Athletes gear up to tame Washie 100-mile ‘Monster’

The race is named after Granville Washington “Washie” Whitfield, started in his honour by his son, Buffs member, Lionel Whitfield.

Washie’s granddaughter Marion Kelly, will start the race this year.

Buffs Road Runners are hoping for 100 entries and runners have spent months of training, weeks of preparation and days of anticipation building up to the moment when Chris Rea’s blares over speakers the starter’s gun sounds and they set off on this amazing event.

“It is encouraging to note that there are a number of novice females entered this year, while stalwart Eric Wright will be completing his 27th Washie,” Meta Scott said on behalf of the Buffalo Road Runners.

Other personalities who have entered are Wandisile Nongodlwana, a silver medallist at Comrades this year, two brothers, Desmond and Jan Juan Bekker, twin brothers Desmond and Derrick Oliver, and mother and daughter team, Suzette Venter and Petrie Venter.

Four athletes so far, Justin Sher, Tobie Reyneke, Clive van Rayner and Johnny van der Walt who have completed five Washies, are returning in their yellow numbers.

John Magagane will also be back for his 16th attempt.

The youngest entrant so far is Simphiwe Mrola from Shining Stars AC in Mdantsane, who is 22. The oldest entrant so far is Peter Johnstone from SANDF WP, who is 64 and will be completing his 11th Washie this year. Last year’s men’s winner Yose Mcebisi and ladies’ winner Megan Davey have both entered.

This will make it five Washies for Mcebisi, thereby earning his permanent number.

Andre Kleinsmith and Wilson Mogale, both from SANDF WP, will be going for their 10th Washie.

This is the third year ELB equipment will be the event sponsor.

The first runner, is expected to arrive at the Buffalo Club in East London around 7.30am and runners will be finishing throughout the day until the cutoff time at 7pm on Saturday, so come to the Buffs Club if you want to welcome these great athletes home.

Entries are still open so if you completed the Comrades and are looking to step up to the next level, get your entry in now

or contact Meta Scott on or 081-487-4984.

Entries will also be taken up to 3.30pm before the race tomorrow at Halyards Hotel, Port Alfred.