We are privileged to present two of the top road races in the country with a third one on the calendar for the first time.  This didn’t just come automatically but it came about through hard work by the various race organizing committees over the years and the loyal and continued support by our sponsors. Without the dedicated work by our members at the races over the years this would also not have been possible.

Our first race in the new year will be the Spar Irene Lantern Night Race which will take place on 9 February 2011. This is a very special race and has been sponsored by Spar for many years. The atmosphere created by the lantern-lit route is unique and the race has been described as the “only true blue romantic run”. There are as many as 400 short distances (10 & 15 km) road races in SA during the year.  Our event has been voted amongst the top 10 short distances races for the past 5 years.  It is almost unthinkable that a midweek night race will achieve such awards.  We got more than 3500 entries for this particular event in 2010 and are looking at building on this number in the future.

On Saturday, 12 November 2011, we will be presenting the LiquiFruit/Irene road race for the 16th time. This race, with over 5000 entries has now been established as one of the largest races in Gauteng and in the country.  But it is better known as one of the most enjoyable and quality races in the country. With a new route that was introduced in 2008, even more value was added to the race.

We are very blessed with a great sponsor like LiquiFruit who has sponsored the event for the last 15 years.  It is one of the largest sponsorships for races like this in the country.  Our club is very dependent on the income generated by presenting successful road races and thus the major effort that we put into this. 

While races all over the country are being cancelled, we are in the privileged position to have a third race on our calendar in 2011. Clover is the new sponsor for our w inter race taking place on 9 July. The distances will once again be a 5 & 15 km.  We are looking forward to a long relationship with our new sponsor.

Our members are encouraged to make these races their own. Without the help of at least 300 marshals the success will not be the same. It is the duty and pride of each Irene member to be part of these races to ensure the success of it. We owe it to the running community.

We certainly have a lot to be proud of if one looks at the magnitude and popularity of our races.  Let us enjoy this, be proud of it, support initiatives to maintain and improve it and show our gratitude to the thousands of visitors who show their approval for what we are doing by participating in these events.