The Washie 100, Africa’s oldest ultramarathon, is poised for a shake-up in 2025 with the introduction of a “no-seconding” option for participants.
This change, announced by Live Adventures, the event’s organisers, aims to reduce the significant financial burden on runners, particularly those travelling from outside the Eastern Cape.
Race director and Live Adventures co-owner, Sian O’Keeffe, revealed the decision to offer solo participation to make the event more accessible. “The cost of assembling a seconding team is astronomical, especially for athletes from out of town,” O’Keeffe said.
“By introducing this option, we’re not only cutting costs for participants but also opening the race to a wider audience.”
The logistics of this move, which includes setting up well-stocked aid stations along the route, will require approval from Athletics SA (ASA), but tentative support from Border Athletics and Buffs Running Club suggests the change is likely to be welcomed.
While the no-seconding option has drawn mixed reactions, it also reignites conversations about athlete safety and race tradition. Critics, including seasoned runners like Colin Bosch and Rob Button, argue that seconding teams are integral to the Washie experience.
“Support teams are 80% of what the Washie is about,” Bosch, a seven-time participant, said. “For runners like me, who have specific medical needs, a support team is critical. The organisers must ensure adequate provisions along the route if this option is implemented.”
Button echoed these concerns, saying: “My seconding team was essential for motivation, safety, and nutrition. Removing them could deter participants and reduce the camaraderie that makes Washie unique.”
However, others, like Darren Venter, a recent competitor, see potential benefits. “The no-seconding option could simplify logistics for runners and attract more participants.
“But it’s vital to ensure aid stations are well-managed to support solo athletes adequately.”
Calls to return to the Washie’s original Port Alfred-to-East London route have also been met with resistance. O’Keeffe highlighted safety concerns along the R72, citing increased truck traffic, inadequate road upgrades, and encroaching informal settlements.
“The current Cathcart-to-East London route is safer and easier to manage,” she said. “We understand the nostalgia for the old route, but athlete safety must come first.”
The Washie’s financial challenges extend beyond participant costs.
As O’Keeffe noted, the race struggles to attract sponsors due to its niche appeal compared to larger events such as the Comrades Marathon.
For back-to-back champion Siyabonga Lele, these financial constraints are personal. Lele, who hopes to secure a record third consecutive win in 2025, faces significant hurdles in funding his training and participation.
His victories have inspired local athletes, but without sponsorship, his quest to break the 13:07:05 record may remain out of reach.
The no-seconding option represents a bold step for the Washie 100.
While it offers a cost-saving measure, it also challenges the traditional dynamics of the race, sparking a debate about preserving its legacy versus evolving to meet modern challenges. However, Live Adventures is committed to ensuring the Washie remains a test of endurance and mental strength for years to come.
