2. Kwelegha River Mouth to
Nahoon “Corner”
11 FEBRUARY 1989
achievement =
currency
maybe i was testing for limits
maybe i was just curious
but i understood the currency of medals
2. Kwelegha River Mouth to Nahoon “Corner”
11 February 1989
A Memorable Race Day
Exactly ten years to the day since my parents’ shooting incident, I participated in the annual Surfers Marathon, a challenging 17.5 km race unlike any other. The event pits runners on land against surfers on paddle skis in the water, spanning from Kwelegha Mouth to the iconic Nahoon Corner in East London. That year, the legendary Bruce Fordyce also took part, adding to the excitement.
The race began on the road at the river mouth, and within moments, we transitioned onto the beach. By the time I reached the sand, hundreds of athletes had already left deep footprints in the soft surface, making the run more taxing. The route alternated between stretches of sand and rocky patches, where you had to tread carefully to avoid losing your balance, falling, or twisting an ankle.
After traversing the Sunrise-on-Sea beach, the little resort of Rainbow Valley came into view, although it wasn’t quite visible from the shoreline. Soon, we arrived at the Gonubie River, where lifeguards and a rope were stationed to assist participants who couldn’t swim. Crossing the river soaked our shoes and socks, which immediately began collecting sand—a new challenge as we continued toward the Gonubie Hotel parking area.
This stretch of the race was a relief, as the tar road offered a faster, smoother surface. The route circled around Gonubie Point before veering into a single-file footpath that led back onto the beach. By this stage, exhaustion set in. Navigating the endless maze of footprints while running on wet, sand-filled shoes made every step feel heavier.
The next four kilometers of beach took us to Bonza Bay, followed by another kilometer to Blue Lagoon. Finally, the Nahoon River loomed ahead. Once again, lifeguards and ropes were on hand to assist with the crossing. With the finish line in sight, the crowds and cheers spurred us on for one last push.
Crossing the finish line brought immense relief. While there were no medals, all finishers received a dark navy-blue T-shirt and a certificate as a token of their accomplishment. At last, I could remove my wet, sand-filled shoes and socks, dry my aching feet, and start nursing the inevitable blisters.
