On February 7, I walked my 23rd 32km Striders Road Race setting off at 4am on Sunday with my grandson Raymond driving behind me and lighting the way as it was still dark (and there are some serious potholes and bumps on the road) and my daughter, Debbie, walking the first 10km with me for support and company.
I did the walk in memory of my husband, Bernard Murphy, who passed away last year (and had always helped me on the road) and Mike “Goen” Hay who was the originator of the first Springs Old Boys High School Striders 32km Road Race 47 years ago.
It became famous as the Springs Kellogg 32km race then the Brookes 32km and is now the Garbie 32km.
I dedicated my walk to Paul Ras, who many will know as the gentleman who walks the Springs streets on his crutches and thick white boot.
Paul was seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident several years ago and has now had to give up walking which is his life.
He is known to have run the Comrades, ultra marathons, marathons, half marathons, the 100 miler and of course the 32km Striders race 29 times.
We are very proud of you Paul, you are a great inspiration to many.
Paul and I, over the past few years, have set off on the “32” together at 4am.
Thank you to the very generous people who gave up their “sleep” and time to man the water points, the Springs community, Springs Park Rotary, Athletes for Christ, the bikers, and Carol Putter.
They were in position by 5.30am and stayed at their posts till I passed them.
Their support and encouragement to all the runners were amazing.
To the traffic officers who were on the roads until I finished at 11.30am you were great.
I know we often complain about our traffic officers but they were excellent in helping the runners.
A very special thank you to the officer/driver of the vehicle who escorted me, being the last athlete as he put it, for the last 10km.
He was so encouraging and supportive.
Come on gogo, you can do it, keep going.
Only eight, six, four, three, two kilometres to go.
Thank you especially.
To the marshals who did a great job and supported not only me but all the runners.
It is a great relief to know they are watching the traffic and keeping you safe.
Thank you Jackie Seddon (chairperson of Striders), Rhoda Steyn (secretary) and all my fellow runners and walkers of the Springs Striders for your friendship and support.
The “welcome home” at the finish was amazing.
Thanks for waiting, it took me seven and a half hours.
Then a big thank you to Brian Boucher and the Springs Boys High School Band.
The Boys High Band has been an institution of the “32” since its inception 47 years ago and have turned up every year at 5am to play to the runners at their post on Hills and Nigel roads.
I really appreciated you waiting for me at 10.30am, especially the Guard of Honour and watching me across Nigel Road with Chariots of Fire.
It was a great honour for me.
Sorry we held up the traffic.
My police escort said, “that was very emotional.”
You guys all deserve a medal.
Boys High can be very proud of Brian and his boys.
To the paramedics of LifeLine who kept an eye on all the runners and kept me going over the last 5km.
They walked the last two or three kilometres with me and saw me through.
You were all amazing.
Lastly, a special thank you to Debbie for her encouragement, support and care on the road.
I couldn’t have done it without you.
I had an amazing experience and wonderful entourage, consisting of Debbie, marshals, paramedics, traffic officers and the public.
Joy Murphy
Alamein Street
Pollak Park
