By Thathe Msimango
After four years of operating, the Murray & Roberts Running Club will be closing down.
This comes after the global mining and construction company it is named after decided to withdraw sponsorship from athletics in South Africa.
The club will close in June 2023.
For the time being, the club has committed to pay monthly retainers to all elite athletes.
The club has a number of elite athletes on its books, including Adele Broodryk, who came third in the 2022 Comrades Marathon, Rufus Photo, who is a multiple Comrades Marathon gold medallist, and Kesa Molotsane, a multiple SA Champion in middle-distance items.
The 42-year-old Photo said as much as the news was devastating, he intended to stick with the club until they have secured a new sponsor.
“It’s bad news for everyone. No one ever predicted that we would start the year like this. It’s another sad day for the running fraternity in the country,” he told Scrolla.Africa.
“I’m not going to join another club. So I’ll stick with the club till the end. I’m convinced a new sponsor is going to come on board soon. I have full trust in the management and that new good things will come.”
For Broodryk, the news is a huge setback not only for elite athletes but for athletics development in the country.
“The club catered for athletes who range from juniors and seniors to veterans. So for it to close down derails the progress of athletics in the country,” she said.
“All the affected parties committed to serve athletics, but no more. I hope a new corporate company will commit and invest in all the athletes.”
Pictured above: Rufus Photo
Image source: Supplied
