BAC Bloodhill Blitz anniversary a success

Boksburg Athletic Club (BAC) celebrated its 50th Boksburg Bloodhill Blitz anniversary in style with a special run in the vicinity of Cinderella on August 25.

About 40 runners participated in the 8km run, which started from Valentino’s (Joe Pub) at 5:40.

After the run, participants enjoyed pizza at the restaurant to commemorate the anniversary.

BAC secretary Caronn Harris described the event as a success.

“I believe people enjoyed the event. I’m impressed that people still came out to run, considering that people couldn’t at one stage due to Covid-19.”

She expressed her gratitude to those who contributed to the success of the event.

“I would also like to thank Steve de Bod, Frank de Ascensao, old and new members and the committee,” she said.

History

The time trial was first run on August 25, 1971. This time trial was the precursor to the formation of BAC in 1975, and the time trial continues in its current format every Wednesday.

“The time trial was started when Comrades Marathon winner Tommy Malone and De Bod got wind of a time trial called the Hermans Delight when they were down in Durban running the Comrades. They decided to bring the concept back to Boksburg.

“The time trial started at CBC Boksburg and finished running up Rondebult Road, nicknamed Bloodhill, due to its relatively steep incline for runners.

“The first six participants in the 8km were Tommy Malone, Steve de Bod, Len Harrison, Errol Dansie, Edie Whitehorn and Clyde Locker,” said Harris.

Harris explained the blitz time trial has moved to Prince George Park and from 1983 to Jimmy Cawood Park across the road from Boksburg Stadium, where it continues to be run in 2km, 4km and 8km formats.
Bloodhill Blitz became BAC’s weekly time trial at the time of the formation of the club 40 years ago and has been run ever since. The members ran virtual time trials during the strict lockdown levels, with some even participating on the treadmill to ensure this weekly event was never missed.

She highlighted time trial is open to everyone, including non-members, and starts at 18:00 from September 1 from Jimmy Cawood Park.

For more information, email Harris at info@boksburgathleticclub.co.za

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