KNYSNA NEWS - The Knysna Running Club, founded in 1984, has grown from humble beginnings to become a cornerstone of the Knysna community, promoting fitness, camaraderie, and a love of long-distance running.
A gala event combined with the annual club awards was held recently at the clubhouse to celebrate the club's founding.
The club was established on January 4, 1984, by a group of running enthusiasts, including South African 400m champion and Olympic bronze medallist Malcolm Spence.
Driving force
Spence, who represented South Africa at the 1960 Rome Olympics, was a driving force behind the club's formation and served as its first chairman.
Other key founding members included Mike Sass (secretary), Pieter van Halderen (treasurer), Saint Hayes (club captain), and a committee consisting of Keith Toerien, Neels Joubert, Ron Taylor and Leon Fouche.
Their vision was clear: to create a club that would promote the sport of running and organise competitive events that could attract athletes from all over the country.
Forest Marathon
A significant part of this vision was to host the Forest Marathon, which would be a highlight of the newly established Knysna Winter Festival (later renamed the Knysna Oyster Festival).
The first-ever Forest Marathon took place on July 14, 1984, with Willards Foods as the main sponsor. The race was a success and became a defining event for both the club and the town, drawing participants and spectators from across the nation.
The Forest Marathon quickly became one of the premier running events in South Africa. The 42.2km race, which winds through the picturesque Knysna Forest, offers runners a unique and challenging experience, making it a must-do race for many long-distance enthusiasts.
Bruce Fordyce
Another key figure in the club's history is Bruce Fordyce, the legendary South African runner who has won the Comrades Marathon a record nine times. Fordyce was first invited to run the Forest Marathon in 1988, marking the beginning of a relationship between the club and some of South Africa's top athletes.
Fordyce's involvement helped raise the profile of the event, attracting even more elite runners to Knysna.
The clubhouse
The clubhouse, located in a central area of Knysna, was officially opened after extensive renovations organised by Herman Nortje (chairman from 1995-1996) and Dag Willems.
It became a space where members could gather, share experiences, and plan future events. One of the more interesting moments in the club's history came in 1997, when the club signed a lease agreement with the municipality for the clubhouse, securing a location that would serve as a vital community space for years to come.
The club's continued growth and success are a testament to the vision of its founders and the ongoing commitment of its members to keep pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the world of long-distance running.
Barry Dancers, chairman of the Knysna Running Club, reiterated that the club should look towards the future as it remains steadfast in its mission to inspire the next generation of runners, and continue hosting events that bring together athletes from all walks of life to celebrate the sport they love.
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