Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 56, March 2014 | Page 38
Race Reports
HEARD AT THE FINISH
For 40 years, the Discovery Surfer’s Challenge
has seen paddlers and runners joust for
bragging rights when tackling the 17.5km from
Yellow Sands at Kwelera River to Nahoon Beach.
After four decades, East London’s historic race
is still seeing athletes of all ages taking on the
gruelling test in growing numbers.
– BY LAUREN VAN DER VYVER
Back in 1975, the surfers in East London challenged the runners
to meet them on their turf – the beach – to plan a race over
road, sand and rocks while racing the paddlers in the sea. That
first ‘dual’ saw 26 competitors take on the challenge, with the
runners coming out tops. The difference that the event presents
is that while the runners are tackling the obstacles on the route,
the paddlers are working the waves between the two points. And
what a challenge, too! The run route is marked with different
transitions – tar, loose boulders, gulleys and soft sand, and two
river crossings as well!
PADDLER’S DAY
It was the paddlers who took this year’s titles, with Brendon
Thompson emerging as the overall champion when he crossed the
finish in 1:04:28 alongside teammate Andrew Carter. About eight
minutes later, Sizakele Dayimani was the first male runner to finish
the course in 1:12:29, with Nedbank’s Myrette Filmalter grabbing
the first female runner’s place in 1:14:25, just behind the first
female paddler, Michelle Powell (1:14:16).
This year saw a record 4400 starters and an even bigger, better
atmosphere than previous years, with a new 10km distance
added and the 5km event for juniors, sponsored by Twizza, giving
youngsters a taste of the mixed course. Another a highlight of
the day was having Comrades legends, Bruce Fordyce and Shaun
Meiklejohn, as part of the running field, while Jody Foster, Head
of Discovery Sponsorships, also took on the main event to get a
feel for the city’s long-standing tradition. After her run, Jody said
it’s all about getting the community together: “It’s important to
encourage East London to get active and achieve their health and
fitness goals. The event gives Discovery an opportunity to take our
core purpose of making people healthier, enhancing and protecting
their lives, to more people, making a positive impact.”
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ISSUE 56 MARCH 2014 / www.modernathlete.co.za
Myrette Filmalter: “I started slow and
this year’s tailwind really helped me. I keep
coming back to do the race because it’s one of
the best events to challenge yourself with the
course and on your own time.”
Nwabisa Ndawo: “There’s such a nice vibe
at the finish and throughout. It’s my first time
doing this year’s new 10km but I managed to
overcome despite the move from sand to tar
to rocks. It’s something different!”
Zondo Vucunz: “I’m not at my fittest and
you have to be, because this race has a lot of
hills and the terrain is different. It’s my first
year here and I’ll definitely come back next
year. Hopefully I will win it one day, too!”
Bruce Fordyce: “The last 18 kays are a bit
intense! Haha! It’s a great race, even though
coming up towards Gonubie is a killer. The
challenge presented is a great one, though!”
Sakhumzi Madlavana: “There is a bit of
everything you experience when you run.
I’ve been coming back for seven years now
because I love the support it gets. It’s also
quite a hectic training run before Oceans.”
SOCIAL FEEDBACK
Shaun Meiklejohn (@ShaunMeiklejohn): “2013 Surfers
Challenge 78:43, 2014 77:34. 11th & 9th overall, not bad for an old
Comrades veteran. Need practice on the rocks!”
Nangamso (@nan_ec): “Completed my first #SurfersChallenge!
I’m a bit sore stiff but I’d do it all over again! What an adventure!”
Dylan Muhlenberg (@dylanmuhlenberg): “Loose boulders,
slippery rocks, soft sand and two rivers made up the gruelling
17.5km #SurfersChallenge. Beat 2hrs and my dad – stoked!”
@Mel_a_Lexis: “Seeing these grannies in their 70s finishing a
race of this kind makes my workout feel like a joke #discovery
#surferschallenge
Images: Lauren van der Vyver
The 40th Discovery Surfer’s Challenge,
Border, 22 February
Modern Athlete was on hand to chat to athletes
about their race.