By Alain Van Achter
28 November 2025
Dear Randburg Harriers,
Introduction
It has been my great pleasure and honour to serve as Chairman of our wonderful club for 2025. The year brought with it a new breeze—a new Club Committee with all the attributes needed to breathe new life into what had been, as noted at the 2024 AGM, a tumultuous year.
I have always believed that we need to look forward, and I can assure you that this is exactly what we have done.
At the end of the 2024 AGM, I had a conversation with John Neale, a long‑standing member of the Randburg Harriers Committee serving as Club Captain. He asked me to convey a message to the incoming committee: “Have fun.”
That message resonated deeply with me, and we have certainly been able to inject some of that spirit into all the events we were privileged to be part of. I thank John sincerely for that reminder!
A Chairman of a running club cannot be successful without a great team alongside him or her. The Committee I worked with this year has been nothing short of formidable.
The Club Committee
Monthly Meetings – All meetings were held with professional attendance, minimal apologies, and all points were noted, followed up on, and actioned.
Positions – There were three resignations during the year. While this was unfortunate, we managed to continue effectively without those positions. Overall, the various committee portfolios were carried out with vigour and good spirit.
I want to thank all of you, as committee members, for making this such an easy and rewarding process. Above all, we certainly had some fun in 2025.
2025 Highlights
World Sports Betting Sponsorship – WSB came on board as a sponsor in a 5‑year deal. In 2026, the plan is to rebuild the fence at the club.
Valentines Race – The race was a great success, with over 2 000 runners participating in the 10km event. Brian Pillay served as Race Director, and I worked alongside him. WSB will take over as the main sponsor for 2026, and we are adding a 5km race.
Colleen McNally Easter 100 – One of the earliest committee decisions we made was to rename the Easter 100 to the Colleen McNally Easter 100, in honour of the tremendous work Colleen has contributed to RH over the years. The personalised T‑shirt was a crowning recognition of the grit and dedication Colleen has shown to the Club. Similar to the Valentines Race, WSB will assume the role of main sponsor in 2026.
Discovery Vitality Half Marathon – The race was once again held this year with sponsorship from Discovery as part of a five‑race series including Orlando, Old Eds, Rockies, and Wanderers. This was the first year the race officially SOLD OUT, with 5 800 entries. It was a major success, and a big thank‑you goes to Nkhensani Baloyi and the Race Committee who stepped up to direct the race midway through 2025.
Finance – The AFS for 2025 were prepared by our Treasure, John Brockbank, and signed off by auditor Duncan Erikson. I am pleased to report that the net cash position as of 31 August 2025 stood at R831 000, representing a 41% increase.
Future Events – There are ongoing discussions to collaborate with RAC Tough One, City to City, and the Motsepe Foundation Race, with the aim of bringing these events under RH in 2026. There is also an agreement between RH, RAC, and the Multichoice Running Club to bring more events to the club.
Conclusion
I would like to express my gratitude to all our club members, committee members, runners, friends, and families who placed their faith in me to serve as your Chairman for 2025. It has been an honour and a privilege—one I will always treasure.
Kindest Regards.
