Members of the Golden Reef Road Running club had their weekly time trial running this week. This is in preparation for the Two Oceans and Comrades marathons.
The club will take part in endurance races around the province and this weekend they will compete in the 33rd Johnson Crane Hire Marathon. The event, held in Benoni, has a 42, 2 kilometre marathon and a half marathon at 21,1 kilometre.
The club, established in 1977 has experienced and professional trainers that assist runners and novices that need to qualify for the Two Oceans or Comrades marathons.
The club, which caters for runners, walkers and cyclists currently has 50 members and its president Cassie Carstens said the club is growing, but young runners are difficult to find.
“Club membership for most running clubs has declined over the years but what is harder to attract to the sport is the youth. Junior runners are scarce but we are trying to offer incentives for our own members to bring them. Membership fee discounts is just one of those incentives, says Carstens.
He also brags that the club owns its own club house and does not rent or owe debt on it.
“How many other clubs can say the same thing? That is the reason why our club fees are so low. Others rent from the municipality or from the building owner, so we are proud that we do not have to do the same,” said Carstens.
Rikus Kranhold, who has been a member of the club for three years said the club is a family affair, with his wife also a part of the club and everyone involved being friendly and loving.
“This club is like a family to me. We run together and have drinks afterwards. I started running because I wanted to quit smoking and get another hobby. Running helps to keep fit and healthy so I love it. We also have many experienced runners who have been in the biggest events around the world so their knowledge helps us younger guys quite a bit,” he said.
The club has social members who are not official Central Gauteng Athletics. This means that they can run with regular club members but will not take part in official events like marathons. The club hosts the Golden Reef 100-miler.
According to runnersworld.com, the idea of a hundred mile road race was Transvaal’s response to the Washie 100 Miler held in the Eastern Cape. The first race was run in 1982 from Ventersdrop to Roodepoort. It was won by one of South Africa’s mega-marathoners, Manie Saayman in a time of 13:20. The entires race takes place within the Krugersdorp Game Reserve and includes two loops, spread out over the grassy slopes of the reserve.
