What’s the ‘Buzz’ with the Boltons

THE popularity of trail running has exploded over the past few years, and Durban is one of the cities to feel that benefit of the expansion. One name has become synonymous with this popularity, Kenneth ‘Buzz’ Bolton. The vastly experienced road runner has completed 21 Comrades Marathons and was one of the men instrumental in forming, Riverside Trail, a group which meets four times a week to run trails in and around Durban North.

He is also a renowned route planner and if you’ve run a trail in the greater Durban area, chances are the route has been plotted by Buzz. He has been ably supported by local trail runners who have, for their contribution to the exponential growth, earned an annual Spiderman Award. Gordon Truluck for example has from inception been a leader that collects all the spiders during the early morning runs, Vaughn Smit has been instrumental for organising events when a trail has been plotted.

Alison Chadwick earned recognition for her fund raising efforts and managing the groups popular face book page. Alex Jeffrey was the 2015 recipient of the annual accolade for encouraging and developing the new members and lastly the 2016 winner, Brenden Ferrar for his undying support with logistics when an event is presented.

“I use Google maps and my motorbike, I ride the route and then later run it with a good friend Jeff Defris who understands what trail runners enjoy. I’m always looking for challenges that cover different terrains. For example the Umhlanga Trail Series we divided the run into three different routes, each involving, uphills, flat bushy terrain and river crossings. I think many runners get tired of running the same routes and surfaces on the road, so venturing out to the trails is a new experience, when it comes to scenery and the like. The transition from road running to trail running is simple and it is easy to access; all you need is a trail,” he said.

Buzz, is also joined on the local trails by his wife, Hildegard, who is also a familiar face on the trails. She was instrumental in developing Trail Walking which is also growing alongside the runners.

Buzz, is also Chairman of the Community Police Forum Sector 1c, and assists with the quarterly CPF Night Run and Walk.

“The idea behind forming the group was just to get a few like minded people together running around Durban North and it has burgeoned from there. Recently the group celebrated its 5th Birthday . He is most grateful to all the landowners who have opened their gates to allow these organised and weekly training runs to take place. What he finds most rewarding is the way the local community have moulded into a closely knitted passionate Trail family,” he said. 

If you are interested in joining the group visit their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/Riverside-Trail.