Message
From the
President
A message from Geoff Davies, Pirates
Road Running President
T
he Pirates Road Running club came into
existence in September 1977 and the “21
Mountain Race” was first run in early 1978.
I have been involved from the early beginnings until
today; and what a journey it has been. Little did we
know in those early days what the future would hold.
We were uncertain how a new running club would
thrive, but those fears were soon dismissed. I’ve
had the pleasure of working with every chairman
and committee since the very first year, all great and
dedicated, and today’s group is as efficient and dedicated as any before them.
When we formed the club it was agreed within the constitution that the emphasis would lean towards the middle to back runners thus
enabling everyone, irrespective of their ability, to be part of our running comradeship and ethos. This spirit remains within Pirates Road
Running. That said, we have had many outstanding athletes who have achieved incredible results, including a Comrades women’s
winner and athletes who have represented SA at various events, both men and women.
Turning to our 2020 race, it will be interesting to see the winning times, as Zach Tshikanadoe clocked 1:08:28 now 42 years ago in
the 1978 race, and that first winning time has only been beaten by a handful of runners since then. Clare Taylor was the first women’s
winner in 1:37:00. The size of the field in that first Pirates 21 was just 850 runners, with participants paying R2 for their entry, or R3 if
they were late. Speaking of money, one of our proud achievements was to be the first club to give equal prize money to both men and
women.
Friends who are close to both my wife Heather and myself have a favourite quote: “A single moment can contain countless memories,”
which can sum up many moments I have had with Pirates Road Running Club. To all the 2020 runners participating in our “mountain
race,” I wish you all the very best,”
Yours in running
Geoff Davies
President
4
Pirates Half Marathon | 16 February 2020