Washie 100 eyeing 100 entries

ULTRA running action is getting ready to kick up a notch as the annual Washie 100 miler gets under way from Port Alfred nest month.

The popular Port Alfred to East London run, presented by Buffalo Road Runners and ELB Equipment, is set to hold its 41st edition of the race. It will see ultra athletes from all over the country tackling the gruelling 161km event.

“Everything is well on its way to being ready and we are expecting a fantastic race,” said race organiser Meta Scott. “We always expect a number of top contenders and this year should be no different.”

Last year’s run saw Mcebisi Yose, from All Stars Athletics Club, claim the win on the men’s front, while Megan Davey, from Nedbank CG, was the first woman over the line.

However, neither of the winners’ finishing times was anywhere close to the respective course records of 13hr 07min 05sec for the men, set by Johan van der Merwe in 2012 and 14:53:06 for the women, set by Rae Bischoff in 1998, with Yose crossing the line in 15:54:05 and Davey in 18:25:50.

Nevertheless, due to the nature of the race, just finishing it is a remarkable achievement and only the most hardened and tested ultra runners even consider taking on the Washie.

Last year, 95 runners started the race, with 80 completing the gruelling trek and 15 not finishing. This year should see similar numbers with just over 100 entries a distinct possibility.

“We are hoping to reach the 100 mark in entries this year and I believe it can be achieved, especially with the interest high this year,” claimed Scott.

“Entries have been streaming in and I have been receiving calls from people asking if they can still enter. Everyone has been working really hard and things are falling into place,” Scott said.

Interested runners can visit www.washie100miler.co.za to enter or to find out for more information, or e-mail Scott at

The running gets under way from Port Alfred on Friday July 7 and will finish in East London the next day.