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During August and September 2017, over 20,000 people ran the streets of Joburg to participate in four of the most iconic races as part of the Discovery Vitality Run Series. Here’s some exciting facts about each race club that you may not have known:

The Old Edwardian Society (Old Eds)

1. The Old Eds Road Race is approaching its 40th anniversary.
2. The race consists of a ‘double-lapper’ through the beautiful green suburbs of Houghton, Melrose and Birdhaven.
3. The race starts and finishes at the Old Edwardian Society grounds, which was established in 1908 by King Edwards Old Boys.
4. The Old Eds Road Race is traditionally the first road running race of the season after Comrades.
5. The race is hosted by Old Eds and supported by Morningside Country Club Road Runners.

The Wanderers Athletics Club

1. The Wanderers Club was established in 1888.
2. In 1978, the first Wanderers Road Race was run as a 7-Miler by over 1,000 runners. All households on the race route were approached and asked if they could make their hosepipes available to supply water to runners.
3. In 1981, the race was changed to a 10km race, and in 1991 the race became a Night Race. The entrance fee for the race 26 years ago was R8.00.
4. In 2001 the 21km race became a double lap of the 10km route.
5. A section of the 21km route takes runners off the road and through The James and Ethel Gray Park.

Randburg Harriers

1. Randburg Harriers was founded in 1982 and just celebrated their 35th birthday. They pride themselves as being a family-oriented running club.
2. The Randburg Harriers Race used to be a double-lapper 21km race, but was changed to a single-lapper to make it more appealing to runners.
3. While a large number of runners focus on Comrades training, Randburg Harriers encourages all levels of runners and assists development runners in achieving their personal goals.
4. The club is renowned for a Valentines Race that takes place every February. The race is a 10km romantic night run that attracts a large field of runners and encourages people to have fun, while still being active.
5. Another key club event is the popular Easter 100, which is a three-day club run covering a total of 100km. This event is the final training run for Comrades participants. Randburg is renowned for its hills – making Comrades runners well-prepared for the ‘Ultimate Human Race’.

Rocky Road Runners

1. The Rocky Road Runners club was established 41 years ago as a social running club open to all runners.
2. The Rockies Race goes through the leafy suburbs of Saxonwold, Parkwood, and Forest Town.
3. The race has a few tough hills and a difficulty rating of 4 out of 5.
4. The 21km is a double lap of the 10km with an extra loop.
5. The race finishes inside the Johannesburg Zoo. A portion of the race proceeds are donated to the Johannesburg Zoo.

Keep an eye out for other exciting Vitality race events coming in 2018. For more information about the Discovery Vitality Run Series, visit www.discovery.co.za/vitality/runseries.