The inaugural Discovery Junior Surfers was a huge success and a revelation into how keen the youngsters are to emulate the feats of their parents and older siblings.

The excitement and anticipation at the start was electric.

Eager, sometimes nervous parents stood either proudly by to watch and support or to jog/walk with if the age of the child demanded it.

There were to be winners up front – yes, but there would be no losers among the 216 finishers, as each gave of their best on the day and every competitor is now a pioneer of this event. Something to share with children and grandchildren one day.

The 216 will grow, indeed explode and do not be surprised at 500 odd next year and before we know it 1000 is a possible.

For the records the race was won overall by a girl – Tyla Phillips who completed the somewhat shortened route in 18:17. It was a fantastic run.

The boys may feel aggrieved, but they need not be as many of us seasoned runners long ago learnt to be beaten by a woman, particularly at Comrades.

Ethan de Beer was the first boy home and he too ran beautifully to finish in 18:28.

Thereafter followed Auke Liebenberg, Luke Malherbe, Liam Venter and Matt Dewar in the boys race.

Danielle Roets was second girl home accompanied by Khanya Jack in the same time of 20:59.

All competitors are now the proud owners of the coveted Surfers t-shirt and we can be sure they’ll be showing it off to their friends.

A nursery for future Surfers is born.