champion Hanlie Botha. Picture: SUPPLIED
Two weeks remain to the 50th running of the Surfers Challenge, now packaged into various run events and a paddlers race that spans about 18km across the Indian Ocean from Kwelera to Nahoon Beach.
The paddle race has as many well-known names attached to it as does those of the
runners.
The foot races encompass 17.5, 11 and 5km with the three different starts at Kwelera Mouth, Gonubie Hotel and on the beach below the Blue Lagoon Hotel.
Weather conditions in the month of February will always be a deciding factor in race outcomes and on Saturday afternoon February 22, it will be no different. A perusal of race times down the years prove that many a top runner will for instance have a dynamic time recorded one year and a “loaded” one the next.
That is the intrigue that make runners return —chasing a personal best.
Hot and humid conditions are the most likely scenario. And even if there is a strong easterly wind to push from behind the humidity can negate any advantage.
Surfers — “as in those who catch waves as a sport”—have a category of their own to compete in and it is most often extremely competitive. One of the best prepared surfers in this aspect of the race has often been Neil Henderson.
He finished second in 1986 and again in 2007 before going on to win in 2008, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2017. He will be out there again, little doubt.
It was from 1982 that men’s results were more accurately documented. The women on the other hand were ignored. That said progress has been made every year in adding names and the organisers remain on the hunt to fill every, last gap.
In the most recent years, the shorter race from Gonubie (11km) has attracted many runners who would not otherwise have run “Surfers”.
It is now a highly competitive race up front with a jovial, carnival type feel to the occasion, as the runners, walkers, and strollers all with a more carefree attitude, find their way to Nahoon Beach.
T-shirts — a Surfers 2025 edition —are of course the main attraction, and we can expect to see many being worn in the months ahead.
BOB NORRIS
