One of Durban’s oldest running groups, the Savages Athletic Club are celebrating their 60th anniversary this year. What started out with six soccer players, who enjoyed running, now has over 1300 professional runners of all ages.
Kenny Craig, 85, is the co-founder of the Savages and has been around for all 60 years. Craig said he used to play soccer and belonged to a soccer team called Durban Savages.
After realising he enjoyed running and had great endurance, Craig and some of his teammates decided to run a professional race.
In 1959, Craig ran his first Comrades Marathon, starting what would soon become a long and record-breaking relationship with the competition.
“I ran my first one and then a few races. I never quite got to the top, I came in third and second but I found that the longer the distance, the better I ran,” he said.
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Craig went on to become the first man to run and finish 40 consecutive Comrades Marathon races between 1959 and 1998. He also has a certificate from the Guinness Book of Records for finishing the Land’s End to John o’ Groats challenge in 12 days, 1 hour and 59 minutes.
Land’s End to John o’ Groats is the traversal of the whole 970 kilometres length of the island of Great Britain stretching from Northern Scotland to Southern England. To put it into perspective, it is the equivalent of more 10 Comrades Marathon races condensed to 12 days.
When asked what he enjoys about running, Craig said, “Being in the open, the fresh air. The people you meet. I have helped so many people finish Comrades. I also enjoy the spirit of the race.”
“It gives me joy to see people I train finish. The people liked to train with me because I was a happy person and I made them laugh.”
Even at his advanced age, Craig is still involved with the Savages, takes long morning walks and gets invited to give talks at different athletic clubs.
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Looking back at his 60 years, Craig said the sport has changed for the better, including more participation from different people.
“I said they shouldn’t bring money to athletics because it would ruin it but boy was I wrong,” he said.
With the Covid-19 pandemic sweeping through the country, the Savages were not able to hold a proper anniversary party but Craig has encouraged people to try and remain active even during these times.
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