Fifty years of the Discovery Surfers Challenge strikes home this week and those who choose not to participate in the all enrapturing 50th anniversary will possibly “kick themselves” down the passage of time as it extends still further into a history that is home to the expanse of coast from Kwelera River Mouth to Nahoon Beach.
It is 17.5km of sheer beauty, that only the east coast of SA offers. In short it is different, as are the inhabitants with their infectious and friendly welcoming to all who visit.
The experience of participating, be it running, walking or paddling, offers interaction with the public of Buffalo City and surrounding resorts which, for mere mortals who venture out into a challenge of this nature, is indeed unique. Where else would 2,000-3,000 individuals be cheered on in equal velocity as they pass Sunrise-on-Sea, Rainbow Valley, Gonubie, German Bay, Eastward Ho, Bonza Bay and finally Nahoon Beach.
It is the “Comrades” of East London — an event where the last folk who finish will be emotionally welcomed across the finish line.
The spirit that exudes itself at each landmark does as much for the spectator as for the participant. True, the paddlers do not get to enjoy as much interaction, but when they beach their craft at Nahoon, they too are warmly welcomed. There will be much nostalgia at the start and finish as participants past, are remembered for their contribution to a fine history, one which it is believed may be penned to a lasting literature in the months ahead. That, too, could be an important reason to be in the 2025 field — to be captured in history.
It is common knowledge that Dougie Kunhardt has run more Surfer’s events than anyone else with 50, Alastair Phillips is on 48, Glen Cunningham on 46, Peter Venter on 45 and Mickey Witthuhn and Neil Henderson on 42, though Neil will add all those have been in the 17.5km race and he is hoping for another 10 to follow.
Mickey Webb was until recently well up of races completed, although he is sadly no longer able to compete.
Interestingly Henderson’s 2025 challenges also revolve around a possible 24th Buffs Marathon the morning after Surfers and a 10th Comrades in June. Probably more than most will ever do.
Mickey Turner, who ran for Buffs over many years has shared his certificate from the second ever event, which reads: Annual Surfer’s Open Marathon March 28 1976. He came third in 75:42, which was 12 seconds faster than the previous year when Kenny Wilkinson won the inaugural event. The winner was Rob Joiner, also a long serving Buffs runner and it is surmised that Buddy Wright, another Buffalo may have been second.
There are of course many runners who have passed away over the years as well as organisers, inclusive of the race director, Neville Wilkins’ father Don, who was always prominent and never more so than at the start, with a pistol in hand, held high to set all on their way from Kwelera.
Nostalgia and history are intertwined and make for special occasions. If in doubt, Gonubie on Saturday or the finish at Nahoon will confirm as masses of runners, walkers and paddlers of all abilities enthuse the large crowds, that no other race attracts.
