About RAC
It started nearly 50 years ago, in September 1972
Rand Athletic Club was founded in 1972 by a group of like-minded individuals who wanted to create a club that would cater for the needs of the community. The club was originally situated in the Rand Club in Randburg, hence the name Rand Athletic Club. The club was founded by a group of like-minded individuals who wanted to create a club that would cater for the needs of the community. The club was originally situated in the Rand Club in Randburg, hence the name Rand Athletic Club.
Casper Greef – one of the founding members of RAC
Initially, the young club battled to take off but after some hard work, membership began to increase. Little did they know at the time, that they would be creating a club that would become a pillar of the running community in decades to come. Fritz was idealistic, and set out the RAC founding statement:
What is available for one, must be available for all.
Bruce Clark picking up a badly cramping Richard Cohen some 40 yards from the Comrades finishing line. They finished in time for both to win their 1997 Silver Medals.
This simple tenet is the rock on which RAC was founded. As the new club grew, a particular ethos developed, one which is not found in many other running clubs. An ethos of WORKING TOGETHER to attain a common goal.
RAC Running greats
Piet Makola after winning the Veterans Competition at the Two Oceans 56km Ultra marathon in 1983
Gordon Howie (Sweatshop owner), Bob de la Motte after finishing second, 41 seconds behind Hosea Tjale in the 1984 Korkie, and Vreni Welch (secretary of RAC).
The RAC Team that won the Gunga-Din team competition in 1985. Bruce Fordyce, Alan Day, Trevor Metcalffe and Tony Dearling.
Bruce Fordyce’s 6th Comrades win in 1986 setting a new down run record of 5h24min
Bob de la Motte winning the 1986 Peter Korkie 56km Ultra Marathon
Sonja Laxton was the first woman to be awarded triple Springbok colours for track, cross-country and road running. In total Sonja won 23 SA titles (over 10 15, 21.1 and 42.2km), nine Masters titles and a further 2 as a grandmaster