Wally Hayward Trophy
This trophy was awarded
in segments over 3 years to commemorate Wally’s fantastic
achievements.
Many athletes still regard
Wally as the greatest Comrades athlete of all time. Although
Bruce Fordyce has 9 wins under his belt we will have to
wait many years before we will find out if Bruce will be
able to finish Comrades at the age of 79 and then 80 like
Wally did! Wally won Comrades 5 times out of 5 runs over
3 generations and held numerous world records to boot!!
The other attribute that
surely puts Wally head and shoulders over 'the rest', is
his ever willingness to help out at races. His 'thumbs up'
sign is indicative of his positive attitude. Even at the
age of over 90 years we can look up to Wally and learn from
him. (How many of us are guilty of not having lifted a hand
to help at one or other road race?) Who at any age, let
alone at the age of 90 plus, would be prepared to stand
at the half way mark in a race and shout out the time religiously
every 30 seconds for hours on end? Wally did!!!
Vaal Trophy
This is an artist's impression
of the unique trophy that was awarded to all finishers of
the Vaal Marathon in three segments over three years.
In the first year all
athletes received a laser etched modeled replica of the
'Blockhouse' mounted onto a wooden base. The lower section
of the “Peace Monument” with metal wreath was
then awarded followed by a cast replica of the wounded soldier
with metal ‘spirit’ in the 3rd year.
The Blockhouse may still
be seen in real life on the R59 Motorway between Alberton
and Vereeniging. The Blockhouse is the only reminder left
in our area of Milner's plan to "clean up" the
Boer Republic of guerrilla soldiers. Although surrounded
by wire fence, one can clearly see Britain's great defense
and reminisce on battle strategies of two warring parties.
It is a generally accepted
opinion that the new South African nation originated with
the Peace Treaty of Vereeniging. Various symbolic elements
on the monument tell the story of the suppression, fighting
spirit and pride of a nation. The steel figure rising from
the heart of the reclining wounded soldier symbolises the
new South African nation which was born as a result of the
'Peace of Vereeniging', the peace treaty which was concluded
after the Anglo-Boer War.
The words "Wounded
but not defeated" are an indication of the will of
the Boer people; to rise again despite having to submit
to English forces. A strong steel figure rises out of the
defeated Boer warrior, which symbolises the unity and self
determination of the Boer nation. The wreath at the foot
of the monument pays tribute to the Boers who fell in battle.
The crossed guns, empty bandoleer and hat of the old warrior
are a sign of peace and the end of the struggle. The monument
which may be seen in Vereeniging was designed by Coert Steynberg,
and was unveiled on 10 October 1961, by Prime Minister,
Dr. H.F. Verwoerd.
The centenary celebration
of the 'Peace of Vereeniging' occurred on 31 May 2002 (Just
days after the running of the 2002 Vaal Marathon when the
last segment of the trophy was awarded).
