi, Dale Griffiths, Grant Wright, Kim Wright-Jones and Marc Daniel.