14 Jan ARD outrun the field to claim 2025 Coca-Cola league crown
By Adnaan Mohamed
In a league where endurance, depth and consistency are tested over long, unforgiving kilometres, ARD Athletic Club proved they had the strongest legs when it mattered most. After twelve fiercely contested races, the Grassy Park-based club surged clear of the pack to be crowned 2025 Coca-Cola Road Running League champions under the Western Province Athletics (WPA) banner.
Against a crowded starting line of 103 registered clubs, ARD ran with the patience of a seasoned marathoner, steadily banking points across the season before breaking the tape with a commanding 1096 points.
With 265 registered members, their triumph was a celebration of commitment with every runner contributing to the club’s success.
Kuilsriver AC chased hard all season, running shoulder-to-shoulder with the leaders before settling for a strong second place on 1040 points, an impressive return from a club of just 158 athletes. Pinelands, fielding 463 runners, completed the podium with 1032 points, underlining the fine margins that separate glory from the rest of the chasing pack.
Edgemead, boasting the largest squad among the frontrunners with 590 members, crossed the line in fourth place on 1006 points, while neighbours Goodwood Harriers punched above their weight to claim fifth (978 points). Perhaps the most striking performance came from Hewat, whose 55-member squad ran like a well-drilled relay team to finish sixth on 976 points, edging out the larger Ommiedraai 494 member club on 928 points.
The depth of the Western Cape’s road running scene was further reflected as Brimstone Itheko (918 points), Century City (916) and RCS Gugulethu (808) rounded out a competitive top ten with each club navigating the same demanding calendar in pursuit of league points.
WPA President Farouk Meyer hailed both the champions and the platform that made the season possible.
“Congratulations to ARD Athletic Club on a magnificent achievement. Winning the Coca-Cola Road Running League is a true test of consistency, commitment and club culture,” said Meyer.
“The Coca-Cola League continues to add immense value to the WPA road running landscape by giving clubs of all sizes something meaningful to chase, week after week, and by strengthening the competitive fabric of our sport.”
The Coca-Cola Road Running League remains a cornerstone of WPA’s annual calendar, providing clubs with a structured, season-long competition that rewards participation, performance and development at all levels.
