Balwin Strand Athletics Club celebrated a stellar year of athletic achievement during its annual prize-giving ceremony at Strand Golf Club on Saturday 17 October.

The evening’s premier accolades went to Steven George and Michelle van der Watt, who were crowned male athlete of the year and female athlete of the year respectively, following a series of dominant performances on both road and trail.

George swept the top senior awards after an exceptional season on the ultra-marathon circuit.

In addition to being named male athlete of the year and best senior of the year, George claimed trophy honours as the club’s top male finisher in both the iconic Two Oceans Ultra Marathon and the Comrades Marathon.

His achievements were further recognised with a certificate of excellence for recording a sub-three-hour marathon, alongside official Western Cape performance team certificates for the 15 km and 42 km distances.

Van der Watt matched the high bar, taking home the flagship female athlete of the year award alongside the best female master (ages 50 to 59) of the year trophy.

She secured top honors as the club’s first female finisher in the Two Oceans Half Marathon and earned the trail running trophy for her versatile performances across off-road terrain.

Van der Watt was also awarded Western Cape performance team certificates spanning four distances: 10 km, 15 km, 21 km and 42 km.