There are only three weeks left until the 48th Surfers Challenge, now packaged into three separate run events and a paddlers race, from Kwelera to Nahoon Beach.
The paddlers race is wind dependent and could have a last-minute course change, which unfortunately effects the challenge between runner and paddler.
The three runs are about 17.5km, 11.2km and 5km, with their starts at Kwelera Mouth, Gonubie Hotel and on the beach at Blue Lagoon.
Recent weather patterns and history show hot and humid conditions are the most likely scenario.
Surfers who choose to compete on foot have a category of their own, but they, along with the diehard runners in the field, will have little issue with the weather conditions.
Tides and under-footing play a more dominant role in the outcome, with two river crossings on the traditional “Surfers Marathon” route.
The Gonubie River is the more testing of the two, with Nahoon somewhat more important for the runners and walkers making up the tail of the race over all three distances.
The beaches are currently strewn with driftwood and in places have soft sand, shingle, rocks and loose stones, especially on the first section from Kwelera to the Gonubie River crossing.
Early results of Surfers races are unavailable or vague at best.
It is known that Kenny Wilkinson, a stalwart of the Buffs, Two Oceans and Comrades Marathons, won the first event in 1975. His time is not known.
In 1976, schoolteacher and Buffalo Club member Rob Joiner won, and the next result picked up, with Joiner’s assistance, was the 1978 race where he and Comrades runner Gordon Shaw finished together up front in 74 minutes. It was only from 1982 that men’s results were more accurately documented.
The women, however, were ignored, though it is known that siblings Colin and Colleen Lindeque finished ahead of the field. Colin was recognised, but Colleen not. It was only in 2006 that Hanlie Botha was declared the women’s winner, a feat she has repeated on seven occasions.
In recent years, the shorter race from Gonubie has attracted many runner who would not otherwise have run Surfers, while the 5km race, originally for children, has since been opened to all.
Entries are open and gaining traction.
