Washie 100 champions

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This year Alberton had three entrants in the Washie 100 ultra-marathon over 160km, known as the 100 miler from Port Alfred to East London, namely Gavin Pansegrouw, who completed two previously, Johan van Tonder and Shane van Dam, both making their debut in the race.

It is called “The Road to Hell” by those who created the race, however once the pain has subsided after the run, some would rather call it “The Stairway to Heaven”.

One of the characteristics that makes this race unique, is that it is unsupported, meaning that each runner needs to have a crew of at least two people to support them along the route.

Each runner was armed with his wife to head a seconding crew, not only to guide, motivate and carry him through this journey, but to ensure that the runner always had enough food and fluids along the 161km route.

The race was started by the three Alberton members and 60 others on July 11 at 17:00 outside the Halywards Hotel in Port Alfred to begin this journey. All three brave Alberton runners started with their own individual goal and as a team hoping to be in contention for a team prize.

By the time each of them had successfully navigated the road from Port Alfred to Bufallo Park in East London, each Alberton runner could show the scars of this adventure.

All three Alberton runners completed the race well within the official cut-off time of 26 hours to collect their handmade trophy and coveted Washie 100 jacket.

At the end for the record books, Gavin Pansegrouw finished fourth overall in a stunning time of 16:48. Johan van Tonder overcame a bout of serious cramping at the 40km mark, to finish 12th overall in a time of 20:16. Shane van Dam, who in his run after 90km and nursing some badly blistered feet, finished 27th overall in a time of 22:39.

In the team competition, Alberton was third behind defending Nedbank Running Club and champions SANDF. Congratulations to all three brave souls, Alberton salutes you.